Topic: copying vinyl records to CD-R

[Lona]

I would like to copy my record collection onto CD-R. Is there a piece of equipment that I can connect via record player to PC, then copy directly onto CD-R

[Sandra]

What kind of system does your deck play through Lona? has it got a line out jack from the amplifier? If it has it just needs a lead from the line out from your amp to your line in on your soundcard on your PC (not mic in)  

[bat69]

Ideally there should be two leads ... left and right (red and white). As Sandra says .. these should connect to the "Line In" of the sound card (or mobo if its integrated sound) and just use a bit of software to 'record' the tracks

[daveeb]

lona, if you dont have a line out on your amp you could take the signal from the headphone output and send that to the line in of your soundcard.  maplins will do you the required connectors for about a fiver.

 

[Simon]

Lona, there are a few trial programs HERE which you may find useful for cleaning up the sound from your LPs, before transferring them to disc.

[Sandra]

I think a better way than connecting to the headphone socket would be if you have the output from the cartridge on your record deck plugged into the MIC in on your soundcard. We really need to know what your Hi Fi set up is though Lona  

The best quality would be obtained from Line Out to Line In.
Next best would be Cartridge out to Mic In
Worst would be Headphone out to Line In,( although this may be your easiest option )

[Lona]

I will explain my set up for my hi fi. It is a mini cd/tape with an Aux out which connects to a record deck. I use a cable going from the cd player to the record player. If I use the lead which goes to the record player then I would not be able to play the records. I could record the records onto tape and then use the aux lead to go to the pc but it would not be as good quality recording. I also have integral sound in PC which bat was referring to. By the way what's a mobo?

[Lona]

Another thing I forgot to mention Sandra. This PC has a built in MIC. My old one had a place for plugging in a MIC.

[Lona]

Lona, there are a few trial programs HERE which you may find useful for cleaning up the sound from your LPs, before transferring them to disc.

Lots of handy downloads there Simon. Thanks but first I need to be able to get them onto the PC

[Simon]

By the way what's a mobo?

It's a Motherboard, Lona.

I had to ask that not so long ago!!  

[Lona]

that's OK then Simon. I thought it was some kind of voodoo doll

[Sandra]

 It is a mini cd/tape with an Aux out which connects to a record deck. I use a cable going from the cd player to the record player.

You have confused me now Lona  

Do you mean that the record deck is connected to AUX IN by any chance ?

[Lona]

That's right Sandra. It is a seperate sony record deck but in order to play records I need an aux cable connected to the CD system.

[Sandra]

That cable would have been ideal for connecting to MIC IN as it will come straight from the cartridge unfortunately as you have a built in MIC you probably wont have another input into your on board sound.I think the best way would be for you to get a PCI soundcard,(unless you want digital 5.1 surround etc),a cheap one should do for only a few pounds.Then you would just need to install it and disable the onboard sound in Bios and use the MIC IN on the PCI card.
Just a thought though Lona,my deck has to go through a pre amp before it connects to my AUX IN on my mini Hi Fi,your deck hasnt got a built in pre amp as far as you know does it?

[Lona]

All I can tell you Sandra is that the record deck is brand new. I was given one cable connector to insert in the AUX of the HI FI and it works through the HI FI's sound system.  My son plugs his mobile phone into the back of the PC to transfer sound files to his phone. Is that of any use?