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Turntable>preamp>audio interface>PC>DAW>audio editor>save as FLAC>done. Most audio interfaces have peak level dials that you can adjust, I maximize the gain so it peaks then dial it back until the peak light disappears, from there I can adjust the main volume without any risk of distortion. It's the same method I use when adjusting studio mic volume to eliminate feedback. There's a lot more involved if collectors are seriously looking at digitalizing their vinyl collection, and for me personally, I like to eliminate as much noise from my recording as I can simply by cleaning it up with plugin software. Editing my digital recordings, cleaning up crackles and popping so they're as clean as possible while at the same time enhancing frequencies or just improving the overall sound quality of the recording is fun, recreational, and a relaxing activity. I enjoy messing around in the audio world. Fantastic video!
I have a bunch of Japanese LPs that arent available on streaming services. Archiving them onto my phone for portable listening is such a pleasure that I get to experience that music while on the move or when I simply dont want to put a rare vinyl on to conserve condition.
I was starting from scratch with Audacity for the digital conversion job, but did it! All thanks to you! I had to pause and go back a lot as pace was a bit quick, but thorough and I got there.
Thank you!!!! I am going to digitally record a jazz album that we did in high school in 1976. I believe only 24 to 36 of these albums were pressed, so quite rare. I plan to put them on UA-cam for my classmates (and their children and grandchildren) to enjoy. Reminiscing to the days when we old timers could really jam!
I don't use the compressor, but a couple of neat tricks to use before exporting are amplify, click removal and if you want to dig deeper, repair. All in the effect drop down 👍
you can actually reduce the surface noise of 45s when recording by recording them at 33 rpm and then speeding it up in post-processing. same idea as half speed tape recordings.
@@grants7390 Yeah I'm exploring audacity capabilities. I was wondering if it's worth using the 45rpm tool to correctly adjust the speed post recording. As we all know not all turntables spin at spot on 45rpm. I think there is a tape tool for tape speed manipulation too. What's your thought on that?
Stick to 44.1khz, 16 bit. If you understand Nyquist, you'll know anything beyond that is pointless. It is impossible for vinyl to reach the 96dB s/n ratio 16 bit provides.
OMG man, i´ve actually just digitalized my first vinyl. Different setup (Turntabel > Pro-Ject Record Box E > Laptop) but same result. THANKS! A! LOT! for this tutorial. 🙏
Thank you so much! Great overview. Following your directions, I was able to get everything hooked up through my Focusrite Scarlet, and recorded my first track.
I record my old albums on to a SONY CDR RECORDER THE FULL ALBUM IS IS IS RIGHT ONTO CDR then i take it into my computer and can rip it edit the tracks and then but a copy on to cd or keep on my computer the sound from the cd is the very same as my record punchy dynamic and sounds just the same as a mint record ..
I got a limited run vinyl from a smaller band where they covered songs from other bands they were touring with. They announced that the songs wouldn't be available anywhere other than the vinyl so I wanted to digitize it and this was incredibly helpful
Nice introduction to the topic! If you haven't tried it, you might want to give "Wave Corrector" a whirl. I've been using it to digitize and clean up my old vinyl records for 20 years or so. It has similar recording and track splitting functions to Audacity, it also has facilities to remove pops and crackles which work surprisingly well. I record as WAV but then convert to MP3 320 (yes I know. But it makes the music more portable. For "proper" listening at home I pull out the vinyl).
I also faded all tracks in / out, did light EQ (I am doing semi-pro music production so am quite experienced), and decided on a scheme how to name everything, incl. files, folders etc. All vinyl files (one per song) have an added DfLP put behind, meaning "Digital from LP". Because often times I own the CD, too. Listening to the vinyl has its own charm, and I am so glad I did this with all my albums. Though it took a while.
Thanks for walking through Audacity. I'm legally blind and I've had problems getting the signal to the PC on my AT LP120USB. I haven't been seeing the waveform at all as I try to transfer so I know it's not transferring. I'll go through those settings and check them and also be sure to turn on the monitor feature. Brian in Fort Worth 🎶
it does not come with software for your turntable. ? Then I have to be able to point everything, if you want it to sound better than a CD, it has to be more than 16 bit. but unfortunately your record player is limited to 16 bit
@@Andersljungberg No kidding? I did not realize my AT LP120USB only had a 16-bit output. What a bummer! I might have to do things the other way if it will let me increase the bit depth to 24 bit? That's a surprise and I did not even think to look and check that spec when I bought it. For some reason I just always assumed that all turntables were 24-bit at least on the ones that aren't the super cheap kind. Thanks for that info. I've been thinking about upgrading anyhow and moving this turntable to another room in the house.
There is a 4th way that I use. Turntable into integrated amp with a built in phono stage →Cd Recorder into said amp → Record onto CDRW disc in the CD Recorder →Finalise CDRW, pop into computer optical drive (you can buy external drive if your computer doesn't have one) → Fill in track info etc & Rip into the digital format you want (I use FLAC) using Asunder →Tag album art using Kid3. Both Asunder and Kid3 are free programs. This method, using a CDRW disc, let's you erase the disc and record again over and over. Also, you can record from any source going into your amp, so you can rip your Cassette collection this way too. P.S. I should add that I rip as FLAC 16bit 44.1khz. There's a good reason cd quality was set at this. I don't buy into the 'hi res' 24 bit marketing spin.
Again a very informative video, great. Thanks a lot. May I ask - and I suppose it's a stupid question - how you divide the individual tracks of a recorded album?
I would choose the 3rd route and connect the SSL component. Very handy step by step guide. I always use FLAC to save my recordings because of hdd space. If I was recording my 7" vinyls I would record at 24 bit/96KHz as master copy and then use the propriety 16 bit/44.1 for every day use on my MP3 walkman. I agree 192KHz is deffo overkill but you can definitely hear the difference with Hi-Res audio files at 96KHz opposed to CD quality format. I have the Soundblaster ZxR in my PC and was worth every penny. I upgraded from the Soundblaster Audigy 2 and that was pretty decent in its day.
I have my phono into my stereo. Stereo has a tape out so I plug the stereo tape out to go into the computer. I use a older moderately professional recording software (cakewalk) to modify the audio... adjust volume and balance, cut silence off at the ends of each song, fade in and fade out. Sometimes I'll eq it too a little if it's too bright or needs bass. If it's live I can split one concert into multiple songs.
The other route you haven't mentioned is that if you have a traditional hifi you can take a line out signal from the amplifier. Use the preamp you already own rather than buy a new one.
So long as you’re going into a good USB audio interface, that should work fine. I like to keep the signal chain as short as possible when doing these things so as to reduce the potential for noise. Going from an amplifier/receiver to a standard PC sound card, however, is unlikely to produce a good result. In my experience at least. Happy archiving!
