On a forum that I regularly visit, someone asked how to convert tapes to digital files, and how to clean up the noise…
I do various audio projects… here is a less than descriptive ‘step by step’ for you…
If you already have a means by which you can hook your tape player up to your computer, then all you need is some software that allows you to record. Windows sound recorder won’t work because it has a 1 minute restriction, but something like a shareware clone of sound forge will do the trick. Try Audacity… I haven’t used it, but I hear that it is of the highest quality, and it is FREE! http://audacity.sourceforge.net/
1) Test input level (must be below 0.0)
2) Cue tape
3) Press record on audio software
4) Press play on tape
5) Stop tape and recording process
6) Save file
Good luck on finding noise reduction software that is affordable. Most are pretty steep. Waves restoration bundle and ray gun are the good ones… maybe they have trial versions??
Have fun!