Turning Records and Tapes Into CDs

**forHISglory** · 12-02-2008, 09:40 PM

We have loads of old vinyl: 78s, 33 1/3s, and 45s from the 50s, 60s, and 70s. And we have loads of tapes. The tapes tend to self destruct, and we really want to preserve them. The records last a long time, but it's hard to pop them into the CD player, KWIM?

So..... we saw something at Kohls that intrigued us. It's a record player, cassette tape player and CD player, that also will burn the records and tapes onto CDs. Sounds ideal.

But it's pricey. I think it was around $300. Hubby and I are considering giving this to ourselves for Christmas, but if it doesn't work well, that's a lot of money down the drain.

Have any of you heard of this technology? Have you experienced it? Any advice? Any other ways of turning vinyl and tapes into CDs?

Keep in mind that I am technically-impaired and won't understand most of your jargon, so try to keep it simple!!! Thanks!!!!

**HandyMom** · 12-02-2008, 10:20 PM

I decided to look over my cassettes and see which songs I really like, list them and download them onto my computer from the internet. Then I can do as I wish with the songs and get rid of the cassettes and cassette cases, etc. Won't cost me $300 to do that but maybe your collection is much bigger than mine.

**forHISglory** · 12-02-2008, 10:28 PM

Our collection is huge. But the real problem is that not everything on the tapes is music. For example, we have a tape that captures the first time our son laughed as a baby. We have a recording of my grandmother telling stories of her childhood. We have tapes that we put together for school presentations, etc. Otherwise, the idea of downloading what we want is a good idea!! Thanks!

**djbout** · 12-02-2008, 11:46 PM

You can purchase a turn table with a USB port we have one, plug it into the computer, play records and record. The Source/Circuit City had them in Canada. If I get any more info will let you know. We have one its just buried.

DH said that he's seen the same idea with a cassette recorder that comes with a USB port/cable thingy.

**Contrary Housewife** · 12-03-2008, 12:33 AM

If you know the brand name and model number you can try looking up reviews of the machine online. That might give you some idea of how well it works.

There are professional companies who will copy your home movies onto DVD, you might check them out and see what you get for the money. It might be worth the expense to let someone else handle it.

**djbout** · 12-03-2008, 01:53 AM

I'll try to find it tomorrow, DH knows where it is and he works graveyards, he was just getting ready to leave when I was responding to this post. I'll let you know Brand Name and Model.

**cmdarlin** · 12-03-2008, 07:33 AM

My Dad has been burning tapes onto CD's for his church for the past few years. He does there sermons every week. I know he does it on his computer. I'll ask him about it if you would like.

Debbie

**Momto2Boyz** · 12-03-2008, 07:48 AM

We have a local record shop here (yes, they actually still sell records there!) and he does this for people. A friend of mine had their entire collection (which was quite large) moved over to digital format, and it was pretty reasonable. The friend wanted to clear out her hubby's record collection (with his permission, of course, and maybe some gentle nagging), so when she was done having them converted, the record store guy actual bought up all the old records that she had converted over to digital.

She actually came out of the deal making money, becuase he bought the records for more than he charged her to convert them. Might not help, if you aren't looking to get rid of the records, but you could check into having it done locally depending on where you are!

**Gabe** · 12-03-2008, 08:09 AM

You could always return the product to the store if you are not happy with it.
I believe stores have a return policy on electronics that is good 15 days to 30 days usually.

**Pemberleyan** · 12-03-2008, 08:26 AM

I saw what was probably the same turntable at Belk yesterday, a Crosley. The reviews on Amazon are very poor for this turntable. I have been looking at the DAK "solution" to this because I have dozens of albums I'd like to listen to and convert, as well as tapes.

http://www.dak.com/reviews/2020story...FQQCagodrXIX9g

**C@rol** · 12-03-2008, 10:01 AM

Brookstone.com has them much cheaper but also check out ebay. Brookstone also offers Free Shipping!

See these links:
Dual Ripping Cassette Deck
Ripping Turntable with USB Output

Here it is cheaper on ebay:
USB Cassette Deck Tape to CD

**C@rol** · 12-04-2008, 09:03 AM

Originally Posted by Jason

Get the program called "Audacity" (which, btw... is the same program used by those two devices linked to earlier in this thread)... you can download it, free, here (it's open source): http://audacity.sourceforge.net/
Audacity is *NOT* easy to use, but it is well worth the effort.
Good luck... whatever you decide.
Jason

Jason,
Can you tell us why Audacity is not easy to use?
I looked at this program before and wasn't sure I wanted to download it. Any info would be appreciated. Thxs.

**cmdarlin** · 12-06-2008, 07:15 AM

I talked to my dad about the program he uses. Its called Goldwave. I'll send you his email that explains it all. Sounds very simple.

Debbie

**C@rol** · 12-06-2008, 10:52 AM

Originally Posted by Jason

C@rol...
Audacity was designed to be comparable to professional 'studio' computer software. The sheer level of options and features and details... can send some of the most sane people to the mad house.
The wrong click can, and sometimes does, ruin hours of work.

The other 'problem' is that you have to download a separate program called 'LAME' (LAME Ain't an Mp3 Encoder) if you wish to save the music you record as MP3s.

I'd recommend trying it (it's free! what do you have to lose?)... but don't kill yourself trying to understand it.

Jason

Just reading this I feel like, :ceek:

I have LAME installed now because of another program I'm
using but I think I'll pass on Audacity. To detailed for me.
Thanks answering, it's appreciated.