Converting LP's to digital files

I keep wondering about this too. I am contemplating using a Korg MR2000 to do this. Let me know what you discover or do?

thx.

I believe there are a number of tutorials on the internet. You might also check the forums at Audio Asylum or a similar audio web sites as the issues have been covered extensively.

I've converted over 2,000 LPs and open reels to digital over the past 8 or 9 years.

I play my turntable through the phono preamp. The output of that plugs into my computer soundcard line input through a RCA to 1/8" phono jack converter. The equipment can be as basic or fancy as you like. There are also turntables with USB outputs that many use.

I use Adobe Audition to record the tracks, process for any clean-up such as click removal, and then split the recording into tracks. Then the files are saved to your preferred file format. At this point you can burn the music files to a CD, or you can tag them and move them to a music server.

There are other programs besides Audition. They range from free to expensive professional studio software.

I use Bellari VP530 phono stage with a USB output to my laptop. I then use a free software from Audacity. This combo works fine.

Its my understanding, that recording to a digital format is easy, however recording to a hi-rez format is a bit difficult which would be my goal if was to embark on this journey.
I found this sitehttp://www.channld.com/pure-vinyl.html , but haven't begun the research yet. good luck.
just a thought, PS audio perfectwave would allow hirez output to a PC...

If you want something very good/hi rez consider the Nagra LB digital recorder. I have not personally tried this yet, I may one day soon. Records up to 24/192.

http://www.nagraaudio.com/pro/index.php

Tone Audio has a pre-review posted in issue #23 page 98. www.tonepublications.com and a award posted in issue 25 page 102/103.

Anyway, a possible hi rez route to take...

I use the DAK-2800-PC. It works very well. After I modified it by changing the caps to Nichicon it worked even better.

The Music Vault 24-192 by Sound Science, has both Analog and Digital inputs for recording. Audacity works very well as free software to save a complete side of your record and then you can cut the songs into individual tracks with audacity as well. There is a program called Diamond Cut that will break the tracks up for you automatically.

After you have recorded your Records on to the Music Vault you can play them back with all the convenience of a Music Server.

The Music Vault will let you record your Records at any sample rate you choose up to 24 bits and 192 KSPS.

In my experience 24 bit 96K recordings sound identical to the record.

I should disclose that I designed the Music Vault Servers.

I use a Korg MR-1000 and it works very well. Here is my current set up:

Linn LP12/Ekos/Vallhalla/AQ FE5 > ARC PH5 > Korg MR-1000

With the Korg, I record at better than Super Audio CD resolution or 1 bit/ 5.6mhz. The Korg software lets you convert that high res master file to your choice of 24/192, 24/96 or 16/44.1

The results, even at 16/44.1 typically sound much better than a commercial CD.

One more thing:

I've tried lots of ways of doing this including using Meridian A/D converters, better phono rigs, etc. and nothing sounds identical to the record. There is always a loss. Still the results can be excellent.

Hi I currently use an Alesis Masterlink stand along Pro HD/CD recorder. It makes the process pretty easy and you can record 24/96 AIF files. You can save files on cd and transfer them to your music server or burn redbook (regular) audio cds.

It is a real work horse. no usb out.

http://www.alesis.com/masterlink

The analog to digital converter is very good and the street price is well under $1k.

-- Hey Davemitchell I am curious if you have any exposure to the Alesis, how do you think it stacks up vs. the Korg in terms of the quality of the ADCs. Obviously it is more versatile and can produce higher res files. I have held off on a the Tascam HD dvd burner recorder because I had heard that the quality of the ADC would not be better than in the Alesis.

thanks, Stephanie

I use a Denon studio cd-r recorder. It has XLR inputs that I use from my phono pre. Simple, yet perfect recordings. After that, I convert to any format I want through PC. At this point you can use software to manipulate the noise. 550.00 for the Denon.

I just bought a Cakewalk UA-1G, which is made by Roland. It has analog and mini optical inputs, and a USB and mini optical output. It also has an input volume control. It does up to 96khz. It came with their own software, but I've been using Audacity because I can't figure out the Cakewalk software. Audacity had a little bit of a learning curve, but after the 3rd or 4th try I got everything figured out.

I've been recording at 96/24 (DVD Audio standard) and Redbook 44.1/16. I don't have a way to play the 96/24 (need a new DAC to do that), but I'd like to have them when I get a capable DAC.

The 44.1/16 results are great to my ears. I compared my 180 gm vinyl recorded versions of Nirvana's Nevermind and In Utero to the CD versions, and it sounded noticably better to my ears. Others did as well.

For a little less than $100, you can't go wrong IMO. I can finally buy new stuff on vinyl and not worry about buying it on CD too. They make more expensive versions of it, but my reaearch lead me to believe the extra features on the more expensive models was stuff that I would never use and had no bearing on my overall sound - sound effects, pitch change, etc.

JR