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how do I Digitize my vinyl records ?


G+_Larry Phillips
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I haven't done it but I've looked into this before.

 

There are turntables with a USB connector that looks like an audio input to the computer. You're at the mercy of whatever converter and preamp is in there, but this is the simplest setup. You just need some recording software.

 

If you already have a nice turntable, you might need a preamp if it doesn't have one built in. In addition, the sound card can have an effect on quality so if the built in jack isn't good enough, you'll need a good sound card. There are external ones if you have a laptop.

 

Then there are many other things that you can do to improve sound quality during and after recording like changing the cartridge and applying noise filters.

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I did this with mine and my father's records about 10 years ago. I still have a good 70's era Dual turntable, and bought a USB Phono amp to connect to a laptop (https://www.amazon.com/ART-USB-Phono-Plus-PS/dp/B000BBGCCI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1525482044&sr=8-1&keywords=usb+phono+amp - although it was $20 cheaper back then). I used GoldWave (https://www.goldwave.com) audio editor to record the music from the table. I prefer the old Adobe audio editor, but GoldWave can also be used to clean up the hiss and pops from the records. I believe Audacity (free) will also do the job. After finding a needle online, I even "ripped" some antique 78 PRM slate records. Now these songs sound better than they ever did over my father's ancient stereo.

amazon.com - Amazon.com: ART USB Phono Plus: Electronics

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I think my sister's turntable has a USB port on it to plug a USB drive into and it will record to MP3. Something like this, perhaps: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077PD8XZ1/

 

For best quality, you can't beat a good DAC. But if you're not a big audiophile, one of these converters or the line-in on you're computer may be fine.

 

I'm a big fan and user of Audacity. I've seen my brother use Audition professionally, but for simple single-track editing Audacity is sufficient.

amazon.com - Amazon.com: Upgraded Version Pyle Vintage Record Player, Classic Vinyl Player, Retro Turntable, MP3 Vinyl, Music Editing Software Included, Ceramic Cartridge, FM Tuner, MP3 Converter, 3 Speed - 33, 45, 78: Home Audio & Theater

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Related: I just bought this to digitize some old cassettes. Not the greatest build quality, but gets the job done.

 

I'm using Audacity to clean up some of the background noise(static). https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075K7YLPT/

amazon.com - Amazon.com: Best Overall Standalone Cassette / Tape To MP3 Converter - Portable Digital USB Audio Music Player By Reshow | Compatible With Cell Phone Charger Or Power Bank| USB Cable & User Manual Included: Cell Phones & Accessories

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