Tape Cassette to mp3 file

[blackxacto]

I use a 14,2 27" iMac w Thunderbolt and USB2 plugs. I want to listen to some old cassettes on my computer. There is no LINE-IN on a 14,2 iMac, only a headphones/speaker plug.

I already have a portable cassette player, I don't see the point of buying these players to convert to mp3 for $50. Don't all I need is a Stereo to USB cable?

As I know nothing about electronics, I want good sound when I convert, or if it is possible.

Does anyone ever convert cassettes to mp3 files?

 

[Alphabetize]

I've actually converted hundreds of personal cassette tapes to my MacBook Air. The headphone jack supposedly works as an audio input, but I never figured it out.

What I did was get a USB sound card off of Amazon that has an audio input, and connected the cassette player to the audio input.

 

[Meister]

Buy an usb cassette player.

 

[blackxacto]

I've actually converted hundreds of personal cassette tapes to my MacBook Air. The headphone jack supposedly works as an audio input, but I never figured it out.

What I did was get a USB sound card off of Amazon that has an audio input, and connected the cassette player to the audio input.

Did you have to install the sound card into your mac? Dumb question, maybe.

 

[dyt1983]

edit: To remove personally identifying info not relevant to the conversation.

 

[richard371]

Whats a tape cassete? If its what I'm thinking the 12 core nMP with 64 GB ram and 3, 4K monitors might do the trick. But please don't quote me.

 

[senseless]

You can just get this type of audio interface.

http://www.amazon.com//dp/B000KW2YEI/

It plugs into a USB port and works with the Mac (no weird drivers). Then plug a cable from your portable tape player to the RCA inputs. Finally use free software like Audacity to record to files.

Thanks; I just ordered one of these. I was wondering how to do this also.

 

[blackxacto]

I use a 14,2 27" iMac w Thunderbolt and USB2 plugs. I want to listen to some old cassettes on my computer. There is no LINE-IN on a 14,2 iMac, only a headphones/speaker plug.

75-80% of internet instructions begin w "use the in-line" on your computer.
They are a waste of time. There are no longer line-in on Macintoshes (except the Mini).

There are ads for Cassette players w a USB port to collect the converted MP3 file. I ordered two. Neither worked on a Macintosh. They were neither able to convert the played tape to MP3 and store on a USB stick. Just my findings.

There is a lot of advice from well meaning folk's that haven't converted tapes to MP3 since the 90's. They mean well, but their info is crap.

I have ordered an iMic for $30. In two days I will try it. It seems to be the solution, but only testing will prove if it is a solution.

I had no idea of the complete jumble of misinformation and outright ignorance on converting cassette tapes to MP3 on recent Macintosh computers for the lack of in-line plugs.

 

[dyt1983]

edit: To remove personally identifying information not relevant to the thread.