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How to Convert Cassettes to MP3 Format

You can convert your old cassette tapes to MP3s fairly easily; however, the process is time consuming because you have to manually separate the tracks and record in real time. The trick is to connect the cassette player to the computer. This process uses the freeware program Audacity for the audio recording part, but almost any audio recording program will work.

Things You'll Need

  • Cassette Player with RCA-Out
  • RCA Cables
  • RCA to 3.5mm converter
  • Audacity software
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Instructions

  1. How To Convert Cassettes To MP3

    • 1
      This is an RCA female to 3.5mm male adapter.

      Connect the RCA (red and white) cables to the cassette player's RCA audio out jacks.

    • 2
      An RCA to 3.5mm adapter may come as one cable like this one.

      Connect the other side of the RCA cables to the corresponding ports on the RCA to 3.5mm adapter.

    • 3
      The blue jack is the line-in port.

      Connect the adapter to the computer's "Line-in" jack on the sound card. It is usually blue.

    • 4

      Right click on the speaker icon on the computer's task bar and select "Recording Devices."

    • 5

      Insert a cassette with audio on it and hit play on the deck.

    • 6

      Highlight the "Line In" option and click configure.

    • 7

      Follow the onscreen instructions to configure the line-in audio levels.

    • 8

      Open the Audacity program.

    • 9

      Click on "Edit" and "Preferences."

    • 10

      Change the "Device:" under the Recording section to "Line-in" and change the "Channels:" setting to "2 (Stereo)."

    • 11

      Rewind or fast forward the cassette tape to right before the track you want to record as a MP3 file.

    • 12

      Click the Record (red dot) icon in Audacity.

    • 13

      Press "Play" on the cassette player.

    • 14

      Press the "Stop" button (yellow square) in Audacity when the track is completed.

    • 15

      Press "Stop" on the cassette player.

    • 16

      Go to "File" and "Export as MP3" in Audacity.

    • 17

      Locate a folder to save the MP3 to in the file browser.

    • 18

      Name the MP3 and leave the .mp3 file extension at the end.

    • 19

      Click "Save."

    • 20

      Repeat from Step 11 for additional files.

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