Converting vinyl records to digital...

[Bubinga99]

I still have lots of records that I don't have a digital copy of, so I'm looking for suggestions on equipment and software for the conversion.

I'm not looking for an awesome expensive system, since after all, these records have been mostly untouched for over 10 years at least. The only real purpose of the turntable is to get the records digitized, then it will probably either get sold or hit the attic.

I've seen the ION USB turntables and software, but they get very mixed reviews. Any experience with similar systems?

I do have an old turntable (a dual 1264 with an Adcom XC-Linetrace cartridge, circa 1981) but maybe I'm better off getting something that is new (I presume even a cheap turtable/cartridge today probably blows that away). Any advice on that?

[blakeh]

I used one of ART's units to convert some of my old 12" dance vinyl:

http://www.artproaudio.com/products.asp?type=91&cat=14&id=110

It worked quite well for me.

[rayslifecycle]

Keiko made me some of the best conversions I have ever heard.
Do a search for his posts on the topic and follow his advice.......solid stuff

[SCompRacer]

I use the free software Audacity and the tape outs from my preamp with phono stage to a sound card in the laptop. I also purchased ClickRepair for some LP's I have that are in less than ideal condition. I reverse the track before repairing clicks. As long as you don't set the repair value too high, no dynamics are lost. If you are interested, the Steve Hoffman forums have many extensive threads on using Audacity and ClickRepair.

Roger Sanders of Sanders Sound Systems converted all his LP's to DAT, but that was too pricey for me.

[Keiko]

http://audacity.sourceforge.net/download/

http://wwwmaths.anu.edu.au/~briand/sound/software_download/

I just use a simple stereo patch cord from my receivers headphone jack to the mic input on my PowerBook.
A little practice and you can make some nice sounding vinyl to CD transfers. The software is really straight forward.
Shoot me a PM if you have any questions.

[quadzilla]

I've run my phono preamp into an xfi and used audacity. Does ok. If you really want the stuff converted but don't want to mess with it and would be willing to work a deal, I could clean up the vinyl using a wet wash, then archive it to CD and send you the copies, assuming we can agree on a price for the records. You'd need to send them in batches though, unless you're close to me. Otherwise, they sell cheap phono preamps on ebay, and even have a usb preamp so you can use your dual, which is a pretty nice table. Audacity is free, so that part's pretty easy.