Ripping Vinyl Records to PC

Nix_Toy · 12-03-2006, 12:20 PM

Hey everyone, my Father-in-law would like to rip his records onto the computer. What I'm trying to find is a program that allows you to do this, and also includes features like automatic cutoff and on for different tracks, and some kind of scratch/static filter. I would also like this to be FREE!

If anyone has had any experience of ripping albums like this, can you please share the wealth!

Thanks,
-Nick

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***Corey*** · 12-03-2006, 01:19 PM

Check out Nero software, you can Google it.
They have free demos.

I use version 6, and it rocks.

I beleive all you have to do is hook up the turntable audio outputs to the input on your soundcard.

Radio Shack will have the conversion cables to get the RCA to 1/8" stereo jack that goes to the soundcards input.

Then you fire up Nero and use the recorder part of the software to record it.
I think after it is done there are the filters in the pull down menus to take pops and clicks out of the recording.

CyMoN · 12-03-2006, 02:42 PM

Sound forge

http://www.sonymediasoftware.com/pro...orgefamily.asp

beatdown · 12-17-2006, 07:43 PM

Because a turntable doesn't put out as much power as a CD player or other audio device, you will most likely need a preamp to boost the phono level output to line level (a different impedence/amountof power running through the cables). Your soundcard is designed to have a line level (like a CD player) running into it. If you have a component stereo system with a phono input, you could run the turntable into it and then run an output from the system to your computer's soundcard, if it has the right input.

I believe digidesign makes a number of computer audio interfaces such as the m-box line that could handle this job. Otherwise, you could buy a phono preamp from somewhere like ebay or cheaplights.com and run the turntable through that. Honestly, its a lot of work to rip records - unless its a rare, unavailable track I think its worth the 99cents to buy from itunes.

***midiwall*** · 12-17-2006, 09:24 PM

beatdown has the right answer. You need a true phono preamp to make this work. If you just hook up the turntable to a LINE_IN you won't get enough boost. And if you did, it would sound like crap.

Vinyl is recorded with an eq curve that over emphasizes the highs and kills the lows. This is done to minimize the possibility of the needle flying out of the groove when trying to track high energy lows.

More info here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RIAA_equalization

And this is an example of what you're looking for in a preamp:
http://www.zzounds.com/item--ARTDJPREII

ewong · 12-18-2006, 06:34 AM

I rip my vinyl to CD, but I do it the old skool way...

Technics 1200 TT
Ortofon Concorde stylus
Pioneer DJM500 mixer (for the TT preamp)
Tascam CDR500 (?) CD-R recorder..

Yup - a stand alone CD-R recorder with built in A/D converters.

I have to mark the tracks by hand - but Im doing that anyways becuase Im checking ofr scratches etc.

Once its on CD- its a WAV file (DOH) and thus I can clean up the digital master's later if I want via import to - whatever - which I havnet bothered to do as I dont have enough time...

PirateFins · 12-18-2006, 07:43 AM

My wife got me this for my birthday. It works like a charm.

http://www.hammacher.com/publish/733...promo=el_audio

LP-to-MP3 Converter
The first of its kind, this belt-driven turntable plugs into your computer via USB, plays, converts, and saves your prized vinyl LPs to MP3 format for playback on an iPod, or other MP3 device, allowing you to take your favorite out-of-print music, comedy, and spoken-word recordings anywhere you go without risk. In addition to providing high-speed vinyl audio conversion to MP3, the turntable plays LPs at 3313 and 45 rpm speeds (adapter included), and its adjustable anti-skating control provides increased stereo balancing. Includes 1/8"" RCA output and cable for connection to a stereo system equipped with either a CD or AUX input. The system includes recording and cleaning software (PC/Mac) for the removal of scratches, hisses, and pops, but will operate with any software that supports USB audio input sound cards. 20 1/4" W x 3" H x 17" D. (8 3/4 lbs.)

Item 73363 ................... $169.95

ewong · 12-18-2006, 08:14 AM

IMHO....

The KEY to getting DECENT sound out of a record is the same stuff that has been true before CDs were invented.

Garbage IN - Garbage OUT....