@@soundmatters Yup I go from a NAD amp (using the line out / tape record sockets) to Behringer interface to USB socket on the PC. It sounds great. I agree totally that the microphone socket on the PC sounds awful by comparison. The Behringer interface is inexpensive (
I often use an HH Scott tube preamp. It has a few different rolloff settings which are useful when transferring 78's. Amusingly, it also has a knob to adjust the signal strength just like his Rega, only it's 60 years old!@@defendermodsandtravels
I've just hooked my ion iTTUSB record player\turntable to my Denon digital cassette deck and recording came good when adjusted the levels etc played the tape back!!
I think there should be a software to rip vinyl records that retrieves album information automatically such as the one that comes with the PRO-Ject turntable. I have for me that I read somewhere that it should
@@soundmatters I am however having difficulty with the recording volume. It remains at 100% and I can not lower the volume under the "Extras" drop down menu. It will reverts to 100% after I adjust the level. Maybe if my Mac computer (it's old 2011). Maybe it's the incompatibility of all functions...I'm at a loss. Any suggestions?
@@60sStyling Have a look at the audio set up in your Mac as that can play up and interfere with audacity if you are using the software. Make sure you tick what devices you are using like soundmatters was covering.
Really brilliant! I have a lot of vinyl and Audacity, and a digital audio interface and a pre-amp. I'll borrow a record deck and that'll keep me out of mischief for a few months!
@@soundmatters I borrowed a record player, bought a little Cadisi digital pre-amp, and fired up Audacity on a Linux Mint computer. Just recorded Steel Wheels side 1 by the Rolling Stones using your tutorial and it is AMAZING!. For an audio interface I used a Boss BR-800. That allows me to select the Mix EQ and all that kind of stuff. I used Line In as the input to a stereo track, switched off Reverb and Compression, but left Noise Suppression on. The result is superb! Thank you for this brilliant tutorial.
I am using a cheap Project USB pre-amp (around €90). I am amazed by it‘s USB microphone. I was listening to an album only released on record in the car the other day and my boyfriend thought it was a CD.
Thanks great record \vinyl recording tutorial,it really helped me. I've found a another which was quite clever of me,I connected my turntable through my Samsung Dvd\Hdd recorder with AV connection I have to trick it by going through some video input way through into setup box\etc then have blank channel or something the sound will be used via the turntable audio connections which sound is pretty decent and DD digital sound it copy's to th Hdd then keep for my records back up,then later to copy to disc,then disc to PC convert it,it seem s long process its not!!
I use audacity to make the transcription of my vinyl records and I use a third party program to remove clicks from my audio. Next, I split my songs into tracks and make an audio 💿 of my favorite albums or 45’s.
Hi Mark, just watched you video on transferring vinyl to computer. I should add I am a complete Newby to this and have just downloaded Audacity 3.4, some of the jitems you mentioned don't appear on my setup for instance . On hitting file , the only export selection is Export and Export other. Upon hitting export there is no populating metadata. Is it me or is this notavailable on 3.4 ? Would welcome any advice if you have the time to respond . Many thanks Geoff
Hi Geoff. Thanks for watching and for commenting. Yes, they have changed the menu a little bit, which I can understand is confusing. Essentially, they have condensed all of the export options (including export multiple) into the Export Audio selection. When you click this, you will see the "export range" section where you can select "export multiple". Make sure you the files set to "split files based on (labels)" and then name files based on "labels". The meta data should be all done based on the labels, but you can check it by hitting the "edit meta data" button in the bottom left of the "export audio" section. I hope this helps clarify. It's still essentially the same process, they've just condensed a few menu options into one space. Maybe I need to do a second tutorial.... :)
@soundmatters Thanks for your help Msrk. Have used your advice and seems to have solved my problem, the only thing is it doesn't cycle through the various tracks but does place the data in the end file. Keep up the good work.
something i like to do when recording 45s is play them back at 33 1/3. I then speed it back up in audacity. doing this I've had a quite noticeable decrease in crackles and pops.
If you want a sound that is as close to the analog vinyl sound, you should probably have as high sound settings as possible. Then there is of course a discussion about whether DSD or PCM is best The most extreme is well DXD
Hi. I have a doubt. Do you connect the turntable to the pre amp and then to the audio mixer and then to the computer via USB or do you choose either one or another? What’s the point of the two devices if you can plug directly to the computer? Wouldn’t be better to use the two stereo outputs on the turntable to the audio mixer directly?
I'm not sure what devices you own, but I always aim to keep the signal chain as short as possible with as few gain stages as possible when recording vinyl. So if you have a USB sound card, just go out of your phono preamp into that (bypass the mixer) and you're good. But this all depends on what you're using. I can't tell from your comment. I'm happy to help if you let me know what models you're using. Thanks
Thanks for your answer. I have an audiotechnica record player with usb output (can’t remember the model) and a iMac with usb input. What do you suggest?
@@victorfernandes4395 OK, great. You can just go straight out of the USB output into your computer. Alternatively, you can got out of the RCA output into a phono preamp with a USB connection (such as the Rega Fono Mini mentioned in this video). The third option is to go out of a phono preamp into a USB audio interface (like the SSL2+ mentioned in this video. Your easiest method is the built-in USB output of your turntable.
I greatly thank you for your patience. But since those devices you mentioned connect to the computer (any computer) through usb, specially macs which can’t use peculiar sound cards, what would be the great improvement in sound? Just a louder WAV?
@@victorfernandes4395 If you use the built-in Audio Technica USB, it will be handling the phono stage internally and the analog to digital conversion. This is convenient, but in general, an external phono preamp will sound better than an integrated one. Also, I suspect the Audio Technica USB will be fixed at a lower sample rate of around 44.1KHz or 48KHz, with a sample rate of maybe 16bit. To be fair, for most people this is absolutely fine. Try the USB connection and see if you like how it sounds. If you like it, you're all set.
Excellent demonstration. Your version of Audacity is a bit different from the one I just downloaded for my MacBook Pro M1.It's not major, just some of there settings are labeled differently. FYI, I am using a Plus Audio The + Record Player which has a built in Phono Preamp and has a USB Port that connects directly to my MacBook Pro and makes it quick an easy to interface with Audacity. I just select USB CODEC as the Input Device from the Sound Menu in the System Preferences and it connects to Audacity.
Thanks! Glad it was helpful. They’ve released a new version or two since I recorded this. The export function has been consolidated into one space, for example. I may do a refresh video soon. Your setup sounds good 👍 🎶🎧
@@soundmatters I discovered the only problem with using the USB CODEC CONNECTION is the volume control adjustment is disabled in Audacity so there is no way to turn it down. The audio coming out of my +Record Player from the USB PORT is quite hot and the Meter in Audacity is peaking. However it doesn’t sound like the audio is actually distorted. I transferred 2 original, Rare, Milton Banana Trio Albums yesterday and they both sound great. I think I’ll do a comparison using my SSL 2+ AUDIO Interface to connect and see if there are any discernible differences.
