How can I get sound from a cassete onto my computer?

MP3 sound files are the better than WAV files for online stuff. They take up less space, download faster, stream faster, etc.

To get a tape into MP3 format, you need to have a tape player with a line out (or headphones). You will need to get a small 3.5 mili - 3.5 mili wire to run from that output into either the mic or the line in slot on your computer.

The actual recording is fairly simple. There are many programs that are good for this.

CoolEdit is very good. There is a trial version, for download (http://www.syntrillium.com/download/), but I think that the limit of saves is really small. The full version is around $200 (I think).

MusicMatch is also good. CoolEdit is better, but this program is free. http://www.musicmatch.com/ I don't think you'll have any problems with getting the recordings to MP3 format.

After you've recorded the file, you just save as the type of sound file you want.

To change the quality of the recording, for CoolEdit, there will be a prompt, for MusicMatch, go to settings and you can change the default.

A couple of things to be aware of:
If you get no sound (or low sound)--make sure that the volume for the line in or mic (whichever one you are using) is set to max, and that it is not muted.

If you are getting distorted sound--lower the volume on the tape player.

Rick