| Author | Message | ||
     Mr_grumpy |
I' ve just managed to resurrect my old "Dual" turntable & I've also got an old NAD 2030 Amp. Now the thing is I want to transfer my old vinyl onto the 'puter so's I can burn onto CD, & also load onto my MP3 player. can anybody tell me of a simple, & preferably free, program I can download to do the conversion. First on the list is going to be Robert Gordon with Link Wray, shortly followed by Johnny Burnette & the RocknRoll Trio, then.................. Thanks All. | ||
| Court |
I'll be listening to this thread. I still listen to a lot of vinyl and have even looked at the USB turntables. | ||
| Mbsween |
Mr grumpy, You're really looking at two steps here, an analog capture and then a convert of the resulting file to mp3 (I'm assuming thats the format you want). This progam is overkill but it will do the job, actually the whole thing, it will capture and export to MP3 (or other formats). You can even mix tracks and all sorts of other stuff. http://audacity.sourceforge.net I use this program to record my kids garage band, its kick arse software and its free. But it may be like bringing out the 5lb sledge to open beer bottle  I'm doing the same thing with an old Jam factory album (60's band from Syracuse NY). Have you done any capture yet? I'm wondering about the signal level. Let me know how it works out for you Matt (Message edited by mbsween on August 18, 2007) (Message edited by mbsween on August 18, 2007) (Message edited by mbsween on August 18, 2007) | ||
| Mr_grumpy |
Thanks for the link Court, interesting information in the ad. Matt, yes that's the plan, amp line-out to computer line-in. | ||
| Woody1911a1 |
I use this proggy well worth the $35 . does everything easily . splits tracks , sets levels , lets you label the tracks and much more . http://www.acoustica.com/spinitagain/ | ||
| Mbsween |
Mr Grumpy, I should do my research after drinking coffee, not before. The audacity program will do the trick, I just tested it out an existing wave file. Its opensource and well respected, runs on Linux if you have that OS laying around. hence the change in post above, looks like I should stick to recording not posting Court, after spending 50.00 to resurrect my technics turntable (new stylus/head shell leads) I could kick myself for not looking at the USB turntables. Sure would be easier if all the equipment was near a good computer. My only remaining amplifier with a phono preamp is in the garage. Now I'm stuck using the laptop for capture! Matt | ||
| Wyckedflesh |
I will highly suggest looking into the purchase of a good/high quality sound card, or at least a stand alone card that has its own memory rather then the one built into your motherboard. The expenditure will make an incredible world of difference in the recording quality. | ||
| Coal400 |
I have been able to get satisfactory results without spending a single $! The steps I'm providing will only give you 60 seconds of recording time because of Recorders limitations. This is an example that provides you with 90% of what you need. There are ways around the limitation, but it may be easier to simply get a different recorder. You can find them for free: http://www.freedownloadscenter.com/Search/wav_reco rder.html 1. Take your turn table, hook it up to a receiver with mini headphone jack (adapters from large to mini are out there) 2. Get a double male headphone jumper (I have a few laying around if you'd like me to mail to you, sorry North America-proper only (these jumpers are not expensive and can be had online or at radioshack) 3. With the volume all the way down on the receiver, you can put the jumper (headphone jumper has 2 male ends as mentioned in item 2) from the receiver to your computers input or line-in jack on the audio card (light blue jack). 4. Go into your sound properties under the control panel (click on the volume control) -- see illustration below -- and set the line-in as active and volume all the way up /important/. Steps are labeled. 5. Put the needle on the vinyl and slowly turn up the volume on the receiver until you hear sound from your PC. The idea is you want to use as little volume from the receiver as you can. The line-in on the PC is most likely not made for an amplified signal, but at lower volumes it has worked fine for me. 6. Go to your START button on windows and select "RUN". At the prompt type %SystemRoot%\system32\sndrec32.exe Click OK 7. The sound recorder can be used to record to WAV output (basic audio file) - its limited to 60 seconds without a "workaround" - search google as there is a way to extend this, or use a different recorder all together. Save the resulting WAV file 8. From here you can convert to MP3 or even burn WAV files to a CD. Most all CD authoring software will convert WAV to CDA. I'll make a second post on how I encode/convert WAV to MP3.} illustration of sound properties  One note, while using the sound recorder in step 7, any sounds coming from your activity in windows will also be recorded. For instance, e-mail notification will be recorded onto your track, so keep this in mind. Another thing, is that there are some editing features within the recorder to edit track length and adjust volume properties. | ||
| Bluzm2 |
All, I've used this a number of times. I use it to grab programs off XM radio. I've also used it to snag vinyl, I came out of my reciever and into the sound card on the PC. It takes a a bit to get the levels set but once you that's done, you can just let it play. The software breaks it into individual files using a setable "break listening" feature. It detects the dead time between tracks and starts another file. It's free and has some very nice features. http://www.audiograbber.com-us.net/ Brad | ||
| Coal400 |