I have digitized more than 4000 LPS of approximately 6000 using audacity. I record in stereo and than convert to mono and export as a FLAC file. I use easytag in Linux for the meya data and record cover. I also scan the record jacket as well. When I do my show I have what I need at my disposal. I also receive comments from the radio station management how good the recordings sound.
Thank you for review. With such great audio interface you can record 32 bit float 96khz and will up to best & in same time reasonable quality level. And after export file to 16/24 bits depth 48/88,2/96khz..32 bit float give you ability not be overloaded in peaks,because of great dynamic range associated with 32bit depth.Sole IMHO.
Hi, great video and for a lot from it. I’ve uploaded Audacity but looks like they are charging for their subscription now, is this the case. Are you still using Audacity or now using an alternative free service?
Ive been doing this for years. Best gadget is the old instant music interface from adl. It is DAC and ADC. Has usb connection and phono in and out. Just connect to amp tape connections then to pc. Simply acts like a tape deck can play and record from turntable like with a tape deck. Audacity lets you set levels etc. Very simple
That's what I do with a Soundblaster USB sound card and I sample my recording at 24 bits 96 khz as I don't want to loose any of the quality of my vinyls as I use an Ortofon 2M black and I use the flac system unlesse it is a mixed album compilation or live one in those case I use the wave format as it is easier to edit.
Your tutorial was helpful. I now have my turntable connected to a new Rega fono mini A2D pre-amp. The big question for me is where to find a cable to connect the USB Output jack to my PC soundcard. I have searched Amazon and found nothing that looks like it would work. Could you please refer to a part number and vendor so I can complete the connection? Than you!
Thanks - I'm glad it helped. You just need to plug the USB cable into a USB input on your computer. What computer do you have? There's no need to use your PC soundcard with the Rega pre.
I capture my Vinyl with my Traktor Audio 10 Sound Card that connects to my computer via USB (it has photo level inputs also aswell as line level). I play back my records on my Stanton ST-150 Turntable with an Ortofon Archiv Stylis cartridge. I use Audacity and capture the audio at 96kHz, 24Bit ,4608kbps. I save the files as AIFF audio files to keep them uncompressed and have the ability for encoded album art meta data. I play them back on a Fiio M11 Pro media player with Balanced headphones. 👌🏻👍🏻
I'm recording it in 96 khz in 24 bit. because I remove the noise on the records afterwards. You can see it with spectral view of the record. Every pickup has noise. By using Adobe Audition I collect the noise and making a noiseprint and remove the noise, enchancing the volume to 99%. Better than CD. You can see the noise on your video between the tracks. About -42 db.
I’m seeing this video for the first time. Can u assure that the audio quality of the record is held during the conversion in a digital format? Thank you
Higher sampling rates cause the audio to be sampled more times per second. And pieces of bits make the wave shape finer closer to an analog waveform. Now if I didn't misunderstand or mix something up
Yes, and of course, there's the Nyquist theorem side of sample rates which dictates the range of frequencies that a digital system can capture. Less quantization error in systems higher than 16bit 44.1KHz, but then there's a lot of debate about whether or not we can really hear the benefit in most cases. It's a huge can of worms this topic and perhaps something I'll dig into at a later date. At the end of the day, since hard disc space is relatively affordable these days, I'd go for the highest sample rate/bit depth your kit will allow.
No worries. Glad it helped! Three options: 1) Turntable with USB output, 2) Turntable going into a phono preamp with USB output (like the Rega one linked in the description) 3) Turntable going into a phono preamp and then a USB audio interface (like the SSL2+ mentioned in the description. So it's less about the turntable than it is the way you connect it to you computer. Hope this helps!
Hello 👋 thanks for the video! Everything worked but somehow my recording is very quiet. I used the usb port and no pre-amp.or recording device (version 1). Do you have an idea what I did wrong? Thank you!!!
Thanks fro your tips and info... I have tried to record with a USB turntable connection and with a RCA to a UCA202 connection to the PC. In both cases I see and hear that noise from the PC is very high on a test. How can I avoid that noise? Thanks
Thanks this is super helpful! If my turntable already has phono preamp, is it ok to use an rca to 1/4 cable to plug directly into a usb audio interface, and then to a computer?
What USB turntable do you recommend for the best sound quality conversion to digital? Also, which cartridge do you recommend for the most accurate sound from the vinyl?
Hi, I have watched this a few times, referring to it as I go down this rabbit hole. Thank you! I have a question/questions regarding volume of final product. TT with Ortofon Super 20>Schiit Mani 2>Scarlett 2i2>Audacity on MacBook Pro. I recorded LP, listened as AUP, listened as AIFF through headphones on laptop and on Scarlett, and while quieter than a CD, it seems to all be there. Apple Music plays AIFF just fine. When I listen on my iPhone, though, the volume is very low. I cannot find a satisfactory solution, and hope folks have some suggestions. Do I need to use the AIR function on Scarlett? Instrument on? Or just a line level through TS cable? I boosted gain on interface but how to do that equally to both channels, correctly? What is the optimal maximum input level? I set interface gains so it peaked at -6db, but I suspect this is too low? IS normalization feature I have about the solution? This seems wrong, as essentially you're remastering the vinyl by bumping gain levels and normalizing. I hate second guessing Kevin Gray's amazing work on my Tone Poet LPs. Thanks!
Hi Mark, excellent tutorial showing multiple options. I just bought a USB turntable and downloaded Audacity but I'm having an issue with the recording cutting out. My best guess is that I don't have enough buffer space. Have you seen or hear of that and do you have any suggestions? Thanks again great video.
Hey! So sorry I missed this comment. If I'm not too late, then yes, you're possibly right. A very low buffer size will reduce latency in what you hear when monitoring, but it will tax your computer resources more and could result in errors. Try increasing it until you get a stable performance. Thanks for your kind words on the tutorial and hope you manage to sort the issue
@soundmatters HI, No worries, haha. I could never over come the data dropouts on Windows 11 machine, although checking 5-8 tweaks suggested online. The issue never arose on a Windows 10 machine. My rabbit-hole journey has been interesting and successful. Thanks again for your video.
