Software for cassettes to CD's

[robrpb]

Hi,

I have cassette tapes with people speaking on them that I would like to copy to my computer and then burn them to CD's. What is a good software program that I can use to reduce or eliminate the hissing noise from the tapes and improve the sound quality? If there is a free program that would be great.

Also, I would like to use this software to copy several record albums to my computer and then burn them to CD's. Your help is greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Rob

[Force Flow]

Before you try recording, try adjusting the trebble/bass balance on the tape deck.

If you're not able to do that on the tape deck, you can do it within goldwave.

[robrpb]

Thanks for your reply Force Flow.

How would I record and save the file I record from my cassette player or stereo to my computer without additional software? Thanks.

[enhanced08]

look on your computer there may be a line in port and on the tape deck a line out. connect the 2 and simply record onto the computer. i have never tried this but it should work.

[robrpb]

I know how to connect the wires to the sound card from the stereo, it is just that when I do this, how do I save the file to the computer? I thought that I need to use a software program. I am running Windows XP Home. Does XP have a program in it that I could use? Thanks.

[enhanced08]

what about media player? i'm pretty sure it has a record feature in it. i don't have media player on this machine so i can't look for you.

[Force Flow]

There is windows recorder, but that is limited to capturing only 60 seconds of audio. A little hampering when you have songs that are longer than that.

Goldwave is a sound editor that can do just about anything you may need. Audacity is another similar package.

[redbaron_snoopy]

I've used Goldwave about a dozen times to record from cassette to harddisk/CD. It works great and can perform noise reduction.
Should work the same for albums.

[robrpb]

How is Audacity compared to Goldwave? Goldwave is about $45 where as Audacity is free. Also, which of the two is more user friendly? Thanks.

Rob

[dave computer]

i'm also trying to do this with a bunch of casette tapes. where would i get a cord from the line out on the casette player to line in on my sound card? any links?

[enhanced08]

rob: i have never used audacity but have used goldwave. it is a very good program, has a lot of features.

dave: try radio shack. they should have something that will work.

[robrpb]

Thanks Eric, I give it a try.

Dave, I believe I got my cables at Radio Shack. I also got a Y-connector to plug the two cables from the stereo into the sound card.

[Force Flow]

Originally Posted by robrpb How is Audacity compared to Goldwave? Goldwave is about $45 where as Audacity is free. Also, which of the two is more user friendly? Thanks.

Personally, I prefer goldwave. Been using their software for a few years. The program is shareware, so you are limited to 150 actions before you have to save, close the program, and open it up again.

[robrpb]

Thanks Force Flow, I'll try Goldwave.

Rob

[geeman]

Polderbits is another one. It's pretty simple to use and does give you some editing features. http://www.polderbits.com/?ref=overture1

[robrpb]

Thanks Geeman. I will check that one out as well.

I downloaded Goldwave and seem to have been successful recording with it. I do have a problem in that when I flip the cassette over to record side 2 there is about a 10 - 12 second gap of silence. I have been reading thru the help, but I can't seem to find out how to delete this gap or if it is even possible. I am recording a lecture, so that is a long pause before the speaker continues. Any help on how to delete the silence gap between sides 1 and 2 on the recording would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Rob

[geeman]

Polderbits will let you edit that out. You can use it for two weeks gratis.

[Force Flow]

All you have to do is use the selection tool in the sound window (click with your mouse). The dark sections are not selected, while the lighter ones are. Select the area of silence and hit the delete button.

[regans cortina]

id go for polderbits. i use this , and find it soooo easy . i done all my albums, and a lot of tapes. you do have to buy it tho , after the trial expires.

[robrpb]

Force Flow, I've been playing with Goldwave and I have finally firgured it out for what I want to do. Thanks again for your help.

Rob

[Force Flow]

Good to hear