What You Need To copy your tapes to your PC for digital archiving, you'll need exactly three things: A cassette player.

The process isn't that complicated—all you really need is a tape recorder with RCA outputs and a computer running the free Audacity audio editor. However, just plugging it in and hitting record ...

ION's Tape Dock transfers your old cassette tapes to your iPhone, iPod touch and computer.

Tarnish your shiny digital tracks by making them sound like they’re being playing back on consumer-grade tape. In a good way!

Your cassette tapes will likely fare better. The Crosley Memory Master can also be connected to a computer via USB. It lists for $399 and can be seen at www.crosleyradio.com .