- 1). Connect the audio cable from the cassette player to the laptop.
Connect the "audio out" portion of the cassette player to the "Mic in" or "Audio In" port on the laptop. Typically, this will be a stereo RCA to stereo 1/4-inch male jack cable or a 1/4-inch male to 1/4-inch male audio cable if you are using the headphone jack on a portable tape player. - 2). Install audio recording software. Many computer operating systems have audio recording programs that will work, including Garage Band for Macintosh, but if you need a good, free program, Audacity will work.
- 3). Check the levels of the recording. Press "play" on the audio cassette player and start a test recording with the software. The volume of the recording should not be too loud so that it will exceed the ability of the computer to record it. This is called "clipping" and leads to poor quality recordings. Ensure the recording is not so quiet that you can barely hear it. Test record the loudest section of the cassette to make certain you have a quality level. Repeat this for each recording, as each cassette may vary in volume.
- 4). Record and save your file. MP3 is very compatible with most digital audio players. It will take you the full duration of the cassette play time to record everything.
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