what's the easiest way to convert some vinyl records into mp3 files ?

Answer 1

Here's a free program specifically made for that purpose:
http://www.nch.com.au/golden/index.html
Next time I get the hankering to rip some of my vinyl, I'll use this one.

Answer 2

I think in most cases it is helpful to have some kind of audio editing software. I have used Cool Edit Pro and Roxio. You can put a line-in from your record player (use a stereo dubbing cord - you can get them at radio shack) put one end into the line out from the record player, then put the other end into your computer in either the mic or if you have a plug for a line-in. Sometimes only one or the other will work so you have to experiement. Then , depending on the program you have... push the record button and then start the record. You should see that you have sound coming in because it will start recording (it should look something like a lie detector test) as the screen displays the variation in sound. You may need to adjust the volume of the record player if the sound is going up into the yellow or red zone. Any decent recording software will have such a volume device. If it goes into the yellow or especially the red, it will seriously distort your end results. Yuck.

On Cool Edit Pro, the default format is MP3 for such recordings, so that is a no brainer. Just play it in and presto. Roxio is a little different as you have to export your files once you are done. If you do export using Roxio, you must specify the files to be as MP3 format. Save these files on your computer or burn yourself a disc, or put them on your MP3 device. It really isn't that hard once you get the programs down. One other benefit of using such programs is that they offer a way to clean your audio files once they have been recorded. You can remove hiss, clicks, pops and make it sound a whole lot better than just a raw file. Roxio is the easier program, Cool Edit pro has some features that Roxio does not and vice versa. I hope this is enough to give you an idea of how this is done. It's kind of hard to explain to someone through an email how to use a program like that, but if you have some records that you really want to convert, this is the way to do it. Good luck.

Answer 3

I basically agree with Richard. I can't vouch for the particular device he refers to, but C. Crane is a reputable company with some good stuff in general.

I used a cheap turntable connected via Line Out/Line In to my SoundBlaster Audigy breakout box and sound card, using Sony Sound Forge to monitor, record, and do minor cleanup/edits.

That worked great, but I think you can get by with less high-end gear. Just get the incoming levels right before you start recording a lot of stuff.

Answer 4

You need to play the records on a turntable and put the audio output into a audio capture device/sound recorder.
You may have that functionality as part of your sound card or software.
But they do make a direct conversion unit, (vinyl record direct to CD) one of which is available at http://www.ccradio.com

Answer 5

are not CDRs like, a penny each and each and every now? yet, anyhow. . . you could also connect line out of your turntable audio output to the audio enter of the soundcard on your pc (in case you do not have this kind of card, a large number of options obtainable...) and in many situations include streaming audio capture, saving into mp3 (or maybe with) format. I used this way to record from the digital audio output on my CD participant onto my pc, to stay away from falling sufferer to Sony's evil rootkits and those ridiculous application installs "improved" audio CD's have a lot of those days. . *grumble* attempt to get a digital line into your soundcard (analog connection from turntable to receiver; optical/coax digital out from receiver to soundcard?), so the in elementary words analog degredation and chance for interference you get is from the turntable. Rock on!!