Converting LPs to Digital is Surprisingly Fun

[PaulPA]

Two weeks ago I decided to begin the process of converting my LPs to digital. Yes I have LPs – hundreds of them. At first I was skeptical of the quality of the transfer but now I’m extremely impressed. Sure it is not equal to a pure digital recording available through iTunes or other outlets but it is close - and free. And the software I’m using is doing a nice job of removing clicks and crackles.

I’ve only finished four alphabetic areas (G-J including Peter Gabriel, Ian Hunter, Joe Jackson, BB King, The Kinks, Billy Joel, Elton John for those keeping score) and already I have over 300 songs. (I started here only because this crate full of records was on top.) By the time I'm done I may have over 5,000 songs.

I thought this would be a laborious task but now I’m hooked. Only problem – I’ll soon need a new needle and it will probably take a year to finish!

[Reno]

And the software I’m using is doing a nice job of removing clicks and crackles.

What software do you recommend? Are there any hardware components that you needed to add?

I've seen all-in-one devices (turntable on top; burner underneath), but the one I looked at is in the $450 range, so that's out.

I too have a ton of vinyl -- many hundreds of albums -- so getting some of them onto cd will be a long term project, but one I'd thoroughly enjoy.

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[martinibuster]

>>>Sure it is not equal to a pure digital recording available through iTunes

That's too bad because iTunes are delivered at an already degraded 128kbps quality.

[PaulPA]

Reno: I'm using Roxio RecordNow9 - $25 at Target. I'm sure there is better but for $25 ...

I have my turntable plugged into my receiver and then the output from the receiver (tape out) goes to the computer (however I needed to purchase an output cable - $5 RadioShack).

The learning curve is not bad though you will need to allow the software to set the proper Recording Level for most LPs. Will then need to play with the features that remove cracks and clicks and other things if you choose. Also, will need to set the spot for some songs and then tag with a name (though Roxio has this nice search feature for doing this automatically). Yes, there is a little work here but compared to $.99 a song it is worth it. At worse you can fill in the really poor quality songs with the purchase of a digital track.

martinibuster: Well, maybe iTunes does degrade. However, what I'm doing is real close. Again, the issue is whether I can accept a little reduction in quality (and some clicking) for the tremendous cost savings. If you listen to digital on a stereo as more background music rather than on a headset then you really can't tell the difference. Even with a headset if you are use to the sound of vinyl then the imperfections are not a big issue.

[Reno]

Thanks PaulPA -- I have printed out your info.

Re the quality, some hardcore audiophiles I've met over the years have told me that nothing compares to vinyl played through a tube amp. Whether that's true or not I cannot say, as I'm not in that league. Like you, it's mostly background music while I work the web, so your set-up sounds like it'll save a bunch of $$ and will get some albums onto cd that are not already in my cd collection. And of course it's especially useful for those albums that the record labels have not issued onto cd. Will be a great project if/when we get snowed in next winter...

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[ectect]

Try a Numark turntable with USB cable, comes with software called Audacity that makes recording a synch. I too was pleasantly surprised at the quality, and even get comfort from the slight hiss and crackle at the beginning of each track. Not sure how you can make Elton John and Peter Gabriel sound good but the old Postcard and Factory records bring back bitter sweet memories.

[PaulPA]

Nice dig at some legendary artists! While they aren't on my top 10 list some of their early stuff (i.e., LPs) is good.

The Numark product looks like something that could be useful for anyone without a turntable.

[tbear]

He, he, he...
I've been recoding my lps for the last year and a half, also using Audacity (it's free and very good!).
Using a Linn LP12/Syrinx/Asak (turntable/arm/cartridge). The better the deck the better the results!
Some of my records are getting on for 40 years old, but do they sound good!

[PaulPA]

My guess is that a large percentage of people who partipate in the WW forum probably don't even own LPs - maybe never even bought one. I stopped buying them in early 1980s and have not bought any since.

I'd be curious if there is anyone who is under 35 year-old who actually has LPs.

[londrum]

i still know some people who swear on the mother's life that LPs sound better than CDs.
if it wasn't for the fact that you have to get up and turn them over every fifteen minutes i'd probably still listen to them myself.

i do miss the dustjackets though. having a little paper slip in a plastic CD case just isn't the same. and you don't even get those all the time anymore -- not now they've introduced those cardboard CD sleeves.

[texasville]

here is a neat trick for you. I used this as a dj in a bar years ago. I mean years ago. Put some isopropyl alcohol in a spray bottle. As the lp turns on the table, lightly spray the record with the alcohol. The hiss and scratch will disappear like magic. The alcohol evaporates with no noticeable residue.
You can also was those records in a mild soap solution like Ivory dish soap. Try not to soak the labels but a little water usually won't damage them. Surprisingly tough. It can be amazing the difference when you get that dirt out of the grooves that has collected over the years.

[vincevincevince]

There's always this method:
Digital Needle [cs.huji.ac.il]
You'd probably need to do a bit better though!

[PaulPA]

texasville - interesting idea. I'll try it on something old that is not a top-of-the-list LP and that I don't mind sacrificing (i.e., Boston, Jethro Tull)

[bcolflesh]

I have the non-USB Numark with RCA connections - you're going to lose range with a digital transfer via USB.

Tube amp does sound better for LPs - I'm no hardcore audiophile, but the noise adds warmth on recordings with wide ranges.

[justgowithit]

What's an LP? ;)

[Syzygy]

I still buy vinyl every now and then - mainly obscure 60's soul 45's and the occasional bit of hallelujah-raising gospel from the 50's. For a few years I've been trying to collect all the releases put out by a particular US label that existed between 1964-68. I'm about three quarters of the way there now. Not that long ago I bought one of the rarer 45's on this label for around $450.

>>> isopropyl alcohol

Absolutely the best cleaning solution. Not for use on acetates though as alcohol-based solutions will dissolve them - use distilled water instead.

I can also testify to the benefits of using soapy water on dirty records. However, a word of warning: if you don't rinse sufficiently the grooves will become heavy with hard-to-remove, stylus-clogging gunk. I know this from experience! If you're lucky, a dozen or so plays may eventually clear the grooves.

I actually find the process of digitising rather tedious, but possibly this is because I'm doing it with 45's rather than LP's. It takes me about an hour to do 10 singles.

The idea of a usb-turntable appeals; it would be much more convenient that moving computer to living room where the stereo is, or vice-a-versa.

Running from one room to the other every time a single finishes is just not an option!

Syzygy