How-to Convert Tapes to iPod files

Audacity (Free Open Source Software)

First you will need to download the Audacity software for free. Next, plug your cassette tape deck or tape player into your computer. Use a RCA to Headphone audio cable for a tape deck. Plug the audio cable into either the Line (blue) input on the computer or if you have a Mic (pink) input on the computer.

Recording

You are ready to begin recording your project by clicking on the red record button. You will also need to push play on the tape player at the same time. This will record your tape into Audacity. When your tape has finished, click on the yellow square display to stop the recording.

Export File as "WAV" File

The FILE, EXPORT as WAV menu is how you save your recording on the Audacity file conversion software. Once you have this WAV file, you can convert it to an mp3 file using iTunes.

Putting Books on iPod

• After converting your files you can organize the information in iTunes regarding the file.
• Right click on the file and choose "Get Information"
• Click on the "Info Tab" and fill in the information. Type the author's name and title of the book.
• Click on the "Options Tab" and choose the "Media Kind" drop down menu.
• Choose "Audio Book".
• Choose the "Artwork Tab" and choose your graphics.
• Sync your iPod.

I use Google Images to find images of the book and save them in My Pictures. I store them in a folder and that is where I add the graphics using iTunes. Since you save it as an Audiobook, the image is seen on the left side of the screen beside the title of the book when you put it on the iPod. This helps students that can't read the title of the book find it easier.