Cassette to MP3

PJ1

Hi All,
I have some cassette tapes that I want to copy to my PC so I can put them on my MP3 player (strictly for my own personal use). I have tried to do this but don't have the correct software to achieve it. Does anyone know what software I need and how much it is likely to cost? I have Windows XP. Any help greatly appreciated.
P.S. Before anyone tells me it would be cheaper to buy the CD's to rip, I can't as these are self-help, personal development cassettes and cost A LOT!!! Thanks again.;)

tomstickland

I dowloaded a free application called harddisc recorder. Records from microphone channel on PC to hard drive.

http://www.fridgesoft.de/harddiskogg.php

totalsolutions

Does your sound card have any recording software on installation cd's that you have overlooked? Creative Labs (Sound Blaster) normally have this function and cd-r burning software can convert to mp3 if required.

albertross_2

Use the line-in port (mic is too sensitive).

http://audacity.sourceforge.net/

tomstickland

I use the "mic" port on the front of my computer to record from casssete with no issues. I couldn't get Audacity to work - I think it depends on your sound card.

albertross_2

The mic port is designed for microphones, so there is a lot of amplification going on, whilst you can get a line-out to mic input to work by turning the volume down a lot, you could end up with distortion or clipping, which is why line-in is better if you have one.

Wasn't being critical of your post, but line-in will give better results if the op has one.

custardy

if you own the cassete then surely you can legally download the file in mp3,and benifit from a higher quality sound?

BexTech

custardy wrote: »

if you own the cassette then surely you can legally download the file in mp3,and benefit from a higher quality sound?

No, you only own the cassette media, if you want to legally download it in MP3 format you need to go to a legal site and pay for it in that format.

Legally you aren't meant to RIP CDs or cassettes, however most people do and they are looking into whether to make this legal.

tomstickland

albertross wrote: »

The mic port is designed for microphones, so there is a lot of amplification going on, whilst you can get a line-out to mic input to work by turning the volume down a lot, you could end up with distortion or clipping, which is why line-in is better if you have one.

Wasn't being critical of your post, but line-in will give better results if the op has one.

I think it depends on the computer. Mine has two mic inputs (front and back), with no gain difference between them.