What is the best way to transfer vinyl to get the best quality? I am about to begin recording my vinyl collection but debating on how to do it. I’ve got the audio technica lp 120 USB turntable with AT-VM95SH stylus. I have a Sony str-av1020 receiver. I can transfer the record straight to cd via an external cd recorder. Then import the cd into my laptop as a wave file using iTunes. I’ve always been happy with the quality doing it this way. Or I could connect the turntable straight to my laptop either through usb or to the mic jack and record that way without the receiver bc turntable has internal amp. I use audacity and export it as wave that way. I don’t use editing filters to remove pops etc…I think using filters takes away from the natural sound. Or I can use receiver and connect to mic jack on laptop. I wasn’t sure if it makes difference when recording to laptop if I should use receiver or internal amp with turntable. My laptop runs on windows 10 with the sound card that came with it. Could the sound card lessen the quality bc it is not a top of the line sound card? I thought still sounded pretty good. But I just want to make sure I’m getting the best results before investing lot of time. Could the sound card affect the quality whether I connect through usb? Hopefully this makes sense it’s just there are so many ways to record…appreciate any feedback. And by quality I am referring to the natural smooth sound of the lp. I know the stylus can make a difference and that is why I upgraded to the shibata. My lps are in great condition, every now and then there might my a pop or crackle but I do not mind that. I love lot of bass. I am kinda just leaning towards recording straight to cd recorder via Sony receiver but want to make sure. Any tips on scanning lp covers? I plan on doing it with gimp art and scanning in portions and then put together. If there is an easier way with great results please let me know. Thank you!
Great article but mine goes straight to 0 and is nowhere near the -12 to -6 range whether it's in Recording mode or Enable Silent Monitoring option. What do I edit to keep it within the -12 to -6 range?
A PCM file can be compressed with ALAC or Flac. If you want to play an Apple device, AlAC is well recommended. But the best thing is not to compress anything at all. I think AIFF supports Tags
The trouble with recording vinyl straight into computer is that typically HiFi and computers are in different rooms. So you need to move one of them. Alternative; get a professional solid-state recorder, from the likes of Tascam, Denon and others. This will typically be no bigger than a cassette deck. Connect to output of phono stage, or tape out on your amp. Record to solid-state recorder. This will typically store WAV or AIFF files. Copy to USB on the recorder. Take USB stick to PC, copy files to PC. Edit with Audacity or similar.
Hi I still use Cool Edit Pro 2.0 from way back in 2002 ish.. works fine on Windows 10.. I've always wondered if using a much more up-to-date DAW would give a better quality recording, because of the advances in technology they're able to capture more bits etc.. Any help with this query would be much appreciated thanks
As far as I know, you can increase the bit depth in cool edit pro. So realistically, any upgrade is more about software functionality. Upgrading your front end audio interface for something with better analog to digital converters will likely give you better audio quality if that’s what you’re after. That depends on what you’re running already, of course.
Will a turn table running through an analogue mixer work too instead of having to get a Phono pre-amp? Also, when i tried to rip records in the past using Audacity via the line-in/Mic on my laptop (& setting everything to a Stereo Mix), it still came out Mono. Will connecting my mixer via USB grab everything in Stereo? Thanks.
@@Malegys - a cable from your mixer to a built-in sound card on most computers is unlikely to produce a high-quality result, so I would recommend investing into a USB audio interface like the one mentioned in this video. If you have any other questions, fire away! Cheers
What cables.do I need to connect the ssl2+ to the laptop. My phono preamp has xlr outputs but how does this connect to the laptop? Do i need a separate usb cable? Thanks Paul
What I think is interesting, the quality in sound between a Pick-Up with build in AD-convertor with USB output and a good quality record player and a High End AD-convertor. The price for the compete set (the record player with build-in USB output) is available for Aldi prices. But only the RIAA-convertor with low-noise pre-amplifier costs more then that. Is the all in one - cheap supermarket - in one week we sell ten thousand - Made in Chet Chen - the best quality or should I use a classical gramophone record player and an Emagic or a MOTU AD-convertor. Can ears detect the details? Or are we in a situation where posh nitwits are sold so called super high quality gold plated loudspeaker cable?
You mention the space required to store the music files. What type of HD do you recommend. Is there a physical disk or a virtual disk? I have approx 700 albums that I would like to digitize. These are all original 1st pressings, so I don't play them often and digitizing is a way to preserve the vinyl. Thanks.
I would get yourself a solid state drive. I like the ScanDisk ones (they're super small and portable): amzn.to/3q8uSUX (Amazon Affilliate Link) You could also look into creating your own NAS drive (Network Attached Drive) and create your own library for streaming. All good fun :)
You could just use an audio interface (assuming you’re connecting via a phono preamp). But it might be better in this case to just buy some powered speakers
I have a Pro-Ject Phono preamp without a usb port. But i do have an audio interface. Can i still do this? I also can't find out what the max sample rate and bitrate the preamp supports.
I am looking into trying this process. I have about 350 albums but for one reason or another-sadly my hi-fi stereo is no longer available. What USB turntable do you recommend - that will do a decent job? I don't want to spend a ton of cash as I have recently invested in a SONOS system I just don't want to repurchase my vinyl collection some of which are no longer available. Thanks in advance for the help and for posting the step-by-step guide.
If my speakers (Klipsch Sixes) that my turntable is plugged into have a usb port in them and phono/line switch does that mean they have a preamp and I can just use them straight to the computer to record the vinyl?
Thanks for your question. I believe the USB on those speakers is an input only and not an audio interface, so unfortunately not. Great speakers by the way 🎶🎧
turntable pro-ject Debut Carbon RecordMaster Hi-Res and Sony PS-HX500 . Can Output 24bit 192kHz or DSD. The interesting thing about DSD is that it is said to give an analogue-like sound. if you don't want to buy a record player now, you can buy a digital recorder for PCM 24 Bit or DSD Although finding DSD seems a bit tricky
Dynamic range of vinyl compared to cd is much less but if u want to really make your recordings 'sing' get the most expensive cartridge that will fit your player
Every time I convert vinyl to mp3, my recording comes out low. Whenever I transfer it to iTunes, the recording is not as loud as it sounded when it was being recorded. Any suggestions?
When I plug my technics deck into my rega preamp and then out the rega into the SSL 2plus , exactly the gear in this video , the gains have to be turned right down to 0 and its still too loud... also it only works with the line buttons not pressed down (the monitor mix is to input) the sound is great its just too loud and peaks on audacity with no way to turn it down... what am I doing wrong , please !!?? Thanks in advance, J
Thanks Mark for the tutorial, I found it very helpful. But I have an issue with my setup. Maybe someone can enlighten me. I have approximately the same set up. Turtable REGA P3, REGA fono mini A2D, Solid State Logic SSL 2+. So I manage to transfert vinyl to the computer using VinylStudio. My problem is with the gain. Even with both chanels at "0" gain on the SSL 2+, the music is still practically in the red near the top. I have tried 2 different LPs. The recording are good, but I feel that someting is wrong here because there is no place for adjustments with the gain knobs.
