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Memory Depot

Digitize Your Memories Last Updated: Jun 13, 2025 9:39 AM

Audio Cassettes

Audio Cassette Transfer

Semier Cassette to Digital (MP3) Converter

FCPL Memory Depots offer you the ability to transfer your audio cassettes to digital format. The converter is a stand-alone device and does not need to be used with a computer. Keep in mind that the maximum capacity the converter will recognize is a 32 GB USB Flash Drive or microSD card.

The sound quality will depend on the quality of the original audio cassette. You may listen to the cassette while it records using your personal earbuds or headphones. The device has a built-in speaker, so if you do not have earbuds, lower the volume completely to avoid disturbing other people in the library. Conversion of audio is in real time; the device will record at the same speed as your audio cassette.

Start at the Staff Desk

  1. Go to the Information Desk. Let staff know that you have registered for the Audio Cassette Transfer Device.
  2. Staff will assign you the transfer device and its power cord. No PC is necessary for this process so you may sit at a Memory Depot desk or other nearby seating that has a table-top surface and a power outlet.

Audio Cassette Transfer Device

Please refer to this image while reading the instructions. Some buttons are labeled with the same terms but enable different functions.

Buttons identified on audio cassette transfer device

Record Audio Cassette to USB/MicroSD Card

Before you begin to convert your audio cassettes, make sure that the USB flash drive or microSD card does not have any audio files saved on it. A blank flash drive or microSD card will work best!

  1. Use the AC/DC adapter to connect the audio cassette converter from the power jack in the device to a standard power outlet.
  2. Insert earbuds or headphones into the earphone jack above the power jack. Please do not proceed without using a personal listening device or lower the volume completely as there is a built-in speaker in the converter that would otherwise broadcast your recording to everyone in the room!
  3. Place the Function Switch (on the top of the converter) to Tape/Off (the middle option).
  4. Press the EJECT button (on the top of the converter) to open the audio cassette panel and gently place your audio cassette tape inside with the black cassette tape facing up. Gently push the door closed.
  5. Insert a maximum size of 32 GB USB Flash drive or 32 GB microSD Card into the USB or microSD Card Slot (on the end of the converter opposite the power jack).
  6. Press the PLAY button on the top of the converter.
  7. Press and hold the REC button (on the FRONT of the converter, to the left of the audio cassette door) until the power indicator above it glows red. When the red light comes on, the device will start digitally converting the contents of the audio cassette onto your USB or microSD Card as a single file.
  8. You can listen to the audio cassette through your earbuds or headphones as the content is being digitally recorded.
  9. To stop recording, press and hold the REC button (on the FRONT of the converter) again until the red light turns off.
    NOTE: If the audio cassette reaches the end of a side and clicks off, the recording feature will also turn off automatically.
  10. If there is a lot of blank space following the audio on the first side of the cassette, press and hold the REC button on the front again until the red lights turns off to stop recording, then press the Fast Forward (FFW) button on the top of the converter to advance to the end of the audio cassette.
  11. To record side B of your audio cassette, press the EJECT button, flip the audio cassette over and gently push the door closed. If you find that you need to rewind, press the Rewind (REW) button on the top of the device until the device clicks off, signaling that is has reached the beginning of side B. Repeat steps 6 - 9.

Check that your audio files have been saved

After finishing your recording, do not remove the USB or microSD Card. Instead:

  1. Toggle the Function Switch (on the top of the converter) from Tape/Off to USB/SD.
  2. The converted file should start playing automatically. If it doesn’t, press and hold the PLAY/PAUSE button (on the front of the converter, to the left side of the audio cassette door) to play the recorded audio.
  3. Remove the USB flash drive or microSD card after verifying that your content is on your device.
  4. Push the EJECT button (on the top of the converter) to open the audio cassette door and remove your cassette.

TIPS

  • Do not unplug the power supply or unplug your USB flash drive while you are recording, or you could lose your digital file.
  • Please note that the conversion speed cannot be adjusted; it will record at the same speed as the original audio cassette.

Your saved Mp3 files can now be edited or transferred to other devices using your own laptop or PC.

When you are finished remember to EJECT your audio cassette, as well as your USB flash drive or microSD card and then return the equipment to staff at the Information Desk.

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