Nostalgic musings aside, records and cassettes were a bit rubbish. All that scratched vinyl and tangled tape was enough to drive you digital. And it did. So much so, both formats are now virtually obsolete. And that means anyone who’s old enough to remember the difference between an EP and a C90 has probably got heaps of music languishing in the loft.

And you can’t have that, can you? All those compilation tapes and beloved LPs deserve to be rediscovered. But that dusty Showaddywaddy album and ancient mix tape aren’t going to convert themselves into pristine digital files without a bit of help. Step forward the ADS Instant Music Ripper.

This ingenious box of tricks allows you to transfer the music trapped on old records and tapes to your computer. Simply plug it into the nearest USB port, attach your prehistoric player of choice (turntable, cassette deck, whatever) and get ripping. Don’t worry about compatibility and cables, the idiot-proof Instant Music Ripper comes with various leads and connectors to hook up your old hi-fi.


Once you’ve converted your records and cassettes into crisp, clear digital audio (OGG, WAV and WMA) you can get busy burning off your own CDs. The included Acoustica software allows you to go from LP to CD in 4 simple steps. And thanks to Acoustica your newly digitised music will be free from imperfections – no fluids or cloths required!


Best of all, you’ll be able to plop the music you grew up with straight onto your MP3 player. Whether it’s an obscure Buggles B-side or an ancient top 40 countdown, we guarantee you’ll be overcome with nostalgia the second you press play. (Unless Dave Lee Travis gets interrupted by the sound of your dad mumbling ‘testing, testing, one, two, three’).


The Instant Music Ripper is a must-have accessory for anyone with a computer and a box load of records and cassettes. And assuming you’re out of short trousers and reading this, that means you!