Music Records

We’d like to convert our cassettes and records into MP3 and CD. What equipment is available/recommended to do this with an iMac and how much does it cost? We have a stereo component system with output jacks.

You don’t need a ripper, as long as you have a stereo input for your Mac – I know nothing about Mac’s but I do know that they’re supposed to be better for media applications so they must have a stereo input right??
If not then you will need a USB device, but this is nothing more that a USB soundcard – it does not do any ‘ripping’ there is no such thing as ripping from an analogue source, that is an expression reserved for high-speed extraction from digital media…
You will note that almost all of these USB devices use AUDACITY software which is entirley FREE!! to download anywhere – just make sure you get the Mac version…
I am PC I’m afraid, so my guide:
http://www.cassette2cd.co.uk/DIY/index.php
is aimed at PC users, but you may find it useful…(follow the link to ‘cassette to CD’)
To answer you questions: you only need a cable and it should not cost very much at all…unless you end up buying a USB sound interface.

2 Responses

1. Lee J Says:
   February 19th, 2010 at 11:43 pm

   you have to buy a ripper, ill include some in the sources.
   References :
   http://www.thinkgeek.com/electronics/digital-conversion/b06c/

   http://www.thinkgeek.com/electronics/digital-conversion/90a0/

   http://www.thinkgeek.com/electronics/digital-conversion/9778/

2. soundman_jaybee Says:
   February 20th, 2010 at 12:12 am

   You don’t need a ripper, as long as you have a stereo input for your Mac – I know nothing about Mac’s but I do know that they’re supposed to be better for media applications so they must have a stereo input right??
   If not then you will need a USB device, but this is nothing more that a USB soundcard – it does not do any ‘ripping’ there is no such thing as ripping from an analogue source, that is an expression reserved for high-speed extraction from digital media…
   You will note that almost all of these USB devices use AUDACITY software which is entirley FREE!! to download anywhere – just make sure you get the Mac version…
   I am PC I’m afraid, so my guide:
   http://www.cassette2cd.co.uk/DIY/index.php
   is aimed at PC users, but you may find it useful…(follow the link to ‘cassette to CD’)
   To answer you questions: you only need a cable and it should not cost very much at all…unless you end up buying a USB sound interface.
   References :

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