Hence - the $$ turntable
the $$ stylus

GOOD phono pre-amp

QUALITY D/A converters

I realise that the $170 item is appealing - but the results are what you get for $170.

IMHO the ONLY reason to do the record to digital conversion is becuase a digital conversion for what you want does NOT already exist. OTherewise the time and effort to get a clean track jsut isnt worth the expense (just buy a legal digital track).

surf4runner · 12-18-2006, 11:41 AM

is there a simple cable available from an stero output to usb + software?

ewong · 12-18-2006, 12:07 PM

There are a ton that will take a RCA stereo signal and go to USB - check any music store..

The Phono pre-amp to USB is a bit rarer - most people int hat boad will get a stand along phono pre-amp (aka phono to rca) - or already have a mixer with phono inputs... in the worst case use an older reciever that has phono inputs and use the record outputs to go to the line in of the computer.

BTW - most computer line in's are not so great unless they have a sound card.

***midiwall*** · 12-18-2006, 12:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by surf4runner

is there a simple cable available from an stereo output to usb + software?

Line level or Phono level? The short answer is "no", since USB doesn't support a direct audio feed, you have to digitize the audio and convert it to a digital stream.

To do it right, you're looking at something like these for line level inputs:
http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/Transit-main.html
http://www.rolandus.com/products/pro...3&ParentId=114

Both have very nice A/D converters and very low load on the host CPU. Street price on either is around $70.

To do the phono work, see the link I posted above for a phono preamp that would be used _in front_ of either of these.

surf4runner · 12-18-2006, 12:34 PM

thanx.
line level.
ill take a closer look at the roland UA-1EX. seems like this is what im after.

***midiwall*** · 12-18-2006, 12:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by surf4runner

thanx.
line level.
ill take a closer look at the roland UA-1EX. seems like this is what im after.

I have the older UA-1A and it's a very nice box for the price. I've used it for years now on both Macs and PCs and it just keeps on kickin'.

The only downside is that there are no level controls on the box itself, so if your source outputs are hot, you'll have to temper them before they get to the UA-1EX.

Jared · 12-19-2006, 02:10 PM

Another option:

http://www.thinkgeek.com/electronics/mp3/85fb/

I haven't used it though.

12-03-2006, 01:19 PM	#2 (permalink)
*Corey* Co-Founder/Administrator Staff Join Date: May 2002 Location: Auburn, Washington Posts: 26,071	Check out Nero software, you can Google it. They have free demos. I use version 6, and it rocks. I beleive all you have to do is hook up the turntable audio outputs to the input on your soundcard. Radio Shack will have the conversion cables to get the RCA to 1/8" stereo jack that goes to the soundcards input. Then you fire up Nero and use the recorder part of the software to record it. I think after it is done there are the filters in the pull down menus to take pops and clicks out of the recording. __________________ Corey 2007 FJ Cruiser Built for 4wheelin', expedition, camping, and overlanding use PNW FJ Cruisers ☺ Detailing 101 ☺ Join Topsites ☺ Muffler Comparisons ☺ Maggiolinas In The Wild FJ Cruiser Buildup ☺ New Roof Top Tent ☺ Video Of My Penthouse Part II ☺ Rehinge Your ARB/Engel Fridge Blog About Roof Top Tents ☺ FJC Magazines Online Review Of My Tent ☺ 2009 Specialized Rockhopper Pro

12-03-2006, 02:42 PM	#3 (permalink)
CyMoN Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: INDIANA Posts: 2,164	Sound forge http://www.sonymediasoftware.com/pro...orgefamily.asp __________________ my rigs 89 4runner 1989 4runner v6 5 speed everything factory +4susplift running bfg 31s and a aux gas tank and more aux lights than needed 86 pickup 1986 stock pickup 22r 31.10 BFG ATs flatbed a sad day for the 4runner "One moment of patience may ward off great disaster. One moment of impatience may ruin a whole life."

