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Rip LP's to Digital

Hello all ! I'm considering recording my LP's to my PC so that I can listen to them on either CD or iPod.

I've read about 2 programs a lot of people seem to like, namely "Vinyl Studio" and "Izotop" for completing the task but I'm unsure about the hardware.

I have a Dell E520 with Win XP and 2GB of RAM I'd like to use for the project although I could use my Macbook with an external HD if need be.

Most of the other posts I've read here are older so has anyone done this recently and without spending thousands of $ on hardware ??

Thanks,
Brian
gorquin

Showing 3 responses by zd542

zd542
5,339 posts
 
Can you list your system?
zd542
5,339 posts
 
If you are just looking to make CD's and MP-3's for your ipod, the solution is very simple. All you need to buy is a traditional component type CD burner. You would connect it to the tape input and tape loop on your C1, and it will work just like a cassette deck. Going this route will allow you to digitize your vinyl without touching a computer. Then, to make MP-3's for your ipod, you already have everything you need. You take the CD's that you made from your records, put them into the CD/DVD rom drive on your computer, and just use itunes to rip/import them.

I'm sure you can get a really good deal on a CD burner from Craigslist or Ebay. Probably less than $100. That and some blank CD's are all you need.
zd542
5,339 posts
 
"Thanks for your responses. The simple route I know. I'd like to use software because I do have some older material that I'd like to digitize and take the pops and clicks out of."

It really doesn't matter. Once you burn the CD, your music is digital and you can further process it however you wish. Just rip the CD to your hard drive.

If you're on a tight budget, here's a useful link for you. From this page you can download a self contained OS filled with free, open source software for AV creation and manipulation. All you need to do is download the file and burn it to a DVD. The whole thing runs directly from the DVD and does nothing to alter your hard drive with Windows. When you're done using it, reboot the PC and remove the DVD, and you'll go right back to Windows. There should be software on this DVD to do anything you could ever think of.

http://distrowatch.com/?newsid=08912
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