Author Topic: Easiest way to convert cassette recording to mp3??? (Read 5932 times)

Twinfan · « **on:** May 17, 2006, 10:16:14 PM »

After wondering for ages how I was going to get my (soon to arrive) Riff Raff sounds onto PC without spending too mcuh cash, I've discovered the missus has a Sony Recording Walkman! It's an old one, but damn good sound quality. She also invested in a decent Sony mike and I've just been having a play with it. It sounds superb!

Now, once my Riff Raffs have arrived and I've installed them I'll record a few AC/DC bits onto cassette for the forum. How the hell do I get them onto PC easily and cheaply? I guess I need some free recording software (I've heard Audacity will be OK for this?) but I need to get the cassette sound transferred. I've got a line out and a red/white connector. Where do I go from here? Some sort of USB convertor???

_tom_ · « **Reply #1 on:** May 17, 2006, 10:18:01 PM »

Get a 1/8" to 1/8" cable, then plug one end into mic socket on soundcard, and one end into headphone socket. Then just press record on your sound recorder (Audacity is good and free) and play the tape :D

_tom_ · « **Reply #2 on:** May 17, 2006, 10:23:44 PM »

Whoops double post..

Twinfan · « **Reply #3 on:** May 17, 2006, 10:28:00 PM »

Superb - sounds easy! I use the mic input rather than the line input? It looks like I have both (pink and blue)?

_tom_ · « **Reply #4 on:** May 17, 2006, 10:32:11 PM »

Quote from: Twinfan

Superb - sounds easy! I use the mic input rather than the line input? It looks like I have both (pink and blue)?

No idea to be honest :P I only have a mic socket on my laptop so thats what I'd use.

Twinfan · « **Reply #5 on:** May 17, 2006, 10:33:23 PM »

Cheers matey - just done some Google-ing and it looks like line is the one to use.

Now where can I get a 1/8 to 1/8 cable...

bubchronic · « **Reply #6 on:** May 18, 2006, 02:16:21 AM »

Check out this great new invention for vinyl lovers! A USB cassette player can't be far away.

http://www.iwantoneofthose.com/search.do?productCode=usbtur&CMP=EMC-APR_OFF7

Ratrod · « **Reply #7 on:** May 18, 2006, 11:40:12 AM »

Quote from: bubchronic

Check out this great new invention for vinyl lovers! A USB cassette player can't be far away.

http://www.iwantoneofthose.com/search.do?productCode=usbtur&CMP=EMC-APR_OFF7

Why would anyone, with good ears, want to convert vinyl to mp3? Nice if you want to listen to your old LP's in your car but the quality will be rubbish.

Twinfan · « **Reply #8 on:** May 18, 2006, 10:31:11 PM »

OK - I've tried inputting the tape via Audacity and all I get is loads of crackles and distortion. I've turned down input volumes and stuff like that but still no joy.

I'm running XP SP2, a Soundblaster soundcard and Audacity. I have trouble with crackly sound anyway (a Soundblaster/SP2 problem) is that causing my problems now???

indysmith · « **Reply #9 on:** May 18, 2006, 10:52:17 PM »

Quote from: Ratrod

Quote from: bubchronic
Check out this great new invention for vinyl lovers! A USB cassette player can't be far away.

http://www.iwantoneofthose.com/search.do?productCode=usbtur&CMP=EMC-APR_OFF7

Why would anyone, with good ears, want to convert vinyl to mp3? Nice if you want to listen to your old LP's in your car but the quality will be rubbish.

novelty my friend, novelty....i know i want one :lol:

bubchronic · « **Reply #10 on:** May 20, 2006, 10:20:06 AM »

Quote

Why would anyone, with good ears, want to convert vinyl to mp3? Nice if you want to listen to your old LP's in your car but the quality will be rubbish.

Audio put to vinyl has far less compression applied than CD, which is why it sounds better. But an mp3 made from either would sound the same.

The appeal of this turntable is that most people don't have a turntable/stereo anymore as their PC is their media centre, and now they can plonk a turntable on top. I myself still have a hifi system aswell,but my friends don't.

chrisola · « **Reply #11 on:** May 20, 2006, 12:45:00 PM »

In your volume control properties in windows, try only selecting (with the ticks) the input you are gonna be using...

it could also be a dodgy cable

or a dodgy headphone output on the walkman

or the walkmans volume is set too high

or you didnt record anything on the tape except noise :lol:

Twinfan · « **Reply #12 on:** May 21, 2006, 07:14:14 PM »

Ha - cheers Chrisola!

I managed to get the stuff onto PC - I seem to have a Soundcard/XP issue with crackling noise. I can work around it for the moment though. I wanted to get some "before" sounds prior to fitting my Riff Raffs to my SG next week...