How to Convert Cassette Tapes to CDs or MP3 Files

Setting Up the PC

First, download and install Audacity. After the installation of Audacity is completed, close Audacity (if it was automatically opened) and download and install LAME, so you can export your work as an MP3 file if you wish.

Launch Audacity. The first thing you need to do is select the proper audio source, which is done by selecting “Line In” on the drop-down menu available near the microphone icon. Make sure that the output device is set to “Speakers” (unless you are using headphones connected to the computer’s front panel; in this case, you should set the output device to “Headphones”). See Figure 7.

Figure 7: Selecting the audio source

Click on the little triangle pointing down near the microphone icon on the upper part of the program, and select “Start Monitoring.” See Figure 8.

Figure 8: Start monitoring

Now we need to adjust the “line in” input level so that the sound won’t be so high that it will be d
istorted or so low that it will be inaudible. For that, go to Control Panel, Hardware and Sound, and Manage audio devices. On the window that will appear, click on the “Recording” tab. Select “Line In” and click on the “Properties” button. A new window will show up. Make sure that “Device usage” is set to “Use this device (enable).” Click on the “Levels” tab. You will see the screen shown in Figure 9. This is where you will adjust the tape deck’s input level. We will show you how in a little while. Leave this window open. (We were using Windows 7. On other versions of Windows, the path to access this window may be different.)

Figure 9: Input level adjustment