Are you going into the SSL2+ with XLR cables? If so, you need to swap to a quarter inch jack. This will then mean the SSL is receiving a line level signal which is much lower. You'll then easily be able to control the levels using the gain knobs. Hope this helps. Anything else, please do ask.
@@soundmatters Okay, I’ll give that a try. In the meantime, I’m using my old Yamaha amplifier, the volume has decreased a bit and I can adjust the gain a little for some albums. The rest is not in the red anymore. But It takes up quite a bit of space, which is why I liked the REGA Mini A2D MK2-it’s so compact. Thanks for your response! Keep up the great work!
@@soundmatters I checked behind my SSL 2+, and it seems there are no quarter-inch INPUT connections available. I’m not sure how to proceed from here. I’ve looked into attenuators, but they either seem quite expensive or suspiciously cheap (I’m not keen on buying from China or platforms like AliExpress or Temu). Any advice would be appreciated!
@@guylafond Hey! The SSL has Neutrik combi XLR/jack inputs. Those black preamp inputs on the back of the unit can take both XLR and quarter-inch jack cables. I know, confusing at first glance. Does that make sense?
Help! Technics 1200G Musical Fidelity M1 Vinl Ssl2+ interface Windows 11 Lenovo laptop. Recording vinyl. Great! BUT THERE IS A PROBLEM! Recordings have pops randomly that are NOT present on the record or as I listen to it recording. I monitor through the headphone jack on the SSL2+ These audiable pops are mid tone to almost bass in frequency. They are not present at the monitoring stage. What's going on. I'm so disappointed as it spoils my transfers. Happens about 12 times in a 40 minute recording. 😢
Hi Paul: sorry to hear about this. It sounds like you have the audio buffer set too low for your system power. Can you try increasing this and see if it helps. There may be more of a delay in monitoring the sound via software on input, but it should fix your issue. (In Audacity: this is done via the Audio Setup, then click "Audio Settings" -- see "buffer length"
@soundmatters thank you for your reply that's very helpful. I think it is indeed buffer length as I have been playing with this to see if it eliminates the problem.. Running under 1000 seems to cause trouble. I now put the laptop in flight mode, turn off monitor audio, and close the screen. Buffer now set at 3000. Is there a case of too big a buffer in this scenario? Doesn't seem to be Only issue I have is it won't play back and comes up with an error message if I don't set the buffer back to 100 before I start editing.
@@paulwheatley141 - great! Thanks Paul. Generally, it's best to keep the buffer size below 1024, but you having a higher than 128 buffer size isn't really an issue as you're not doing multitrack recording where the latency might cause an issue. So: two choices here I'd say: 1: increase the buffer size to either 256 or 512 2: If that doesn't work, it might be time for a computer upgrade or to optimize its performance. Hope this helps Paul
@soundmatters thank you. May I ask is there a reason for those buffer numbers in particular? I tried 800 and had errors in the recording. Isn't the bigger the buffer best when recording viny? The computer is only 3 years old and was quite a reasonably expensive one at the time. Seems odd that it is struggling. Thanks.for your.help!
@@paulwheatley141 - odd, most recording software has these preset at these numbers I mentioned, but I see audacity does not. 256 should be more than enough buffer. What sample rate and bit depth are you using? There are other issues that could cause pops (buffer is just the most likely), so this is a process of elimination.
Can someone advice, please? I have a Project Turntable followed by Project Phono PreAmp followed by a USB Audio Grabber (A/D converter) that goes into a Mac via USB to record using Audacity. Problem: The signmal is to "loud" for recordings without clipping. The record level slider in audacity does not work. What should I do to reduce input levels in Audacity? Is it a bug in Audacity that mnight be fixed eventually? Should I reduce the output signal from the PreAmp before converting to digital? What kind of device would do this? I hope this all makes sense and thanks for any helpful comment.
Hey John. Sorry to hear of your troubles. This sounds like an compatibility issue with your USB device. I’d consider swapping it for a USB audio interface that allows for hardware volume adjustment. The SSL device I mentioned can do this with the right cables from your project phono pre.
Yes: you can do that. The Focusrite scarlet is class compliant and can be connected to a smart phone without any additional drivers. Here is an affiliate link: amzn.to/3SZ7Eg3 Are you on an iPhone? If so, you'll need their lightening to USB adaptor Also, you will need a powered USB 3.0 hub to supply power to the audio interface.
Thanks for watching! Drop your comments and questions below. If you'd like to support the channel, check the video description for many DISCOUNT CODES codes to enjoy money off various products and feed your vinyl habit! (I earn a small commission - no additional cost to you). Thank you for your support!
this is a commercial then?
Then don't watch it. You are not being forced to.
@@jasonanderson5034
Turntable>preamp>audio interface>PC>DAW>audio editor>save as FLAC>done. Most audio interfaces have peak level dials that you can adjust, I maximize the gain so it peaks then dial it back until the peak light disappears, from there I can adjust the main volume without any risk of distortion. It's the same method I use when adjusting studio mic volume to eliminate feedback.
There's a lot more involved if collectors are seriously looking at digitalizing their vinyl collection, and for me personally, I like to eliminate as much noise from my recording as I can simply by cleaning it up with plugin software.
Editing my digital recordings, cleaning up crackles and popping so they're as clean as possible while at the same time enhancing frequencies or just improving the overall sound quality of the recording is fun, recreational, and a relaxing activity. I enjoy messing around in the audio world.
Fantastic video!
Thanks for your additions to the topic 🎶🎧 Vinyl Studio is quite a good tool for audio repair I’ve found 👍
Hey,what software do you use to edit and clean up?
I have a bunch of Japanese LPs that arent available on streaming services. Archiving them onto my phone for portable listening is such a pleasure that I get to experience that music while on the move or when I simply dont want to put a rare vinyl on to conserve condition.
Jap Jazz LP brother?
I have a ton of Korean vinyls from the 60s from my grandma that I want to do the same too!
ok weird question, but on any of these have some english lyrics? and if so, are there lyrics that say "everyone knows that"
@@fuccjkole8524 please share it with us. (:
Same. Have some vintage Japanese city pop, funk and boogie LPs I’d like to preserve.
I was starting from scratch with Audacity for the digital conversion job, but did it! All thanks to you! I had to pause and go back a lot as pace was a bit quick, but thorough and I got there.
Excellent! Glad to help! Enjoy the music 🎶
Thank you!!!!
I am going to digitally record a jazz album that we did in high school in 1976.
I believe only 24 to 36 of these albums were pressed, so quite rare. I plan to put them on UA-cam for my classmates (and their children and grandchildren) to enjoy. Reminiscing to the days when we old timers could really jam!