I have an older copy of the MP3 converter called LAME. It was free and works just fine for converting my WAV files to MP3. They have made advancements since then and offer a graphical version, but the commandline works fine for me: http://www.softpedia.com/get/Multimedia/Audio/Audi o-CD-Rippers-Encoders/LAME-MP3-Encoder.shtml Other recording tools should give you the option to simply output your recording as MP3 eliminating the WAV step. They also give the ability to mix and edit. Good luck, take care | ||
| Teeps |
That DAK turntable looks much better than the other USB Tables I've found. The place that sells them are just a Uly ride away too! Add one more thing on the "TO-DO" list next week. Thanks Court | ||
| Tattoodnscrewd |
Nero 7 Ultra Edition (Program is a couple years old now but still works fine) has built in features that will allow you to do everything - capture and convert .. I've done about 300 cassettes that way ... Easy to use and does a good job. Only catch is it isn't free ... | ||
| Court |
For the very simple minded. . . a Samson Zoom H4 positioned in front of a speaker. Ideally. . . I can place the recorder in the "sweet spot" between a couple of Alesis near field monitors, on my desk, and produce and amazing copy. The night I bought the H4, I recorded my teacher playing guitar and the results were, I think, as good as the Manhattan firm that had the tractor-trailer parked out front recording for his next CD. If I could find a way to put the 33 minute file here, I'd do it. . .  | ||
| Jackbequick |
I'm with Mbsween on using the audacity freeware for cleaning up or editing tracks and for converting *.wav tracks to *.mp3 files. I'm not doing any vinyl. I have a lot of vinyl but have been out of turntables for years. I also have a Philips GoGear HDD_1630 mp3 player/FM tuner I use on the bike and other mobile places (boat deliveries, etc.). Great FM receiver by the way, it uses the ear buds cable as a folded dipole antenna so you get very little fading or drop out on signals on local stations. To get *.mp3 files to play back at the same audio level so that I never have to mess with the volume control, I use another freeware named mp3gain to set the playback levels on all the *.mp3 files to the same level. I have about 800 or so very diverse *.mpd files on the GoGear and can listen to it for long periods of time with getting bored. I like the WinAmp Pro player and use it on my PC and laptop for playback. A good buy at $20 and there is a freeware version that is slightly less capable available too. Jack | ||
| Jackbequick |
Coal400, What's the name of the software you're using? I can't narrow it down to one and there are a bunch of them there. And the 60 second limitation, is that something that will go away if you register or buy it? Thanks for the help, Jack | ||
| Loki |
There is another bit out there that functions real well. The XITEL Inport which is used for recording from a audio system to a computer. It converts the analog (line level) output of the audio system to a digital signal. Feeds into your computer via a USB connection. A new one comes with a High quality and long RCA cable, the device, USB cable and software. Not the cheapest solution out there....$80US I currently use their AN1(HiFi Link) to connect my computer to my audio system. | ||
| M1combat |
"I will highly suggest looking into the purchase of a good/high quality sound card, or at least a stand alone card that has its own memory rather then the one built into your motherboard. The expenditure will make an incredible world of difference in the recording quality." +1 | ||
| Dbird29 |
What about something for the Mac? Is there a gracenotes or something to populate track titles? | ||
| Coal400 |
Jack: No problem buddy I used the sndrec32.exe (windows sound recorder) because it came with the OS. I also do not do any mixing and was satisfied with its results. The 30 second limitation is a simple design issue. I don't know if its intentional but its annoying. Its actually very easy to work around. The sound recorder starts with a blank file, you simply increase the blank file from a 60 second size to whatever size you want by appending to it. This is where the comment "it might be easier to simply download a freeware recorder" comes in, but I did not have a problem working around the 60 second limit. It took me all of 3 minutes. Following post will have screen shot instructions on how to extend the recorder's 60 record time. 1. Create a shortcut on the desktop pointing to the recorder and a file that does not yet exist on the c drive. 2. Double click the new shortcut and click ok on the error 3. Record blank file 4. Do a new file in recorder and repeatedly import the blank file created in 3 to extend. 5. Save the resulting file as the original blank file listed in step 3. | ||
| Coal400 |
Icon setup  Blank (default)Sound file setup  Now when ever you double click the icon you created on the desktop it will start as a larger size. Record and then use the recorder's edit feature to cut off the excess file length when your done recording a track. | ||
| Bartimus |
I just downloaded and installed that Audacity program on my computer. It works great, thanks for the link! I have a SoundBlaster soundcard installed on my computer, and just ran a cord from my receivers AUX output to my line input and successfully recorded a couple of songs of of my XM radio. Worked great, and converted everything to MP3 format for playing later. You can do the same with a turntable plugged into your receiver, just run a cable to your line input on your soundcard, or if available line input on your motherboard. (some come with sound built in) | ||
| Woody1911a1 |
