What do I need to convert LPs to CD?
Are there any recommendations as to equipment to use to convert my LPs to CDs?
-Becky
If you've been alive for more than 25 years, you likely have some of your music in vinyl form. The older you are, the larger your library probably is...
Getting that library transferred to digital format would allow you to preserve the music and make it usable on today's music devices.
The thought of getting this music transferred is one thing; actually doing it is another.
Unless you have lots of time, space to work and energy and are willing to go through the learning curve of the transfer process, you may want to consider some alternatives first.
If your real intent is to get your classic songs into your iPod, spending the 99 cents per song may seem like a bargain after you go through the manual process (unless you're a total nerd!)
If your vinyl library is relatively small, the amount of money you will spend to get the proper equipment to do it yourself (usually a couple hundred dollars if you already own a turntable) may be better spent buying the actual songs that you really want.
Even if you do have the ability to do the transfer, it will never sound as good as a professionally generated song, so if sound quality is important, keep that in mind.
If you have music that is typically not found on mainstream music systems, try checking with Collector's Choice Music (www.ccmusic.com) for those hard to find albums, especially if the sound quality matters.
If buying the music isn't appealing, then here is what you will need to do it yourself:
A turntable with RCA plugs (the round red and white connectors) A Phono Preamp (to boost the signal high enough for your computer) A 1/8" stereo male to dual RCA male Y cable (Radio Shack) Recording software Optional sound enhancing processing software (to remove the hiss, pops and clicks)
If you got rid of your turntable years ago, there are companies that make special USB turntables that will plug right into your computer.
If you're an audiophile, the sound quality will likely disappoint you, but if you want it to be as easy as possible look for USB turntables from companies like Ion (www.ion-audio.com), Stanton (www.stantondj.com) and Audio Technica (www.audio-technica.com).
These all-in-one solutions include the turntable, software, cables and hardware that you need to get the job done.
If you have a high quality turntable with a good cartridge, then you can buy the rest of the items you need from sites such as www.blazeaudio.com and www.dak.com.
For those that have all the hardware and cables and just need recording software, checkout Audacity (http://audacity.sourceforge.net – free download) or Goldwave (www.goldwave.com – free to try, $45 to buy).
Once you have plugged your turntable into the preamp and plugged it into your computer, you can start experimenting with sound levels and recording qualities.
Spend ample time experimenting with the various sound settings so you get the best possible quality sound for your old treasures!
You still need to play each LP and then divide the tracks. The cost is about $60.
Having said that,I don't know where you got the nerve or audacity to post this kind of info :-)
Do you realize that you are now guilty of complicity and abetment?
This in view of the aricle in the latest issue of Data Doctors Newsletter:
"Download Uproar: Record Industry Goes After Personal Use".
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/artic...
One point that wasn't mentioned,is that all companies which have programs,players etc,
that facilitate CD or DVD ripping,are complicit in this perceived/alleged offense.
That includes Microsoft,which includes a ripping feature right in it's Media Player.
It also includes anybody promoting or describing methods to accomplish copying.
So by rights all of them should be sued.
Mind you,I'm writing this TIC (Tongue-In-Cheek),but it shows you the idiotic lenghts
that the RIAA is going though to sue people.
Just be carefull,haha
Pete.
Records made 90 years ago can still be played with no more technology then a sharp needle and a megaphone. Very easily constructed once a Strong EMP has wiped out all our digital files. Do you really think that the Amiga digital files that were created back in the 1980's will be able to be played anywhere on this planet in 2070, but that 180 year old vinyl record could be if it has not melted. My point is yes transfer all your old medium to the new medium, it is much easier to enjoy and share with others especially the old home movies shot on 8mm film. But don't transfer thinking you have archived them forever and toss away your original materials. Most of the original you have saved for sentimental reasons so quality is not the issue, listening or watching them again is the issue. If quality is of importance to you then by it now from the studio's that made the duplicates from a clean archived MASTER. That is where your quality is. But nothing will ever replace that 1920 recording of your Great Great Grandmother relating the story of going to the speak easy for the first time. The cracks and pops are part of the memory.
there comp. sys and it is great, I reccomend them highly.
Thomas
My method of operating: I went to Best Buy and asked them what I needed. I bought a turntable off the internet, and from Best Buy, a cable (RCA?) and a Creative Soundblaster.
The Soundblaster contained all the software needed. It cost about $45 and I guess acted as the preamp. The whole project was labor intensive as I listened to each record, broke the various songs into separate units, removed the hiss and pop from each one and kept the ones I wanted.
I used the Windows Media Player to burn the CDs. As you can probably tell, I don't really know what I'm doing, but everything worked out well and I'm happy as a clam about the outcome.
I had plenty of time for this project as I was about 75 and retired.