Can’t wait to see it
I don't use the compressor, but a couple of neat tricks to use before exporting are amplify, click removal and if you want to dig deeper, repair. All in the effect drop down 👍
Thanks Mark 👍 happy spinning and recording 🎶
you can actually reduce the surface noise of 45s when recording by recording them at 33 rpm and then speeding it up in post-processing. same idea as half speed tape recordings.
@@grants7390 Yeah I'm exploring audacity capabilities. I was wondering if it's worth using the 45rpm tool to correctly adjust the speed post recording. As we all know not all turntables spin at spot on 45rpm. I think there is a tape tool for tape speed manipulation too. What's your thought on that?
Just did my first conversion, thank you so much for sharing how simple this was!
Stick to 44.1khz, 16 bit. If you understand Nyquist, you'll know anything beyond that is pointless. It is impossible for vinyl to reach the 96dB s/n ratio 16 bit provides.
yes
Unless you're using the DBX encoded discs, which are rare but have a high S/N ratio thanks to DBX Type II decompression.
OMG man, i´ve actually just digitalized my first vinyl. Different setup (Turntabel > Pro-Ject Record Box E > Laptop) but same result. THANKS! A! LOT! for this tutorial. 🙏
Thanks! Glad it helped. Sounds like a nice convenient setup for digitizing! Happy listening
Thank you so much! Great overview. Following your directions, I was able to get everything hooked up through my Focusrite Scarlet, and recorded my first track.
I record my old albums on to a SONY CDR RECORDER THE FULL ALBUM IS IS IS RIGHT ONTO CDR then i take it into my computer and can rip it edit the tracks and then but a copy on to cd or keep on my computer the sound from the cd is the very same as my record punchy dynamic and sounds just the same as a mint record ..
I got a limited run vinyl from a smaller band where they covered songs from other bands they were touring with. They announced that the songs wouldn't be available anywhere other than the vinyl so I wanted to digitize it and this was incredibly helpful
Nice introduction to the topic!
If you haven't tried it, you might want to give "Wave Corrector" a whirl. I've been using it to digitize and clean up my old vinyl records for 20 years or so. It has similar recording and track splitting functions to Audacity, it also has facilities to remove pops and crackles which work surprisingly well.
I record as WAV but then convert to MP3 320 (yes I know. But it makes the music more portable. For "proper" listening at home I pull out the vinyl).
I also faded all tracks in / out, did light EQ (I am doing semi-pro music production so am quite experienced), and decided on a scheme how to name everything, incl. files, folders etc. All vinyl files (one per song) have an added DfLP put behind, meaning "Digital from LP". Because often times I own the CD, too. Listening to the vinyl has its own charm, and I am so glad I did this with all my albums. Though it took a while.
Thanks for walking through Audacity. I'm legally blind and I've had problems getting the signal to the PC on my AT LP120USB. I haven't been seeing the waveform at all as I try to transfer so I know it's not transferring. I'll go through those settings and check them and also be sure to turn on the monitor feature.
Brian in Fort Worth 🎶
Glad to hear this might help. Let me know how you get on. It does sound like an input setting needs to be changed 👍
it does not come with software for your turntable. ? Then I have to be able to point everything, if you want it to sound better than a CD, it has to be more than 16 bit. but unfortunately your record player is limited to 16 bit
@@Andersljungberg No kidding? I did not realize my AT LP120USB only had a 16-bit output. What a bummer! I might have to do things the other way if it will let me increase the bit depth to 24 bit? That's a surprise and I did not even think to look and check that spec when I bought it. For some reason I just always assumed that all turntables were 24-bit at least on the ones that aren't the super cheap kind. Thanks for that info. I've been thinking about upgrading anyhow and moving this turntable to another room in the house.
a few years ago I bought the cheap digitnow audio capture adapter witch doesn't need a pre-amp and works fine... with Audacity of course !
Thanks for this very good explanation of how this works. Best one I’m encountered so far!!
Thanks! That's great to hear. I'm glad it helped
There is a 4th way that I use.
Turntable into integrated amp with a built in phono stage →Cd Recorder into said amp → Record onto CDRW disc in the CD Recorder →Finalise CDRW, pop into computer optical drive (you can buy external drive if your computer doesn't have one) → Fill in track info etc & Rip into the digital format you want (I use FLAC) using Asunder →Tag album art using Kid3.
Both Asunder and Kid3 are free programs.
This method, using a CDRW disc, let's you erase the disc and record again over and over. Also, you can record from any source going into your amp, so you can rip your Cassette collection this way too.
P.S. I should add that I rip as FLAC 16bit 44.1khz. There's a good reason cd quality was set at this. I don't buy into the 'hi res' 24 bit marketing spin.
Again a very informative video, great. Thanks a lot. May I ask - and I suppose it's a stupid question - how you divide the individual tracks of a recorded album?
I would choose the 3rd route and connect the SSL component. Very handy step by step guide. I always use FLAC to save my recordings because of hdd space. If I was recording my 7" vinyls I would record at 24 bit/96KHz as master copy and then use the propriety 16 bit/44.1 for every day use on my MP3 walkman. I agree 192KHz is deffo overkill but you can definitely hear the difference with Hi-Res audio files at 96KHz opposed to CD quality format. I have the Soundblaster ZxR in my PC and was worth every penny. I upgraded from the Soundblaster Audigy 2 and that was pretty decent in its day.
Soundblaster Audigy... now that's a blast from the past. I had the Audigy one back in the early 2000s
Thanks Mark, I'm definitely getting that Behringer Converter as the headphone jack idea didn't work so I definitely need a usb connection
Thanks so much for this tutorial. I'm excited to get my vinyl into digital.
Glad to hear it was useful. Happy spinning (and digitizing) :)
I have my phono into my stereo. Stereo has a tape out so I plug the stereo tape out to go into the computer. I use a older moderately professional recording software (cakewalk) to modify the audio... adjust volume and balance, cut silence off at the ends of each song, fade in and fade out. Sometimes I'll eq it too a little if it's too bright or needs bass. If it's live I can split one concert into multiple songs.
The other route you haven't mentioned is that if you have a traditional hifi you can take a line out signal from the amplifier. Use the preamp you already own rather than buy a new one.
So long as you’re going into a good USB audio interface, that should work fine. I like to keep the signal chain as short as possible when doing these things so as to reduce the potential for noise. Going from an amplifier/receiver to a standard PC sound card, however, is unlikely to produce a good result. In my experience at least. Happy archiving!
@@soundmatters Yup I go from a NAD amp (using the line out / tape record sockets) to Behringer interface to USB socket on the PC. It sounds great. I agree totally that the microphone socket on the PC sounds awful by comparison. The Behringer interface is inexpensive (
I often use an HH Scott tube preamp. It has a few different rolloff settings which are useful when transferring 78's. Amusingly, it also has a knob to adjust the signal strength just like his Rega, only it's 60 years old!@@defendermodsandtravels
An idea: you ever thought about live streaming yourself recording a song from vinyl to computer, then fixing up the recording? 😊
Cool. Nice idea - thanks for the suggestion and for watching. Hope the tutorial was helpful
I've just hooked my ion iTTUSB record player\turntable to my Denon digital cassette deck and recording came good when adjusted the levels etc played the tape back!!
