How do you transfer vinyl records onto a computer into mp3 format?

Question

I have a ton of vinyl records and would like to be able to put them onto my computer so I can transfer them to an iPod or a Zune so I can listen to them. How do you get music off of vinyl and onto a computer in Mp3 format? I have a record player and a computer, but no idea how to link the 2. Suggestions?

Answer 1

If you have a ceramic cartridge you can directly input
the R+L signals into your PC you will need an adapter
to go from single RCA plugs to a dual mini

If you have a magnetic cartridge you will need a line
transformer .. used to be readily available at Radio Shack
a magnetic cartridge has a much lower output

You can forego the transformer if you have a standard
stereo reciever
plug the phonograph in to it and then feed the
RECORD output to your PC
(old cassette input outputs)

I also use and highly recommend audicity
make sure you get the latest version
and you the PROPER drivers for your sound device

proper doesn't always mean newest

Audacity has two MP3 varieties
the difference is in the ID3 tags
best to use the most compatible selection

Audacity also has equalizer functions
using major studio sound profiles
and a noise sample and removal tool
so play the blank into track sample the noise
and remove the stylus popping from your recordings

Have fun,, also becareful where you place those recordings
on the internet and dont distribute them
ASCAP and BMI can fine you millions for 1 song

Answer 2

Transfer Vinyl To Computer

Answer 3

You will need to search for a specific type of hardware sound card that has right and left channel RCA type phono plugs that you can connect your turntable directly into. I had an API sound card years ago that I had to physically install into my PC, but there should be cards that utilize USB technology by now. Try: 'sound card vinyl transfer in you search. Good luck!

Answer 4

There is a program (FREE!) called Audacity... I think it is Audacity.com You can get a cable that connects the headphone jack on your record player and connect it into one of the in jacks in the back of your computer. Then you should be able to play your records and record them onto Audacity... You need something else to convert it to MP3 but Audacity tells you about it.

Answer 5

Aren't CDRs like, a penny each now? But, anyways. . . you could also connect line from your turntable audio output to the audio input of the soundcard in your PC (if you don't have such a card, tons of choices available...) and commonly come with streaming audio capture, saving into mp3 (or whatever) format. I used this method to record from the digital audio output on my CD player onto my PC, to avoid falling victim to Sony's evil rootkits and those ridiculous software installs "enhanced" audio CD's have so much of nowadays. . *grumble* Try to get a digital line into your soundcard (analog connection from turntable to receiver; optical/coax digital out from receiver to soundcard?), so the only analog degredation and chance for interference you get is from the turntable. Rock on!!

Answer 6

Her'e the way the pros do it with a 24 bit sound card = http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp;jsessionid=5FLV33AJOENFLKC4D3HFAGY?_dyncharset=ISO-8859-1&id=pcat17071&type=page&st=audigy+se&sc=Global&cp=1&nrp=15&sp=&qp=&list=n&iht=y&usc=All+Categories&ks=960 /Audity se at best buy
http://www.creative.com/products/product.asp?category=1&subcategory=205&product=14257&nav=2 /audigy se

Answer 7

ok,,,take your vinyls to a studio,,,,or record shop,,they should have recording facilities,,,they can record your vinyls,,,and then make you copies on cd,,but for you to do it,,,you would need thousands of dollars worth of equipment....

Answer 8

http://audacity.sourceforge.net/