Converting a Cassette Tape to a Digital File for Transcription

Although many people now use a digital Dictaphone or sound recording equipment to record their dictations and interviews, some people still use cassette tapes to store their audio files. This can pose a problem when it comes to getting your recordings transcribed as it means that you will have to send your important tapes to your chosen transcription company, where they will either be converted in to a digital file or transcribed using tape transcription equipment. This means extra costs for postage and for the time it takes to convert the tapes. You also have the worry that your tapes may be lost or damaged during transit to or from your transcription service, which can pose a real problem if your only copy of the audio is on your tapes.
In our latest video, we explain how you can convert your cassette tapes into mp3 files either at home or in your office. There is very little cost involved and there is also a good chance that you can use software that is already on your computer, so you might not even need to download anything.

Converting a cassette to an mp3

Here is a list of some of the things you will need:
Things you will need:

• Sound recording software such as Audacity, Microsoft Sound Recorder, Hi -Q or similar.
• Male 3.5mm stereo Jack to Male 3.5mm stereo Jack.
• Cassette player with headphone port.
• Computer, laptop or Mac with line-in port. Do not use the microphone port as this will distort the sound.
• Make sure the volume is not too high when making your recording.

To set everything up:

• Rewind your cassette tape and connect your audio jack to the tape player via the headphone port.
• Plug the other end of your audio jack into the port at the back of your computer labelled, line in.
• Open your preferred audio recording software and press record.
• Press play on your tape recorder.
• Wait for your tape to finish playing and then stop your recording software.
• Select ‘save as’ and choose your desired format (preferably mp3).
• Save to your desktop or desired folder.
• Go to our website: http://transcriptioncity.co.uk
• Upload your mp3 file securely via our upload page.
• Wait for your transcript to be completed and returned within your required turnaround time.

Useful Tips.
Many laptops do not have a line-in port, so you may not be able to record a good quality audio file using your laptop. Please do not use the microphone port instead of the line in port. This is because the audio produced is not of sufficient quality to be accurately transcribed.
If you have any queries or would like more information about our transcription services, feel free to send us an email at any time and we will be happy to help.