How do I copy a tape cassette onto a cd? Please help

Flowerbud · 10-06-2014 05:31PM #1

Hi all. I've been trying to find out how to copy a tape cassette onto a cd for a few years now and nobody seems to be able to do it or to know how it can be done. Does anybody here know where I can get it done please?
Thank you

P.s. If this is in the wrong thread could someone redirect me. Thanks

Custardpi · 10-06-2014 05:36PM

You'll need to connect your tape player to the microphone input of a computer/laptop, use a programme like Audacity (available for free online) to create WAV files which can then be burned to a CD. Results can vary though, depending on the quality of the tape player & the cassette itself.

Flowerbud · 10-06-2014 05:38PM

Custardpi wrote: »

You'll need to connect your tape player to the microphone input of a computer/laptop, use a programme like Audacity (available for free online) to create WAV files which can then be burned to a CD. Results can vary though, depending on the quality of the tape player & the cassette itself.

I'll try that. Thank you

gctest50 · 10-06-2014 05:45PM

Lidl had things to do it - might still be one or two in your local one

http://www.lidl-service.com/cps/rde/xchg/SID-945535F3-4E9F90D1/lsp/hs.xsl/product.html?id=17362785&title=B

Flowerbud · 10-06-2014 05:49PM

Thanks, I'll look out for it

Flowerbud · 08-07-2014 04:51PM

I have the file copied on to a WAV file (mp3). The quality is very poor. Is there anyway of getting the sound better?
Thanks

Custardpi wrote: »

You'll need to connect your tape player to the microphone input of a computer/laptop, use a programme like Audacity (available for free online) to create WAV files which can then be burned to a CD. Results can vary though, depending on the quality of the tape player & the cassette itself.

TroutMask · 15-07-2014 12:20PM

yes, because your laptop is a Mic Level input and your cassette outputs Line Level signal and it distorts the laptop input. If you're not copying a lot, and you're not an audiophile, then the aforementioned Lidl/Aldi USB cassette player for twenty euro is probably your best bet

TroutMask · 19-07-2014 08:28PM

Further to this, I was in an ALDI earlier, and purchased the EnVivo USB Cassette converter doofer for the pauperly sum of €9.99. It is a 'Walkman-style' portable cassette - takes 2 AA batteries (supplied) and has a headphone out and a USB out.
The build quality is quite flimsy, but the sound is quite acceptable. It comes with a driver disk and instructions for capturing in by using the free software Audacity.
I'm on a Mac, so I plugged it in, looked at my 'Audio Devices' page and there it was: "USB PnP Audio Device". Flipped over to that, launched my recording software and started recording right away. Super easy! Tested it with Tears for Fears cassette (used and a bit worn) and Metallica (new pressing and not worn). Both transferred favourably- with the Metallica being the crisper of the two on account of it being a new cassette.

All in all, this is the way to go if you're looking for a quick-and-dirty cassette transfer. It won't stand up to a transfer from a real cassette deck (like a Nakamichi) into a real audio interface (like an Apogee or Prism), but it's surprisingly good for the price and really easy to use.

A couple of things to note: for some reason the USB DACs are *after* the headphone volume, if it's turned down: no sound. Also, the cassette deck features an auto-reverse - no doubt to facilitate the transfer of an entire tape into your software. This can be a bit annoying, as in: 'Am I on Side A or on Side B?"

How do I copy a tape cassette onto a cd? Please help

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