Vinyl transfer to CD ? Help

[matty]

what is the best way to transfer vinyl to CD ? I want good sound quality,i have heard some transfers that didn't sound too good.

[truthsandrights]

the best way would be to have a good stylus and a good analog to digital converter. apogee makes really good A/D converters. it really depends on your budget, the best of anything is never gonna be cheap...

[bullit]

I've seen some USB turntables on the market but have no idea on how they perform, anyone have any experience with these?

[Rootsgal]

I have a catalog that sells a turntable that converts vinyl to CD OR cassettes (who uses casettes anymore?)
It was pretty cheap too....thinking 200.00 US dollars if my memory serves me correctly.
google the magazine SOLUTIONS, pretty sure it was in there....respect~

[goodman]

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[leggo rocker]

People have commented on the high quality of rips from my vinyl to mp3 / CD.

The best way is to use the best turntable and amp you can get your hands on. (My system is a Sony PS-X65 and XL35 Cartridge with a Technics Power Amp / Pre Amp)

Make sure the stylus is top notch condition.

Clean the records first. This makes a MASSIVE, HUGE difference. High end audio is completely wasted on dirty records.

A pro wet / vacuum cleaning machine is by far the best here as 'dry' cleaning records - even with fluid - just scratches them even more by rubbing the dirt deeper into the grooves.

I use this:

http://www.britishaudio.co.uk/mothrcm.htm

When 'recording' to the computer keep the volume ultra low or use headphones - this is because the stylus can 'hear' the signal from the speakers and this will muddy the sound. Don't walk near the turntable if it isn't well isolated otherwise you'll hear this on the 'recording'.

If your PC doesn't have a line in port then you'll need to buy a soundcard that has one, or better still, throw the PC (PC = Pretty Crap) outta the window and buy an APPle Mac as these have them as standard and have very good internal sound processing hardware (so I am told by my geek son).

The software you use will depend on the system you are using (Mac, Linux or PC).

I haven't found that the software makes too much difference, it seems that some are easy to use or more stable than others. I use Audio Companion (on a MAC) which is very simple and effective. I know someone else who uses Soundtrack (a high end Pro Mac application) I have this but have never been able to figure out how to use it!

Rip to the highest quality available making the biggest file size at the highest bit rate.

Sorry, but those USB turntables don't do it for me. Cheap plastic, poor quality tone arms, etc, they are convenient, but that's all. And USB is mega crap at coping with sound because it simply wasn't made for it (ask my geek son, not me, for the full technical run down of why this is!).

Sorry for the Anti-WIndoze stance, I just can't help myself, but I really believe them to be the work of the devil.

[leggo rocker]

Better still, forget CDs and keep the vinyl

[leggo rocker]

On second thoughts, yes, rip to CD and sell me your rare vinyl

[bullit]

heheh lots of good thoughts there leggo, interesting about the USB, seen these and always wondered what their quality is

[dubunion]

I have to second leggo:
Forget new "low cost" usb or integrated solutions offered online. A good turntable sound requires weight, fine mechanics, and good setup. Most of the time these things do not come out of a cheap wonder solution you can buy online. Rather look for a decent 2nd hand turntable and a good quality older amp from before CD's were big (say seventies through early 90ies).

Ensure your stylus is ok, but also remember that turntables and pickup arms are mechanical as well as electrical devices. Vinyl gear needs to be set up to work correctly, and will sound bad if not correctly adjusted (stylus pressure, anti-skating, etc.). I use an old Thorens turntable, which sounded quite poor when I got it, but after maintenance (oiling the bearings, setting up the arm and cleaning the stylus), it sounds just fine. It is bit noisier than CD’s, and not all my vinyl is in good shape, but bass and percussion sound punchier and the music real.

You may need to search, but I am sure you ask around in ‘older hifi shops’ around where you live, you can find these things quite cheap – many people have good 20year old gear lying around. If you go that way probably you will also find someone who can help you set your gear up.

Forget about your PC’s default soundcard, you will need to get a soundcard that can record 24 bit, starts around $100. Whether Macintosh does this out of the box I don’t know.

Hook everything up and record to your computer from the “tape record” terminals of your amp. High sample rates are not that important (44.1kHz works just fine), but always record in 24bit uncompressed. Since 24 bit has a lot more dynamic range, you do not have to stress about maximising your record levels, as long as you stay out of overload you can boost the volume later without loosing quality and allows much better processing for removing noise and crackle if you want to. After adjusting the volumes and adding a little eq to your liking, save the files as 16bit and burn to CD, make mp3s and start enjoying your vinyl wherever you go…

dubunion