getting back to the OP's (Mr Grumpy)question as how to the best and cheapest way to transfer vinyl to digi format all the suggestions are ways of doing it however he already has all the hardware he needs except maybe the cables to connect to the pc . The software is the trick especially if you want to transfer more than a few tracks . Audacity is great but total over kill . I have over 2000 lp's and still buying  I HIGHLY recomend http://www.acoustica.com/spinitagain/ check out the trial pretty much one click transfer splitting and labeling and the results are outstanding . so for $10 for cables and $35 for software he's up and running and he won't have to sit there editing . this is a great place to buy vinyl . everything is either new or excellent and great folks to deal with . http://www.audiophileusa.com/ also anything to do with turntables , cartridges http://www.needledoctor.com/ | ||
| Sparky |
There is shareware for the Mac ($20), Wire Tap Pro 1.3.1, that can record sounds that play through the computer into various formats like MP3, AIFF, AAC or Quicktime. Anything you can connect to the Mac can be digitized even radio shows on the internet or iTunes or songs from the Apple store. It's quite versatile with a scheduling feature that works with iCal for recording radio shows while you're away. | ||
| Jandj_davis |
I would recommend GoldWave (www.goldwave.com) for recording. It is shareware (full-function demo) and my dad is currently using it to get his old vinyl to mp3 | ||
| Xl1200r |
I didn't look into the software stuff too much, but I'd be really concerned about trying to use the computer's input jack to do this. You say it's on a laptop, which means it probably only has a 1/8" mini stereo jack. You're going to lose SO MUCH of the 'sound' vinyl is known for by cutting the top and bottom frquencies out using that jack. I HIGHLY recommend using a USB turntable. I've also seen a box that you can connect inline between your turntable and your computer that accomplishes the same thing, though I'm not certain on anything about it. There are also some services out there that will take your LPs, record them onto CDs for you and ship them back. The service isn't too expensive if you can manage a way to keep the shipping costs low. BTW - I'm running a Technics turntable as well, circa 1980. My receiver/amp is also a Technics, 32 watt RMS circa 1979. They all go through a pair of nearly perfect KLH Seventeens - the sound is amazing for a 'small' system. I can't wait to get my hands on a slightly beefier amp and old pair of Advents... | ||
| Dgunther |
Some of the newer DJ turntables have an optical audio output (SP/DIF) that you can plug in to most newer sound cards. I've been looking at the Stanton ST-100 to convert my vinyl (I'm currently using a beat up old bookshelf turntable w/ built-in preamp). The Stanton seems a little less "toy-like" than some of the USB models. I like audacity for doing the clean up and track splitting. It does a fine job and I love the fact that it's open source. | ||
| Jackbequick |
Coal400, thanks for all the additional details. And on the guys that are doing vinyl, do you still hear the pops and clicks and stuff after you clean the tracks up? Or do you have to leave those in to maintain full authenticity? Jack | ||
| Woody1911a1 |
to me it's part of the music . on my newer records thet're few and far between but on my 30 year oldies they're like sweet memories . xl1200r said You're going to lose SO MUCH of the 'sound' vinyl is known for by cutting the top and bottom frquencies out using that jack. not really , maybe by lab standards , but to the human ear my copies to cd are really close to the real crispness of the original and way better than the sound of most cd's you buy now . probably the biggest thing for those dusting off there old vinyl will be properly setting up and most likely installing a half decent new cartridge . not to mention cleaning the crap off those old lp's . | ||
| Jackbequick |
"..they're like sweet memories..." Remember how on the non-automatic turntables you could wake up in the middle of the night and hear the "chi-gick, chi-gick, chi-gick" of the stylus skipping on the runout track? That was very soothing and restful. Much better than a dripping faucet. Jack | ||
| Court |
My Led Zepplin album and my original "Meet the Beatles" both look like an Olympic ice skating competition was held on them. I, albeit years ago, had to replace a Todd Rundgren "Something/Anything" after I wore it out listening to the guitar intro on "Couldn't I just tell you". The vinyl stays. | ||
| Woody1911a1 |
Court , how's about a new copy Beautiful Limited Edition Half-Speed Mastered 2LP 200gm Anadisc, Gatefold Cover. This is Number 2341. ...more details http://www.audiophileusa.com/display.cfm?days=9999 | ||
| Xl1200r |
not really , maybe by lab standards , but to the human ear my copies to cd are really close to the real crispness of the original and way better than the sound of most cd's you buy now . I still have to disagree, Court. I have a few friends that are DJs and remember one of them making a mix and giving to someone else to use at a roller skating rink. We listened to it in the car on the way there. When the guy played over the sound system through a mini-stereo jack, it was just not all there. I don't know how else to describe it. For most folks, it will probably be just fine (not to mention older recordings probably didn't capture the full spectrum a turntable is able to reproduce anyways), but as lifelong musician and general music-a-holic, my human ear can tell the difference (and yes, CDs and MP3s just don't have what an LP has). Of course, you're always going to be limited by what a CD or MP3 can reporoduce, so maybe you're losing the same and it doesn't really matter... |