12-17-2006, 07:43 PM	#4 (permalink)
beatdown Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 11	ripping records Because a turntable doesn't put out as much power as a CD player or other audio device, you will most likely need a preamp to boost the phono level output to line level (a different impedence/amountof power running through the cables). Your soundcard is designed to have a line level (like a CD player) running into it. If you have a component stereo system with a phono input, you could run the turntable into it and then run an output from the system to your computer's soundcard, if it has the right input. I believe digidesign makes a number of computer audio interfaces such as the m-box line that could handle this job. Otherwise, you could buy a phono preamp from somewhere like ebay or cheaplights.com and run the turntable through that. Honestly, its a lot of work to rip records - unless its a rare, unavailable track I think its worth the 99cents to buy from itunes.

12-17-2006, 09:24 PM	#5 (permalink)
*midiwall* Sponsoring Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Seattleish, WA Posts: 9,078	beatdown has the right answer. You need a true phono preamp to make this work. If you just hook up the turntable to a LINE_IN you won't get enough boost. And if you did, it would sound like crap. Vinyl is recorded with an eq curve that over emphasizes the highs and kills the lows. This is done to minimize the possibility of the needle flying out of the groove when trying to track high energy lows. More info here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RIAA_equalization And this is an example of what you're looking for in a preamp: http://www.zzounds.com/item--ARTDJPREII __________________ ~ Mark '96 4Runner Limited S/C MI - 370cc injectors, Air! horns, Airaid MIT, ATS A-arms, 285/75/R16 BFG MTs, Bored TB, Brembo slotted, Cobra 75 WXST, Deckplate, Downey headers, Hayden cooler, IPT valve body, Level 10 torque convertor, Meanstreak exhaust, OME/OME rears, On-board PC (XM, Nav, WiFi, etc), Port 'n Polish, Remote Start, SAW fronts, Hilux console, SMT-5, Stubb's sliders, Supra MAF, TJM-17, 2.0" pulley, Viair 450c, Walbro 190, Weasy2k cams

12-19-2006, 02:10 PM	#14 (permalink)
Jared Contributing Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Ft. Collins, Co Posts: 548	Another option: http://www.thinkgeek.com/electronics/mp3/85fb/ I haven't used it though. __________________ 2003 4Runner V6 Sport / X-REAS Gone / Front Hoe's / Rear Deaver's + Hoes Demello Hybrid Sliders / Demello Bumper / 33" TrXus Mt's / Mojave Teflons / TC UCA's Source CO2 / Lightforce 240's / M8000 + Rockstomper Synth / Tubing Works Rear Cage! Profile and Pics

12-18-2006, 06:34 AM	#6 (permalink)
ewong Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Philly PA Posts: 1,290	I rip my vinyl to CD, but I do it the old skool way... Technics 1200 TT Ortofon Concorde stylus Pioneer DJM500 mixer (for the TT preamp) Tascam CDR500 (?) CD-R recorder.. Yup - a stand alone CD-R recorder with built in A/D converters. I have to mark the tracks by hand - but Im doing that anyways becuase Im checking ofr scratches etc. Once its on CD- its a WAV file (DOH) and thus I can clean up the digital master's later if I want via import to - whatever - which I havnet bothered to do as I dont have enough time...

12-18-2006, 08:14 AM	#8 (permalink)
ewong Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Philly PA Posts: 1,290	IMHO.... The KEY to getting DECENT sound out of a record is the same stuff that has been true before CDs were invented. Garbage IN - Garbage OUT.... Hence - the $$ turntable the $$ stylus GOOD phono pre-amp QUALITY D/A converters I realise that the $170 item is appealing - but the results are what you get for $170. IMHO the ONLY reason to do the record to digital conversion is becuase a digital conversion for what you want does NOT already exist. OTherewise the time and effort to get a clean track jsut isnt worth the expense (just buy a legal digital track).

12-18-2006, 12:07 PM	#10 (permalink)
ewong Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Philly PA Posts: 1,290	There are a ton that will take a RCA stereo signal and go to USB - check any music store.. The Phono pre-amp to USB is a bit rarer - most people int hat boad will get a stand along phono pre-amp (aka phono to rca) - or already have a mixer with phono inputs... in the worst case use an older reciever that has phono inputs and use the record outputs to go to the line in of the computer. BTW - most computer line in's are not so great unless they have a sound card.

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