Best way to convert your vinyl collection to mp3s???

[element86]

Re: Best way to convert your vinyl collection to mp3s???

What if I already have turntables?
I'm thinking of the fastest method to record. I can connect my mixer to my soundcard using RCA to RCA, I have Xi-Fi platinum and it comes with a nice faceplate for my comp. I'm just trying to avoid having to play every track and the normal speed, unless there is a faster method out there?

I just came accross this at the hydrogen audio FAQ. they give good info on how to record vinyls

"Can/should LPs be ripped faster than real time, ie at 45rpm or 78rpm?
(thread)
The short answer: No.
The long answer: you can use a reverse RIAA filter, speed up the signal and reencode in the equalizing filter of your choise (RIAA, AES, misc 78 equalizations). Or you can use a flat preamp. Both of these options are far more complicated and risky than just recording in real time."

http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=FAQs_%28Vinyl%29

[chuckc]

Re: Best way to convert your vinyl collection to mp3s???

I've found the best way in terms of sound quality is to go from my Technics 1200's, through my mixer and into a cd recorder. I fill up one cd's worth then dump them onto my computer. I realize this isnt the most tech savvy way, but the quality is consistent. The recorder can be purchased for a few hundred bucks...

that is exactly how i converted all my favorite vinyls...

[BureOne]

Re: Best way to convert your vinyl collection to mp3s???

Whatever the case may be Danny... I want my turntables back! ..

but seriously, if there was a way to record all these quickly or convert them in digital format quickly..it would be awesome. But I think there is no real "fast" way.

Kinda of like Winamp and they way it converts mp3s into .wav's.. without actually playing the entire mp3, it just zooms by every track on the playlist!!

[khilla]

Re: Best way to convert your vinyl collection to mp3s???

If you're taking the time to rip them surely you'd go for WAV so you don't lose audio quality ?

May be best to decide on the best stuff 1st rather than ripping tracks you'll never play.

Yup always record to WAV (if you have lots of space, then record them to 24Bit WAV, then convert to the format of choice).

[cmhollis]

Re: Best way to convert your vinyl collection to mp3s???

I've found the best way in terms of sound quality is to go from my Technics 1200's, through my mixer and into a cd recorder. I fill up one cd's worth then dump them onto my computer. I realize this isnt the most tech savvy way, but the quality is consistent. The recorder can be purchased for a few hundred bucks...

[FM]

Re: Best way to convert your vinyl collection to mp3s???

well that's always the easiest way by getting the copies on digital to start with

archiving vinyl like that is best reserved for pure audiophiles who want to know it came of of vinyl to begin with, or with tracks that just aren't on digital anywhere/readily available.

Thread moved.

[dannygroov]

Re: Best way to convert your vinyl collection to mp3s???

I had a brilliant idea last night as I was finding gem after gem.
I was using shaazam on my phone to id the tracks. I think I can just bypass a good portion of the recording process by soulseeking the titles myself haha. Was just a thought and will probably work. Of course the rare vinyl's won't ever get id'ed by shaazam.

[simonr]

Re: Best way to convert your vinyl collection to mp3s???

If you're taking the time to rip them surely you'd go for WAV so you don't lose audio quality ?

May be best to decide on the best stuff 1st rather than ripping tracks you'll never play.

[dannygroov]

Re: Best way to convert your vinyl collection to mp3s???

i've got an old scratchamp (from finalscratch, 1.0/1.5 version) and connected that to my computer. turns out to be a pretty useful soundcard (don't install the software it comes with!) with 2 (!) phono preamp inputs. With that i can record two records at the same time.

thats pretty cool.
I wanted finalscratch for a long time. I waited it out. then the cdj-800 mk2 came out and I hop'ed on.

now I got dumped with a lot of vinyl. Thinking of getting technics now. + it seems I need to look into a preamp.

[dj_macgyver]

Re: Best way to convert your vinyl collection to mp3s???

i've got an old scratchamp (from finalscratch, 1.0/1.5 version) and connected that to my computer. turns out to be a pretty useful soundcard (don't install the software it comes with!) with 2 (!) phono preamp inputs. With that i can record two records at the same time.

[dannygroov]

Re: Best way to convert your vinyl collection to mp3s???

It looks like going preamp is possibly the best method. I'm still inquiring on the best method for speed.

Can a mod move this thread to possibly DJ'ing or Production forum, wherever best applies. Thanks

[diegoff]

Re: Best way to convert your vinyl collection to mp3s???

My opinion:
(in resume) Vinyls have a different audio mastering process than cds and other digital formats, cause it has a different dynamic range and frequency band with.
If you want them on mp3 it won´t be as easy as connect the audio output from the turntable to the input of your sound card, if what you want is a decent audio quality: you´d have to make audio compression (with an extra-expensive analog audio compressor) before you get the sound card input.

I suggest you to get the cds, or directly download the albums in mp3 (converted from cds -> digital format). The great thing about vinyls is that it´s not a digital format, so you don´t have the compression and conversion that digital audio needs.

[khilla]

Re: Best way to convert your vinyl collection to mp3s???

I recorded some of my vinyls with my Technics SL-1200MK2 > Mixer > Audiophile 2496.
I record one side of a vinyl in one take, then split up and cut/remove silence at the start/end, then remove cracks, pops, hisses. I've also been told that using a preamp gives better results then a mixer, and they are not that expensive.

http://www.phonopreamps.com/

Good: TCC TC-400G/L Phono Preamp: $29.50 plus shipping
Better: Technolink TC-450 Mobile Phono Preamp: $35.50 plus shipping
(WITH POWER ADAPTOR)

PS: It's a very time consuming task. I did 20 vinyls in two weeks, and spent almost 3 hours a day on it. Oh and i wouldn't record at higher speed than normal. Thing to look out for also is making sure your turntable speed doesn't shift to much

[dannygroov]

Re: Best way to convert your vinyl collection to mp3s???

Its well know that the sound quality on DJ turntables is utter rubbish. However, that'd be the cheapest option for you. The BEST way is getting a dedicated record player, cutting out the mixer in the middle, use a high end preamp and record that into your computer.

Good to know, although I was comfortable using turntable->mixer->comp. I'll look into your suggested scenario. What about the speed of recording? Would I really have to hear 99999+ hrs of vinyls to record or is there a faster solution? THanks

[Simon Preston]

Re: Best way to convert your vinyl collection to mp3s???

Its well know that the sound quality on DJ turntables is utter rubbish. However, that'd be the cheapest option for you. The BEST way is getting a dedicated record player, cutting out the mixer in the middle, use a high end preamp and record that into your computer.