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Cassette to USB ??

ol_Bombero-JC
Explorer
Explorer
Have lots of old music cassette tapes. Went looking (Amazon) for
device to convert to USB (Flash Drive) MP3.

Found lots of 'em in the 30-50 dollar range (and up).
Tried one - doesn't work well (or at all) on 'automatic' - but seems to do OK on 'manual'.

However 'manual' means you must re-start at each new track (and listen for the end, etc.

Of course, maybe I just don't understand "Chinglese" directions..:h

Anyway - ready to return it and try another.

Anyone happy with a choice? Brand name?

Thanks!

🙂
19 REPLIES 19

MitchF150
Explorer III
Explorer III
I was replacing my cassettes with CD's back in the 90's.. I held on to the CD's over the years and then copied them to an iPod.

More recently, I visit the thrift stores and 'antique' stores and look for the old CD racks loaded with old CD's..

Been able to find a lot good ol' stuff that I like for like $2 a CD.

Even Walmart has those $5 CD bins and I've found a lot of stuff that works for me..

Got some 1900 songs on my old iPod that I just plug into the truck with a USB cable and that's what I listen to now.

I still find some stuff here and there, get some stuff off of itunes as the mood strikes..

I still have my old Walkman too! ha, ha! Even a couple of tapes, but have not used tried them for years..

Good luck!

Mitch
2013 F150 XLT 4x4 SuperCab Max Tow Egoboost 3.73 gears #7700 GVWR #1920 payload. 2019 Rockwood Mini Lite 2511S.

rk911
Explorer
Explorer
ol Bombero-JC wrote:
Have lots of old music cassette tapes. Went looking (Amazon) for
device to convert to USB (Flash Drive) MP3.

Found lots of 'em in the 30-50 dollar range (and up).
Tried one - doesn't work well (or at all) on 'automatic' - but seems to do OK on 'manual'.

However 'manual' means you must re-start at each new track (and listen for the end, etc.

Of course, maybe I just don't understand "Chinglese" directions..:h

Anyway - ready to return it and try another.

Anyone happy with a choice? Brand name?

Thanks!

🙂

buddy did much the same with older LPs. bought the USB turntable, the software, everything. spent hours on this project. the results..not good. the orginal LPs sounded much, much better. he ended up just buying new CD versions of those albums.

save yourself a lot of time and heartache and either buy the CD version or download from itunes, etc.
Rich
Ham Radio, Sport Pilot, Retired 9-1-1 Call Center Administrator
_________________________________
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& MaggieThe Wonder Beagle

ol_Bombero-JC
Explorer
Explorer
monkey44 wrote:
You realize those tapes will not sound clean due to the method of recording and transmission. I went direct from CD to USB in my laptop and the sound's not great. I imagine tape to USB will lose even more listening quality ...

Should try one and check you like it before you spend all that time ... JMHO 🙂


Mr Wiz & Monkey - I was ripping CDs to USBs when the flash bulb went off. CD to USB Results were very good.

Monkey - I tried the result of a few cassette tracks on the 'manual' setting - with the same "good results" - or maybe my old ears don't know the diff between clean -or- dirty (poor) sound, LOL.

On edit - I should add the cassette to USB device is a "stand alone" converter. It converts directly to USB.

Amazon lists dozens of 'em - all from "overseas" sources, of course.

Tested both results by listening to 'em on 2016 GMC (factory) Audio system via the USB connection.

BTW - thanks for the replies!

~

MrWizard
Moderator
Moderator
sorry, i have never done cassette tape to mp3

i have ripped/copied CD tracks to MP3, and those were perfect
because they went from digital CD to digital mp3

no cables no usb no analog conversion

the wear factor of the tape causing noise in the audio will play havoc with automatic mode, on all but the most expensive conversion gear,
and then maybe on that too

if using that, i would just record the complete side of the tape as one audio file, and label them album name side-1, album name side-2
and not try do to individual song/tracks...tapes arent made that way
not like CDs
I can explain it to you.
But I Can Not understand it for you !

....

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1997 F53 Bounder 36s

monkey44
Nomad II
Nomad II
You realize those tapes will not sound clean due to the method of recording and transmission. I went direct from CD to USB in my laptop and the sound's not great. I imagine tape to USB will lose even more listening quality ...

Should try one and check you like it before you spend all that time ... JMHO 🙂
Monkey44
Cape Cod Ma & Central Fla
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