Digital Converters Logo

What do you want to convert?


Digital Converters Logo

Convert Reel to Reel to MP3

Have you got old reel to reel audio tapes in the loft, but no reel to reel player to listen to them with?

We can help! We'll convert your audio reel to reel tapes to MP3, and you can choose to receive them on either USB, CD or as downloadable files.


For more, see our reel to reel to digital and reel to reel to CD pages.

How many reel to reel tapes do you want to convert to MP3?

If your order qualifies for a bulk discount, you'll see the price automatically update below.

Choose what we convert your reel to reels into

You can transfer your reel to reel tapes to MP3 and receive them in of the 3 modern format options below. Each one you add will be a complete copy of all your original media. Order more than one for multiple copies.

Clients we've worked with.

sliderImagesliderImagesliderImagesliderImagesliderImagesliderImage
What type
of conversion
should you
order?

How to choose the right
reel to reel tape conversion.

article

Reel to Reel Tape to USB

Your reel to reels transferred to a memory stick. Plug in to your computer (or any other device with a USB port) and you can play, save, and copy your digital files.

What you get

All your reels on one memory stick

All your reels on one memory stick
What to order

You only need to order one USB to get all your conversions

You only need to order one USB to get all your conversions
Perfect for…

Listening on the computer

Listening on the computer
article

Convert Reel to Reel Tape to CD

Your reel to reels converted to CD. You'll be able to play it on any CD player, DVD player, games console or other disc drive.

What you get

Your audio on at least one disc

Your audio on at least one disc
What to order

You only need to order one CD set to get all your conversions

You only need to order one CD set to get all your conversions
Perfect for…

Listening on the stereo, in the car, or on the computer.

Listening on the stereo, in the car, or on the computer.
article

Reel to Reel Tape to MP3

Your reel to reel tapes digitised as MP3 files and stored online. We'll upload your files to the cloud and send you a private access link, so you can stream and download with no limits. The access lasts one year, and you can continue to renew it for a small cost.

What you get

Your audio reel to reels converted to digital MP3 audio files

Your audio reel to reels converted to digital MP3 audio files
What to order

You only need to order one cloud backup link to get all your conversions

You only need to order one cloud backup link to get all your conversions
Perfect for…

Sharing far and wide

Sharing far and wide

What you can expect from us.

Your memories are irreplaceable - this is how we'll take care of them

Free blanks

Free blanks

You'll never have to pay for sending blank reels. If we find any blanks in your order, we'll refund them ASAP.
Free return

Free return

Your originals are priceless. We'll send them back to you free of charge along with your conversions.
Free repairs

Free repairs

Our technicians can fix most problems and will always try their best to repair any damaged reels you send us.
Bulk discounts

Bulk discounts

More conversions, more savings! You can get up to 30% off, depending on how many reel to reel tapes you're converting.
Quality equipment

Quality equipment

The best conversions are made using the best equipment. What else would you expect us to use for your memories?
Real-time updates

Real-time updates

You'll be updated via email when your order arrives and again when it is sent back to you. You can check on the status of your order at any time using our real-time order tracker.

What do Digital Converters
customers think?

Thousands of people have trusted us with their memories already.
This is what they made of the experience...

Reviews
Excellentstarsstarsstarsstarsstars Reviews
background

The UK's Trusted
Reel to Reel to MP3 Conversion Service

From your old band's earliest recordings to treasured conversations with those you've lost, reel-to-reel tapes often hold irreplaceable moments.

Over time, reel-to-reel tapes degrade, leading to a loss of both sound quality and those cherished recordings entirely.

Transferring audio from reel-to-reel to a digital format such as MP3 safeguards these memories, but it does require specialised tools and expertise.

Digitising reel-to-reel recordings keeps those valuable memories intact and lets you enjoy them again.

We specialise in tackling the challenges of old media conversion, ensuring your memories stay preserved. With countless hours spent on reel-to-reel transfers, you can trust us to treat your recordings with care.

Let us help you preserve more of your memories. Ready to start?

Examples of our reel to reel tape conversions.

Denoising

If you've ever recorded on cassette, you will have had to accept that plenty of hums, crackles, and hisses would end up in your recording. Our technicians have tools and techniques that can cut all these unwanted noises down significantly.

Example

Equalisation and levelling

One of the main ways cassettes deteriorate is through changes in their ‘signal strength’. You’ll know this has happened if the volume or bass changes from section to section. We can level this inconsistency out and restore the audio to its former glory.