Enjoy!
I think there should be a software to rip vinyl records that retrieves album information automatically such as the one that comes with the PRO-Ject turntable. I have for me that I read somewhere that it should
Good video. I've been digitizing my LPs for decades.
Glad you enjoyed it. What method do you use? Happy listening!
You are saying USB ...but you are showing RCA connectors.....confusing because I keep looking for the USB slot.
Thank you so much. You're tutorial was the easiest to understand and your explanations helped immensely.
Glad it helped! Happy recording and spinning
@@soundmatters I am however having difficulty with the recording volume. It remains at 100% and I can not lower the volume under the "Extras" drop down menu. It will reverts to 100% after I adjust the level. Maybe if my Mac computer (it's old 2011). Maybe it's the incompatibility of all functions...I'm at a loss. Any suggestions?
@@60sStyling Have a look at the audio set up in your Mac as that can play up and interfere with audacity if you are using the software. Make sure you tick what devices you are using like soundmatters was covering.
Really brilliant! I have a lot of vinyl and Audacity, and a digital audio interface and a pre-amp. I'll borrow a record deck and that'll keep me out of mischief for a few months!
Sounds good! Glad the video helped 🎶🎧
@@soundmatters I borrowed a record player, bought a little Cadisi digital pre-amp, and fired up Audacity on a Linux Mint computer. Just recorded Steel Wheels side 1 by the Rolling Stones using your tutorial and it is AMAZING!. For an audio interface I used a Boss BR-800. That allows me to select the Mix EQ and all that kind of stuff. I used Line In as the input to a stereo track, switched off Reverb and Compression, but left Noise Suppression on. The result is superb! Thank you for this brilliant tutorial.
I am using a cheap Project USB pre-amp (around €90).
I am amazed by it‘s USB microphone.
I was listening to an album only released on record in the car the other day and my boyfriend thought it was a CD.
Nice. Glad to hear it. Happy listening
Thanks great record \vinyl recording tutorial,it really helped me. I've found a another which was quite clever of me,I connected my turntable through my Samsung Dvd\Hdd recorder with AV connection I have to trick it by going through some video input way through into setup box\etc then have blank channel or something the sound will be used via the turntable audio connections which sound is pretty decent and DD digital sound it copy's to th Hdd then keep for my records back up,then later to copy to disc,then disc to PC convert it,it seem s long process its not!!
I use audacity to make the transcription of my vinyl records and I use a third party program to remove clicks from my audio. Next, I split my songs into tracks and make an audio 💿 of my favorite albums or 45’s.
How do you remove the clicks and pops
Hi Mark, just watched you video on transferring vinyl to computer. I should add I am a complete Newby to this and have just downloaded Audacity 3.4, some of the jitems you mentioned don't appear on my setup for instance . On hitting file , the only export selection is Export and Export other. Upon hitting export there is no populating metadata. Is it me or is this notavailable on 3.4 ? Would welcome any advice if you have the time to respond . Many thanks Geoff
Hi Geoff. Thanks for watching and for commenting. Yes, they have changed the menu a little bit, which I can understand is confusing. Essentially, they have condensed all of the export options (including export multiple) into the Export Audio selection. When you click this, you will see the "export range" section where you can select "export multiple".
Make sure you the files set to "split files based on (labels)" and then name files based on "labels".
The meta data should be all done based on the labels, but you can check it by hitting the "edit meta data" button in the bottom left of the "export audio" section.
I hope this helps clarify. It's still essentially the same process, they've just condensed a few menu options into one space.
Maybe I need to do a second tutorial.... :)
@soundmatters Thanks for your help Msrk. Have used your advice and seems to have solved my problem, the only thing is it doesn't cycle through the various tracks but does place the data in the end file. Keep up the good work.
Recording your vinyl into the computer is better as there is no glitching the sound is true and good quality and you own the original recording
Thanks for this detailed description. Helped me a lot.
Glad it helped!
something i like to do when recording 45s is play them back at 33 1/3. I then speed it back up in audacity. doing this I've had a quite noticeable decrease in crackles and pops.
If you want a sound that is as close to the analog vinyl sound, you should probably have as high sound settings as possible. Then there is of course a discussion about whether DSD or PCM is best The most extreme is well DXD
Yes - lots of debate here: a topic for another day
Hi. I have a doubt. Do you connect the turntable to the pre amp and then to the audio mixer and then to the computer via USB or do you choose either one or another? What’s the point of the two devices if you can plug directly to the computer? Wouldn’t be better to use the two stereo outputs on the turntable to the audio mixer directly?
I'm not sure what devices you own, but I always aim to keep the signal chain as short as possible with as few gain stages as possible when recording vinyl. So if you have a USB sound card, just go out of your phono preamp into that (bypass the mixer) and you're good. But this all depends on what you're using. I can't tell from your comment. I'm happy to help if you let me know what models you're using. Thanks
Thanks for your answer. I have an audiotechnica record player with usb output (can’t remember the model) and a iMac with usb input. What do you suggest?
@@victorfernandes4395 OK, great. You can just go straight out of the USB output into your computer. Alternatively, you can got out of the RCA output into a phono preamp with a USB connection (such as the Rega Fono Mini mentioned in this video). The third option is to go out of a phono preamp into a USB audio interface (like the SSL2+ mentioned in this video.
Your easiest method is the built-in USB output of your turntable.
I greatly thank you for your patience. But since those devices you mentioned connect to the computer (any computer) through usb, specially macs which can’t use peculiar sound cards, what would be the great improvement in sound? Just a louder WAV?
@@victorfernandes4395 If you use the built-in Audio Technica USB, it will be handling the phono stage internally and the analog to digital conversion. This is convenient, but in general, an external phono preamp will sound better than an integrated one.
Also, I suspect the Audio Technica USB will be fixed at a lower sample rate of around 44.1KHz or 48KHz, with a sample rate of maybe 16bit. To be fair, for most people this is absolutely fine.
Try the USB connection and see if you like how it sounds. If you like it, you're all set.
Excellent demonstration. Your version of Audacity is a bit different from the one I just downloaded for my MacBook Pro M1.It's not major, just some of there settings are labeled differently. FYI, I am using a Plus Audio The + Record Player which has a built in Phono Preamp and has a USB Port that connects directly to my MacBook Pro and makes it quick an easy to interface with Audacity. I just select USB CODEC as the Input Device from the Sound Menu in the System Preferences and it connects to Audacity.
