Got some old tapes I want to transfer to the computer into MP3 files. Can anyone recomend some free software to do this and will I be able to do it via the mic input on my laptop?

Cheers
Nick

Hi Nick,

If you have NERO this will do it - in WAVE EDITOR. Input from your Audio Device into MIC socket and record. Most PC's have some version of NERO as standard.

Failing that I believe Sound Recorder can record the Audio but not export as MP3 - you need seperate software for that.

Most software you can get for free (as trial) if you know where to look.

Aero

thanks Aero, I don't think I have Nero, but I'll take a look into it.

saw this the other day in Maplin
http://www.maplin.co.uk/Search.aspx?criteria=cassette%20usb&source=15&SD=Y

Goldwave has the ability to record and to convert to mp3.... Jobs a good'un. The mic input of your laptop might be good enough (for tapes anyway!!!) or it might have lots of interference... Depends on the laptop...

Audacity. It's free,easy to use and it does exactly what is said on the tin.

Cassette...? Werent they first seen on ancient cave paintings?

Use Audacity to get the sound in
http://audacity.sourceforge.net/about/

It is FREE software (GPL) and is available for just about any operating system -- Windows, Mac, Linux

Your mic input will be mono only - if you want stereo input you will have to get something else - I bought one of these or something similar from Maplin and am gradually copying all my vinyl, not got onto the cassettes yet.