Audio Cassette to CD & USB Conversion

Audio Cassette to CD & USB Conversion

Do you have old audio cassette tapes tucked away in drawers or boxes, filled with voices and moments from the past? Many families still have cassette recordings of parents, grandparents or children’s voices, memories that simply can’t be replaced once they’re lost.

Over time, cassette tapes naturally deteriorate. Sound quality fades, tapes stretch, and eventually they may no longer play at all. We can help you preserve these precious recordings by carefully converting your audio cassettes to CD or USB, making them easy to listen to, share with family, and safely store for future generations.

At Milfords Digital Studio, we understand the emotional value behind these recordings. Whether it’s a loved one’s voice, a family message recorded decades ago, or a moment captured on tape that can never be repeated, every cassette is handled with the utmost care and respect, using professional equipment to capture the best possible sound quality.

Common Family Recordings We Convert

Over the years, families have trusted us to preserve a wide range of audio cassette recordings, including:

  • Voices of parents, grandparents, and loved ones recorded years ago

  • Children’s voices, school projects, or first attempts at reading or singing

  • Family messages sent to relatives near or far

  • Wedding speeches or anniversary recordings captured on cassette

  • Storytelling tapes, bedtime stories, or personal memories recorded for family

  • Music compilations created for special occasions or loved ones

  • Interviews or life stories recorded to pass down through generations



Every recording is different, and every one matters. Whether your cassette contains a single treasured message or hours of family history, we treat each tape individually to ensure the best possible result.

Why Audio Cassette Tapes Need Digitising

Audio cassette tapes were never designed to last forever. As they age, the magnetic tape inside slowly degrades, even when stored carefully. Over time, this can lead to fading sound quality, dropouts, distortion, or tapes that simply won’t play any more.

Many people only discover there’s a problem when it’s already too late, when a cassette snaps, jams, or refuses to play. Unfortunately, once a tape has deteriorated beyond a certain point, the recording it holds may be lost forever.

Digitising your audio cassettes now helps to:

  • Protect irreplaceable family voices and memories

  • Prevent further damage caused by ageing or repeated playback

  • Make recordings easy to listen to, share, and back up

  • Ensure these moments can be enjoyed by future generations



By converting your cassette tapes to CD or USB, you’re not just preserving audio, you’re safeguarding personal history that can never be recreated.

Understanding Audio Cassette & Digital Format Options

Before converting your audio cassette tapes, it’s helpful to understand a few practical details. Don’t worry, we’ll guide you through everything, but the information below explains how cassette lengths and digital formats work.

Audio Cassette Tape Lengths Explained

Most standard audio cassette tapes are labelled with a “C” number. This refers to the total recording time, split evenly across both sides:

  • C30 – 30 minutes total (15 minutes per side)

  • C45 – 45 minutes total (22½ minutes per side)

  • C60 – 60 minutes total (30 minutes per side)

  • C90 – 90 minutes total (45 minutes per side)

  • C120 – 120 minutes total (60 minutes per side, less common and more delicate)

If you’re unsure which cassette types you have, don’t worry, we’ll identify them for you when we examine your tapes.

CD Audio Capacity

A standard audio CD can hold up to 74–80 minutes of sound, depending on the format used.

This means:

  • Shorter tapes (such as C30 or C60) usually fit comfortably onto one CD

  • Longer tapes (such as C90) may require two CDs to preserve the full recording.

  • We always keep recordings complete, nothing is cut or shortened, unless you require.



We’ll advise you clearly if multiple discs are needed, so there are no surprises.

USB Digital Format Options

When converting your cassette tapes to USB, you can choose how your audio files are supplied.

The most popular options are:

  • MP3 – The most common choice

    ◦ Smaller file size

    ◦ Easy to play on computers, phones and smart TVs

    ◦ Ideal for sharing with family

  • WAV – Uncompressed, high-quality audio

    ◦ Preserves maximum sound detail

    ◦ Larger file sizes

    ◦ Ideal for archiving or further editing

If you’re unsure which format is best, we’re happy to recommend the right option based on how you plan to use your recordings. Other Formats are also available on request.

A Few Important Things to Know

  • Audio is transferred in real time to ensure accuracy

  • Original tape condition affects final sound quality

  • All tapes are handled with care

  • Your original cassettes are always returned to you

Every project is treated individually to ensure the best possible results.

Our Audio Cassette Conversion Services

We offer two clear options for converting your audio cassette tapes to CD or USB. Both services are carried out with the same high level of care and attention the difference lies in the features included with each option.

CD & USB Pricing

Digital audio files are supplied on CD or USB at an additional cost:

  • Audio CD – £3 per disc

(Please note: CDs hold up to 74–80 minutes of audio. Longer recordings may require multiple discs.)

  • USB memory stick – from £18

    ◦ 32GB USB (suitable for multiple tapes)

    ◦ Ideal for playback on computers, laptops or uploading to phones and music systems

We’ll always advise you clearly on the most suitable option based on the length and number of your recordings.

Our Process & How We Care for Your Recordings

We understand that audio cassette tapes often contain irreplaceable family memories. That’s why every cassette we receive is handled with care, respect, and attention to detail from start to finish.

How the Conversion Process Works

  1. Bring or Arrange Collection of Your Cassette Tapes 

You’re welcome to drop your cassette tapes off at one of our agreed collection points, or we can collect them directly from your home or workplace for a small additional charge. We’ll always confirm the most convenient option with you in advance, so everything is clear before any work begins. 

  2. Careful assessment before playback

Each cassette is checked and prepared before transfer to help ensure smooth, accurate playback.

  3. Real-time audio transfer

Your recordings are digitised in real time using professional equipment to capture the best possible sound.

  4. Optional enhancement (Premium service)

Where selected, gentle noise reduction and volume balancing are applied to improve clarity while preserving the original character of the recording.

  5. Supply on CD or USB

Your audio is delivered in your chosen format, clearly organised and ready to listen to, share, or store safely.

  6. Return of your original tapes

All original cassette tapes are returned to you once the process is complete.

Clear Communication & Peace of Mind

We like to keep things simple and transparent:

  • No upfront cost, you only pay once your order is complete

  • Every project is treated individually

  • Honest advice at every stage

  • Your recordings never leave our care

  • Friendly, local service you can trust

If we ever need to clarify options or formats, we’ll contact you before proceeding, no surprises.