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How to Convert Analog Sound to Digital Sound

Tapes eventually stretch, records get scratched and both wear out after repeated use, but digital files never degrade. As long as you don't suffer a hard drive crash without backing up your digital music, your files will last forever once you convert them. Whether you are trying to transfer your whole record collection or a few minutes from an old dictation tape, you can do it with nothing but a cable and some free software.

Things You'll Need

  • Computer Connector cable Tape player Stereo Internet connection
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Instructions

    • 1

      Open up a sound recording program. Windows has one built in called Sound Recorder in the start menu. Click on Start, then click All Programs, Accessories, Entertainment and Sound Recorder.

    • 2

      Get a cord to attach your analog player to the mini plug mic jack in your computer. If your are using a tape deck, you can probably use a mini-to-mini cord such as the one in the first link below. If you are using a stereo with RCA outputs, you will have to use an RCA-to-mini adapter.

    • 3

      Play the sound at a comfortable level. Then turn it off. Connect one end in to the socket in your computer with a small picture of a microphone. Connect the other into the headphone output or RCA out of your sound player.

    • 4

      Press record on the sound program. Then press play on the player.

    • 5

      Listen to the sound. If it sounds loud and distorted, lower the volume on the player and try again. If it sounds too quiet with your computer at normal volume, raise the volume on your player and try again.

    • 6

      When you are satisfied with the sound quality, save the file. You now have a digital sound file.

Recording Music

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