Tape cassette player needed

Fri 14 Jan 2022, 18:03

Wow, thanks everyone. Much appreciated. 

Fri 14 Jan 2022, 12:11

A cassette player with a USB output isn't essential if you have a computer with an audio (preferably line-level) input. Use a 3.5 mm stereo jack connection (I think - it may be 2.5"). For a laptop without an audio in, a USB audio adapter will do the job. I would concur with the use of Audacity.

The best quality replay is what you want, and if somebody has a good quality HiFi separate cassette player then they are ideal.

This is a sound adapter. Of course one of those USB cassette players might be more convenient, but I suspect they aren't the best of playback quality if that's a priority.

This is the type of USB sound adapter that is available pretty cheaply. The only issue is that I can't speak for the quality of the analogue to digital conversion, but it's probably at least as good as any cassette tape.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sabrent-External-Adapter-Windows-AU-MMSA/dp/B00IRVQ0F8/ref=asc_df_B00IRVQ0F8/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=310831391922&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=5259685078193526977&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1006490&hvtargid=pla-563309581845&th=1

Fri 14 Jan 2022, 11:53

To digitise the tapes, you'll need a cassette player with a USB output (example).

Then, assuming you have a computer (desktop or laptop), you'll want some audio software (I recommend Audacity which is free) and a good helping of patience. You don't need to be a computer whizz to do it but some confidence in learning new software is required.

Thu 13 Jan 2022, 22:26 (last edited on Fri 14 Jan 2022, 09:30)

A quick Google took me here https://www.iamfy.co/product/crs132-usb-cassette-player-recorder-with-external-microphone

Thu 13 Jan 2022, 21:55

Thanks Merle. How great that my favourite and local bookshop can offer this. I'll be in touch once I've had the chance to hear the tapes.

Thu 13 Jan 2022, 09:59

The Woodstock Bookshop can get your tapes transferred to digital files. 01993 812760

Wed 12 Jan 2022, 18:57

Great! Thanks Helen. I've sent you a message via this site with my phone number etc. S

Wed 12 Jan 2022, 17:59

I have one that was kindly given to me for a similar purpose. You would be welcome to borrow it. 

Wed 12 Jan 2022, 17:57

Does anyone have a portable tape cassette player I could borrow? I've found some tapes with family voices recorded from 30 years ago, and frustratingly have nothing to play them on.

Also, any recommendations as to how I transfer them to digital files?

Thanks so much. Sarah G-B