Could you please advise me of an easy to use software program to convert my vinyl records to c.d via my p.c. My system is windows xp.

thank you

Re: Vinyl LP to CD

Alvin,

There are a number of programs available that will do the job.

If you have the full Nero program- the WAV recorder works fine. Cool Edit Pro (Now Adobe Audition).

All you need is software that will record the input signal in a format suitable for burning to CD.

Re: Vinyl LP to CD

I use Cool Edit Pro. Not entirely easy I guess, but capable of returning high quality outcomes. This has now been taken over by Adobe as Adobe Audition and is looking a bit expensive regrettably.

Chris B

Re: Vinyl LP to CD

I have found that by far the easiest software to use is "Microsoft Plus! Digital Media Edition" (if you are a Windows XP user) which can be downloaded from this address http://www.microsoft.com/windows/plus/dme/DMEHome.asp

This software ($US14.99) includes "Plus Analog Recorder" which is the bit you need to record from vinyl to digital format. It has a feature for cleanup of tracks as well as splitting vinyl albums into individual names.

I use an Optimus LAB 1100 turntable, which is a fully automatic belt-driven turntable with a built-in pre-amp so it can be directly connected to a PC.

I have used this method for vinyl singles, EPs and albums as well as some 78's and have been more than pleased with the results when played through my home theatre system or my iPod.

Re: Vinyl LP to CD

There are so many, personally I still use Steinberg's Clean, but on the takeover by Pinnacle it was removed from the market.

It did come out as a magazine disk, a rival to PC World (best I don't mention the name) the issue was November 2004.

The leading User Group in Melbourne use Goldwave there are good reviews

The March 2007 issue of PC World has a lot of good suggestions on the Cover DVD

Keep in mind that to do the transfer in a professional manner takes a lot of time, you must play both sides of the Vinyl into the system, a moving coil or magnetic cartridge requires a pre-amp the ceramic cartridge can play direct into the input of the audio. (Ceramic cartridges are very old but are necessary for 78 RPM records)

On completion of the recording the various filters are applied, but there are most times a manual edit of the major flaws, then the tracks must (or should be) split into tracks. Leave 1 second of silent time at the beginning and end of each track and 2 seconds between tracks. When recording there are only two tracks when you record both sides of a LP.

If you are in Melbourne look for the User Group, they run a good course.

Ted

Re: Vinyl LP to CD

Hi Alvin,

I haven't yet tried it myself, but there is program called LP Recorder6 put out by CFB Software which is supposed to do the job. It's on the March 07 PCW DVD.

Allan

Re: Vinyl LP to CD

Your problem is about hardware as well as software.

Turntables produce very low signals and these need to be amplified before you can feed them to your sound card. Some turntables include a pre-amp, or you may find a line out on your stereo set. Everything produces its share of noise and this is going to be amplified along with your music. Use good quality connectors and be careful of earth loops that can introduce hum.

Most vinyl disks produce a surprising amount of hiss, surface noise and scratches. You will probably need to clean up the signal on your computer before recording to CD.

I have used Audacity quite successfully but I wouldn't say it is really easy to use. There are many other possibilities. If you are serious about copying a lot of vinyl records it is probably worthwhile investing in software that can do most of the cleaning up automatically. If you are a serious music buff you may still find the end result is a bit disappointing.

Good luck!

Barry

Re: Vinyl LP to CD

If you want to do a professional job and not rely on your PC's soundcard, try a product called Xitel Inport.

Re: Vinyl LP to CD

I use Cool Edit Pro and find it very good for the purpose but I also use its multitrack capabilities for recording, editing and mixing my own music so I'd probably say it's easy to use due to experience with it, but to someone else it may seem complicated.

My LP collection has been carefully preserved over the years and surface noise problems are minimal, but when I do need to clean tracks up CEP has a great range of tools for the purpose.

Even a small dab of echo and wider stereo field will enhance the old analogue recordings that constitute LP records when they take advantage of the wider dynamic range of CD's, especially through a multi-speaker system. However there is also Cool Edit 2000 without all the bells and whistles which has appeared on magazine CD's in the past. Google for it and you'll likely find it for free somewhere.

There is so much software (from simple to complex) available to do the job that you are really spoilt for choice and it's horses for courses - different people prefer different software as is indicated in the various responses here.

Your question has been asked before and you will find responses also in this forum's archives, and articles on how to do it (including software and hardware advice) have appeared in various magazines, both computer and electronics related.

If you just want a simple transfer you could get by with LP recorder, probably about the simplest there is, but given the time and effort needed from LP to finished CD it's worth the trouble to do the best job possible using more comprehensive software, especially when an old analogue recording can really be made to stand out through a good modern sound system. Have fun!

Peter.

Re: Vinyl LP to CD

Many thanks to all respones for my request on transferring 'Vinyl to CD'. Hope I can help out someday.

Hammy.