I have some lectures recorded on microcassette's. I want to transfer
the content onto a computer so that i can burn them on to CD's as .wav
files or MP3 or some other kind of acceptable audio format. CD's are
much easier to store, carry and replicate. I have a microcassette
player and a PC with Win XP. I do not know how to transfer the audio
to the PC. What kind of cable do I need? What software do I have to
use? What is the procedure do I need to follow to transfer the audio?
How can I edit the content of the audio files ( because there are
offline discussion in the duration of the lectures that I do not want
to copy)?

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Clarification of Question by ddhara-ga on 27 Apr 2004 11:01 PDT

Thank you for your comment xeno555-ga. The problem is the
microcassette jack in different from a standard line-in/out jack. I
did find a converted to convert a 2.5mm jack to a 3.4mm jack but the
problem is what kind of cable do i need to feed it to the computer.
Also, what is the software to be used.. the website you mentioned does
not specify any particular software. Is Windows media player enough? I
hope I get an answer as my stocks of micro cassette is building up and
i want to resue them also. Thanks for your help anyway.

->ddhara-ga

Hi,

Here is a web site that may help you:

http://web.singnet.com.sg/~lion4/articles/diy/cassette.html

CIOU

X

You can pop down to any common electrical store and ask for a "3.5mm
plug to 3.5mm plug" cable, assuming the converter you have has a 2.5mm
plug going into a 3.5mm socket (I used one of these myself so I'd
guess these are most common).

This can then be plugged into the line in socket on your soundcard, or
if you don't have one a microphone socket will suffice - although this
isn't ideal.

Software-wise, many freeware applications are available on the net.
Pop over to www.download.com and search for 'record audio' or similar
and take your pick. Try the following page for starters:
http://tinyurl.com/2ku7a

For the recording software I recomed using audacity
<http://audacity.sourceforge.net>
It's a free program that you can use to record and edit the sound from
the cassete.  It has a volume level graph that lets you easily
determine where gaps in the audio track are (such as pauses between
lectures).  It also has some effects for removing static and
background noise one would typically have on a cassete.
you should be sure to save the file in mono. 
If you want to save files in mp3 format you will need to get the lame
mp3 codec availible at <http://mitiok.free.fr/> (also free)
I'm sure that if you brought your casette recorder to an electrical
store they will be able to identify what cable you will need to buy.