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Cassette Tape to USB/Computer?

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August 23, 2020, 04:15 PM
Rolan_Kraps
Cassette Tape to USB/Computer?
I have a few cassette tapes that I want to play but don't really have any cassette tape players any more.

I DO still have a cassette deck with RCA outputs, but don't know how to get it into my PC.

I found this cable. Is this right?
Cable on Amazon



What software do I need?




Rolan Kraps
SASS Regulator
Gainesville, Georgia.
NRA Range Safety Officer
NRA Certified Instructor - Pistol / Personal Protection Inside the Home
August 23, 2020, 04:18 PM
bozman
It may work with Audacity. It is free and open source. There are others as well, but I am not as familiar with them.

Audacity

I would try that before sinking money into any other software.

I assume you are on a PC? If not (Linux or Mac), then I am not sure.


The "Boz"
August 23, 2020, 04:20 PM
Rolan_Kraps
quote:
Originally posted by bozman:
It may work with Audacity. It is free and open source. There are others as well, but I am not as familiar with them.

Audacity



I would try that before sinking money into any other software.

I assume you are on a PC? If not (Linux or Mac), then I am not sure.


Yes, Windows 10




Rolan Kraps
SASS Regulator
Gainesville, Georgia.
NRA Range Safety Officer
NRA Certified Instructor - Pistol / Personal Protection Inside the Home
August 23, 2020, 04:21 PM
Beancooker
Rolan,

If it’s a few tapes and they’re popular music, you can just buy them on iTunes or an mp3. You can move the files from tape to computer, but the quality won’t be what it is if you were to purchase.

That said, if it’s your whole music library, Audacity is the answer. https://www.online-tech-tips.c...assette-to-computer/



quote:
Originally posted by sigmonkey:
I'd fly to Turks and Caicos with live ammo falling out of my pockets before getting within spitting distance of NJ with a firearm.
August 23, 2020, 04:23 PM
RogueJSK
Exactly. For the $8 you'd spend on that cable, you can buy anywhere from 8 to 24 or more songs in digital format (MP3 or similar), and they'll be better quality.

The cable would only be useful for obscure stuff that isn't available in digital format.
August 23, 2020, 05:02 PM
smschulz
quote:
I found this cable. Is this right?


No, You need RCA > 3.5mm (male) and plug it into your sound card input on your computer.
August 23, 2020, 06:38 PM
Rolan_Kraps
quote:
Originally posted by smschulz:
quote:
I found this cable. Is this right?


No, You need RCA > 3.5mm (male) and plug it into your sound card input on your computer.


smschulz
I don't have a sound card. I just have a laptop. Will it work in the 3.5mm jack for the headphone/mic?

@ALL -
These cassettes are things that aren't purchasable from a service.




Rolan Kraps
SASS Regulator
Gainesville, Georgia.
NRA Range Safety Officer
NRA Certified Instructor - Pistol / Personal Protection Inside the Home
August 23, 2020, 07:47 PM
bozman
Rolan...

Yes, you have onboard sound with you motherboard. Very few people have discrete sound cards anymore.

The mic jack or combo headphone mic jack will probably work.

If you have an old camcorder lying around, one of the cables that came with it my have RCA plugs on one side and a 3.5mm male end on the other.


The "Boz"
August 23, 2020, 08:24 PM
Rolan_Kraps
Thanks Guys. I've used Audacity before.




Rolan Kraps
SASS Regulator
Gainesville, Georgia.
NRA Range Safety Officer
NRA Certified Instructor - Pistol / Personal Protection Inside the Home