LP to CD software/hardware recommendations?

[KP11520]

Hi Gang,

It's been a few years since I paid attention to this subject so I am wondering where it has progressed to since.

My friend has milk cartons of LPs in mint condition that he is ready to bring back to modern life.

He has an old TT (Garrard Zero 100S) with a MM cartridge and is hoping to buy some sort of PC interface that has all the right decent stuff needed between the TT and USB or Firewire or PCI slot to give quality CDs.

Hopefully the peak of value is not too expensive and might also come with software to bring out the best from his vinyl.

As always, Thanks fellas. Any guidance will be greatly appreciated as I know here is where the best answers and help live!!!

Regards//Keith

[Jonathan Bright]

You might look at "Audacity" for the software. I haven't used it but it seemed pretty competently put together. It was free last time I looked.

[sreten]

Hi,

one of the cheapest options is :



www.behringer.com/EN/Products/UFO202.aspx
http://www.behringer.com/EN/download...P0A12_M_EN.pdf

Behringer UFO202 Features:

- High-quality USB audio interface connects your turntable, cassette player, etc. with your computer for recording and playback

- Transfer and restore your valuable vinyl records and tapes to your computer via a simple USB connection

- Massive software bundle includes Audacity vinyl restoration, noise-reduction, editing and recording software, comprehensive podcasting software and over 150 virtual instruments and effect plug-ins

- The Behringer UFO202 includes revolutionary energyXT2.5 Compact music production software, with feature-rich audio/MIDI sequencer that loads almost instantaneously on all computer platforms

-Phono input switchable to line input source

- Stereo output allows easy connection and playback of computer audio files over your home sound system

- High-resolution 48 kHz converters for high-end audio quality

- Stereo Headphone output with dedicated Level control lets you monitor your input source

- Works with your PC or Mac computer - no setup or drivers required

- Powered via USB - no external power supply needed

rgds, sreten.

[sofaspud]

You'll likely need some sort of preamp (preferably with RIAA equalization) for the signal out of the turntable. Then the signal should go to a DAC (like the UC202) so it can input thru the USB port of the PC. I haven't used Audacity; I got hold of Goldwave and have been using it. The shareware version I used was minimally crippled and did what I wanted. I now have a registered copy (free lifetime updates). I know Goldwave has digital RIAA filters but I haven't had a reason to use them. I suggest playing with the setup when you get it all connected until you hit on a technique that works for you and your hardware.
Some interesting reading is the restoration case histories that Ron Tipton has written for his TDL Technology web site.

[Michael Bean]

Hard to beat the price of the Behringer UFO202, can be bought here in Minneapolis discounted to $35.00, but I'd be surprized if the sonics of the unit is anything but ordinary, I've heard thier guitar amps and they're ...ordinary. The deal here is, it takes a lot of time to play the record to get it onto your hard drive, then to de-click, de-rumble and such with whatever software you use (I use Groove Mechanic, works very well). I've found it generally takes about an hour or two for each record start to finish depending on how much cleaning up it needs.

Mike

[Pano]

How about splitting up and naming tracks? Do you find it very time consuming?

Originally Posted by sofaspud

You'll likely need some sort of preamp (preferably with RIAA equalization) for the signal out of the turntable.

The Behringer has this built in, if you choose to use it.

[sreten]

Hi, I've no gripes with a cheap unit being ordinary, what is the 100SB's cartridge ?, rgds, sreten.

Its cheap and cheerful, with what seems a decent software package.
If you have a decent hifi with phono, connect its tape out to line in.

[Michael Bean]

Pano,
Groove mechanic can be set up to auto detect song gaps after the LP is ripped to the hard drive, or you can do it manually. And somewhat surprizingly, most of the time, you can go on-line to the "freedb/database" and get the album and song titles there, it usually works but not always.

Mike

[KP11520]

Thanks for all your responses so far gentlemen.

sreten, I have no idea what cartridge he has but he did say he needs a new stylus. If the Garrard came equipped with something, I bet that's what it is.

No need for overkill on that clunky TT. LOL

The UFO202 sounds like it is in his price range (GREAT price for all that). I just hope the ADC is decent. I am not sure if he has a preamp or reciever with an internal Phono stage and Tape monitor, but that is a great idea if he has it and it saves $$$$

But I'm thinking whatever he has, has to at least have a Phono Stage or how would he have listened to all those LPs?

Thanks again gentlemen. If anyone has anything else to add, please do and I will pass it all on to him. Or even better, send him the hyperlink to this thread.

Regards//Keith

[sofaspud]

I have a Behringer UCA202. It doesn't have a phono input. I wasn't aware of the UFO202. It's likely there's lots of online improvement mods for both models.

How about splitting up and naming tracks? Do you find it very time consuming?

I've spent a lot of time in Goldwave. A whole lot.
Many software programs have the "split into tracks" option. I rarely use it and just set the points myself. Same with naming files and adding tags. I usually have to type it once, but then the software takes care of album/global edits. I use Mp3tag and it recognizes just about everything but wav. Apparently this can also be done automatically via the internet but I avoid that connection with my computer-based audio - it's on its own PC. I love audio, so it's all worth it.