DMS Tips: Back to Analog

Patron Question: Is it possible to go from digital to analog?

Yes! One way this can be done is using a cassette deck that has "In" audio ports on the back of the device. These ports are usually white and red. The "IN" means that sound will be coming into the device.

Note: The "OUT" is when sound will come from the device out to speakers, or to another device such as a stereo receiver which will have it's own "OUT" that goes to speakers.

You will also need a cable that runs from the cassette deck "IN" ports to the device that will be playing your digital audio files. In our case we are using the RCA to 1/8th cable. We will be running our cable from the cassette deck to the headphone jack on our laptop.

Note: The 1/8th inch end is the standard size of a headphone jack.

How to turn digital media back to analog

1. 1.  Insert a Blank Cassette: Make sure it's rewound to the beginning.
   2. Start Recording
      • Press Record and Play on the cassette recorder.
      • Immediately start playing the MP3 from your source device.
      • Let it record in real time (i.e., a 3-minute song takes 3 minutes to record).
   3. Stop Recording: When the song (or playlist) ends, press Stop on both devices.

That's all!

Other Options: 

There's always the old school method.

1. Place a tape recorder in front of a speaker.
2. Press record.