Best way to convert vinyl to CD?

halo71

I have a friend that wants to convert some of his vinyl collection to CD so he can listen to them in his truck. Short of buying something like a Ion USB TT and converting to mp3. I've heard many say the USB TT's suck. Are there other/better options that anyone can recommend? I am not so sure that the lack of sound quality of mp3 is all that important to him as it is me.

billbillw

Best or Easiest? Two different animals there. The BEST way is to play a normal high quality turntable into a high quality phono stage, then feed it into a line input of a high quality PC sound card. Record the input in WAV format (with at least 16/44 quality), then edit using Sound Forge or similar to remove cracks/pops/noise and master for CD.

The easiest way is using one of those lousy USB tables and the lousy software that comes with it.

Using the first method, you will make a CD that captures a majority of the vinyl fidelity. Using the USB table, it will sound like crap.

Fongolio

I am using a Techinics table into a Carver CT-Seven pre and then into my soundcard in my PC via an RCA to din patch cable. Recording in Audacity. It's "easy" once it's all set up. Small learning curve with Audacity.

wayne3burk

Maybe he should just record direct to CD -- as in vinyl to cassette tape.

I just saw this on Ebay and it would probably do the trick

http://cgi.ebay.com/Yamaha-Natural-Sound-CD-Recorder-CDR-D651_W0QQitemZ190375062057QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item2c533cea29#ht_762wt_936

unc2701

billbillw wrote: »

Best or Easiest? Two different animals there. The BEST way is to play a normal high quality turntable into a high quality phono stage, then feed it into a line input of a high quality PC sound card. Record the input in WAV format (with at least 16/44 quality), then edit using Sound Forge or similar to remove cracks/pops/noise and master for CD.

The easiest way is using one of those lousy USB tables and the lousy software that comes with it.

Using the first method, you will make a CD that captures a majority of the vinyl fidelity. Using the USB table, it will sound like crap.

+1 on all that, but I have seen some good arguments for doing a 192/24 rip w/o the phonostage, applying the reverse RIAA in the digital domain, then going back down to 44/16. Been meaning to try this out at my friend's studio, but haven't had time.

halo71

THanks guys. I think he is looking for the easiest and cheapest route here. Maybe the USB TT is the best option for him.

wayne3burk

The last one of these sold for $99.99 plus 20 dollars shipping == if your friend already has a turntable with a good cartridge and needle this unit still gets my vote !

http://cgi.ebay.com/Yamaha-CDR-D651-Dual-CD-R-Recorder-Player_W0QQitemZ160402501607QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item2558bbefe7#ht_1045wt_1165

mshan242700

Alesis Masterlink 9600?: http://www.stereophile.com/cdplayers/605/

Cheap option that sounds surprisingly good: Audio Technica AT-PL50 plugged into your computer sound card and using Audacity as software interface.

Project Debut USB turntable (around $500) is another option that allows you to plug into your computer and use Audacity (or Garage Band if you have a Mac). Hagtech the Ripper is another nice converter if you already own a very good turntable.

dorokusai

Keiko sent me some vinyl burns that were pretty stellar....drop him a line. A friend of mine uses a full-on Alesis rig for all his mastering.

halo71

Yeah I am thinking that Alesis is a wee bit more than what he will want to spend.

I have one of those dual tray CD to CD recorders. I didn't even think about him using that on his stereo with his TT. Hell I might just send that to him. I haven't used in it years.

billbillw

halo71 wrote: »

Yeah I am thinking that Alesis is a wee bit more than what he will want to spend.

I have one of those dual tray CD to CD recorders. I didn't even think about him using that on his stereo with his TT. Hell I might just send that to him. I haven't used in it years.

Used on Ebay, that Alesis goes for ~$400. Probably something that will always hold value too. Still too much?

I suppose your old Yamaha CD recorder might work, but IIRC, those CD recorders need to use the special "Music" CDs (that are exactly the same except for some little code on the lead in of the disc). They tend to be much more expensive. I'm not sure if you can set track indexes for each song or pause while flipping the vinyl. That would be something to look into. You certainly wouldn't be able to edit out the dust or scratch noises. To me, that is the biggest benefit of getting the rip onto a PC. The tools I use maintain fidelity while eliminating the clicks and pops. The software has gotten very good over the years.

Polkersince85

I have a couple of the HK cd-cd recorders. They work great for vinyl. Mine adds a new track for each song.

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halo71

The one I have is made by Koss I think. I bought it years ago at a yard sale I think it was. I have never even used it to copy a CD. I hooked it up once to see if it worked and played a CD and that was it.