Example

FAQs

Q. What are the risks of converting reel-to-reel tapes to MP3 at home?
Trying to convert reel-to-reel tapes to MP3 at home can cause problems like damaging tapes due to improper handling or outdated gear. Home methods often result in poor audio quality because of subpar equipment and lack of precise settings. A professional service like Digital Converters uses advanced technology to ensure your tapes are safely handled and converted into high-quality MP3 files.
Q. Can I convert reel-to-reel tapes to MP3 without special equipment?
It’s possible but rarely effective without professional-grade equipment. Consumer tools often fail to manage the various speeds and sizes of reel-to-reel tapes. Digital Converters uses high-end audio systems to ensure each recording is transferred to MP3 with accuracy and clarity.
Q. How does professional reel-to-reel to MP3 conversion differ from DIY methods?
DIY methods usually rely on outdated tape players and low-quality recording tools, leading to distorted or incomplete MP3 files. Professionals like Digital Converters use specialised equipment for proper tape alignment, cleaning, and playback, delivering a polished MP3 conversion every time.
Q. Is it safe to send my reel-to-reel tapes for MP3 conversion?
Yes, professional services like Digital Converters ensure your tapes are treated with care. DIY attempts often involve trial and error, increasing the risk of damage. Professionals use expert techniques to protect your recordings throughout the MP3 conversion process.
Q. How much does it cost to convert reel-to-reel tapes to MP3 professionally?
Although DIY may seem cheaper, it often involves hidden costs like purchasing equipment or risking damage to your tapes. Digital Converters offers MP3 conversion starting at just £14.99, providing high-quality results without the hassle.
Q. Can damaged or old reel-to-reel tapes be converted to MP3?
Yes, but damaged tapes need careful handling. Attempting MP3 conversion at home could worsen the condition. Digital Converters uses expert equipment to repair and digitise old or fragile tapes, preserving them in MP3 format.
Q. Can I convert reel-to-reel tapes that are damaged or very old?
Yes, the quality of the MP3 conversion depends on the tape's condition. While home conversion might work for less damaged tapes, professionals excel at handling older or more delicate ones. Digital Converters maximises the potential of your recordings for MP3 playback.
Q. What audio formats can my reel-to-reel tapes be converted to?
Professional services like Digital Converters can convert tapes to MP3, USB, or CD formats. DIY approaches are limited by the equipment’s capabilities, often producing lower quality or incompatible files. Experts offer flexibility and superior results.
Q. How long does it take to convert reel-to-reel tapes to MP3?
Home conversions can take hours and lead to frustration. Digital Converters completes MP3 transfers efficiently, with most projects taking just 1 day after the tapes are received. You’ll typically have your tapes and MP3 files back within a week.
Q. What kind of equipment is used for professional reel-to-reel to MP3 conversion?
Professionals like Digital Converters use high-quality tape players, advanced head alignment tools, and audio workstations to create crystal-clear MP3 files from your recordings.
Q. What happens to my original tapes after they’re converted to MP3?
With Digital Converters, your original tapes are returned intact. DIY methods can risk damaging the tapes, but professionals handle them with care, ensuring they remain in their original condition.
Q. Do professional conversion services clean the tapes before creating MP3 files?
Yes, cleaning is an essential step to remove dust and debris that could interfere with playback. Skipping this, as in DIY methods, often results in distorted MP3 files. Digital Converters ensures a clean transfer for optimal audio quality.
Q. Will the audio quality degrade during conversion?
No, professional MP3 conversions often enhance audio quality. Digital Converters uses advanced technology to capture and preserve the original sound, ensuring your MP3 files sound as good as possible.
Q. Why is it important to convert reel-to-reel tapes to MP3 now?
Reel-to-reel tapes deteriorate over time, risking the loss of precious recordings. Converting them to MP3 now ensures they’re preserved in a modern, accessible format before degradation worsens.
Q. What if my reel-to-reel tape doesn’t play smoothly?
Home setups often struggle with uneven playback, leading to poor results. Digital Converters uses specialised tools to repair playback issues, ensuring a smooth and distortion-free transfer.
Q. Are there different speeds for reel-to-reel tapes, and does it matter for MP3 conversion?
Yes, reel-to-reel tapes run at different speeds, and playing them at the wrong speed affects the MP3 quality. Digital Converters ensures the correct playback speed for accurate and high-quality MP3 results.