Convert tapes to CDs
If you are looking to convert your old tapes to digital files to put on a CD, your first thought when looking at your computer may be "Where do I plug this thing in?" Since most computers do not have a tape drive of any kind, the methods to convert tapes to CDs often need to be creative. That being said, converting the tapes will not necessarily improve their quality as there are many audio difficulties to overcome when attempting to make a tape sound like new.
Tape Drive
If you are among the lucky few that have a computer tape drive or can borrow a computer tape drive, this process is relatively simple. This technique involves connecting your tape drive to your computer and installing any necessary tape drive software. You would then insert the tape into the tape drive and open recording software on your computer. After you press play on the tape drive your computer will record the file as a WAV or MP3 file. You can use a CD burning program or an audio program like iTunes to burn these files to a CD to complete the process.
Connect and Record
A regular tape player or stereo system can often be connected directly to a computer. To try this method, you will need to take the tape player into a computer store to determine what connections your specific tape player will need for this connection. Then you connect the tape player to the computer and open a recording program on your computer. After you press play on the tape player you can begin recording using the computer. This process will convert the files into WAV or MP3 files that can be put onto a CD using a burning program or an audio program.
Microphone
Using an extremely high powered microphone can save you having to go to the trouble of connecting your tape player to the computer. You can simply hold a microphone up to the tape player and connect it to your computer. Play the tape and record using the microphone. Then use the audio or CD burning program to create the CD.
MP3 Portable Audio Player
Some portable MP3 players can detect line-level signals from any audio device, including tape players. This means that you can connect the tape player or stereo directly to your MP3 player and record the sound. Once you've recorded the tape you can import the MP3 files to your computer and add them to a CD using a burning program or audio program.
Data Conversion Company
The most expensive--but easiest--method to convert your tapes to a CD is to send the tapes into a data conversion company. There are companies that specialize in converting tapes to audio CDs and they will save you the trouble of having to figure it out yourself. There are many companies available depending on where you live (see Resource section for an example).
Tags: tape player, your computer, burning program, tape drive, audio program, burning program audio