Thanks! Glad it was helpful. They’ve released a new version or two since I recorded this. The export function has been consolidated into one space, for example. I may do a refresh video soon. Your setup sounds good 👍 🎶🎧
@@soundmatters I discovered the only problem with using the USB CODEC CONNECTION is the volume control adjustment is disabled in Audacity so there is no way to turn it down. The audio coming out of my +Record Player from the USB PORT is quite hot and the Meter in Audacity is peaking. However it doesn’t sound like the audio is actually distorted. I transferred 2 original, Rare, Milton Banana Trio Albums yesterday and they both sound great. I think I’ll do a comparison using my SSL 2+ AUDIO Interface to connect and see if there are any discernible differences.
Audacity can automatically detect the tracks and create a label for each and after editing the label it will export the multiple tracks.
Very clear video! So helpful. Thanks mate!
Glad to hear it. Enjoy the music 👍🎶🎧
I have digitized more than 4000 LPS of approximately 6000 using audacity. I record in stereo and than convert to mono and export as a FLAC file. I use easytag in Linux for the meya data and record cover. I also scan the record jacket as well. When I do my show I have what I need at my disposal. I also receive comments from the radio station management how good the recordings sound.
Cool. You convert everything to mono though?
Thank you for review. With such great audio interface you can record 32 bit float 96khz and will up to best & in same time reasonable quality level. And after export file to 16/24 bits depth 48/88,2/96khz..32 bit float give you ability not be overloaded in peaks,because of great dynamic range associated with 32bit depth.Sole IMHO.
Hi, great video and for a lot from it. I’ve uploaded Audacity but looks like they are charging for their subscription now, is this the case. Are you still using Audacity or now using an alternative free service?
As far as I can see, Audacity is still free. Do you mean their Cloud-saving service? Recording to your computer is free.
This for the Real audiophiles🧘🏽♂️
Ive been doing this for years. Best gadget is the old instant music interface from adl. It is DAC and ADC. Has usb connection and phono in and out. Just connect to amp tape connections then to pc. Simply acts like a tape deck can play and record from turntable like with a tape deck. Audacity lets you set levels etc. Very simple
That's what I do with a Soundblaster USB sound card and I sample my recording at 24 bits 96 khz as I don't want to loose any of the quality of my vinyls as I use an Ortofon 2M black and I use the flac system unlesse it is a mixed album compilation or live one in those case I use the wave format as it is easier to edit.
Your tutorial was helpful. I now have my turntable connected to a new Rega fono mini A2D pre-amp. The big question for me is where to find a cable to connect the USB Output jack to my PC soundcard. I have searched Amazon and found nothing that looks like it would work. Could you please refer to a part number and vendor so I can complete the connection? Than you!
Thanks - I'm glad it helped. You just need to plug the USB cable into a USB input on your computer. What computer do you have? There's no need to use your PC soundcard with the Rega pre.
I capture my Vinyl with my Traktor Audio 10 Sound Card that connects to my computer via USB (it has photo level inputs also aswell as line level). I play back my records on my Stanton ST-150 Turntable with an Ortofon Archiv Stylis cartridge. I use Audacity and capture the audio at 96kHz, 24Bit ,4608kbps. I save the files as AIFF audio files to keep them uncompressed and have the ability for encoded album art meta data. I play them back on a Fiio M11 Pro media player with Balanced headphones. 👌🏻👍🏻
I'm recording it in 96 khz in 24 bit. because I remove the noise on the records afterwards. You can see it with spectral view of the record. Every pickup has noise. By using Adobe Audition I collect the noise and making a noiseprint and remove the noise, enchancing the volume to 99%. Better than CD. You can see the noise on your video between the tracks. About -42 db.
I’m seeing this video for the first time. Can u assure that the audio quality of the record is held during the conversion in a digital format? Thank you
Higher sampling rates cause the audio to be sampled more times per second. And pieces of bits make the wave shape finer closer to an analog waveform. Now if I didn't misunderstand or mix something up
Yes, and of course, there's the Nyquist theorem side of sample rates which dictates the range of frequencies that a digital system can capture.
Less quantization error in systems higher than 16bit 44.1KHz, but then there's a lot of debate about whether or not we can really hear the benefit in most cases. It's a huge can of worms this topic and perhaps something I'll dig into at a later date.
At the end of the day, since hard disc space is relatively affordable these days, I'd go for the highest sample rate/bit depth your kit will allow.
Brother thank you for this good turtotial, one question wich turntable do you need for this ?
No worries. Glad it helped! Three options: 1) Turntable with USB output, 2) Turntable going into a phono preamp with USB output (like the Rega one linked in the description) 3) Turntable going into a phono preamp and then a USB audio interface (like the SSL2+ mentioned in the description.
So it's less about the turntable than it is the way you connect it to you computer. Hope this helps!
Hello 👋 thanks for the video!
Everything worked but somehow my recording is very quiet. I used the usb port and no pre-amp.or recording device (version 1). Do you have an idea what I did wrong?
Thank you!!!
Thanks fro your tips and info...
I have tried to record with a USB turntable connection and with a RCA to a UCA202 connection to the PC. In both cases I see and hear that noise from the PC is very high on a test. How can I avoid that noise? Thanks
Thanks this is super helpful! If my turntable already has phono preamp, is it ok to use an rca to 1/4 cable to plug directly into a usb audio interface, and then to a computer?
Glad it helped! Yes, absolutely. Set to line level, not mic level.
@@soundmatters thank you!
What USB turntable do you recommend for the best sound quality conversion to digital? Also, which cartridge do you recommend for the most accurate sound from the vinyl?
Hi, I have watched this a few times, referring to it as I go down this rabbit hole. Thank you! I have a question/questions regarding volume of final product. TT with Ortofon Super 20>Schiit Mani 2>Scarlett 2i2>Audacity on MacBook Pro. I recorded LP, listened as AUP, listened as AIFF through headphones on laptop and on Scarlett, and while quieter than a CD, it seems to all be there. Apple Music plays AIFF just fine. When I listen on my iPhone, though, the volume is very low. I cannot find a satisfactory solution, and hope folks have some suggestions. Do I need to use the AIR function on Scarlett? Instrument on? Or just a line level through TS cable? I boosted gain on interface but how to do that equally to both channels, correctly? What is the optimal maximum input level? I set interface gains so it peaked at -6db, but I suspect this is too low? IS normalization feature I have about the solution? This seems wrong, as essentially you're remastering the vinyl by bumping gain levels and normalizing. I hate second guessing Kevin Gray's amazing work on my Tone Poet LPs. Thanks!
Hi Mark, excellent tutorial showing multiple options. I just bought a USB turntable and downloaded Audacity but I'm having an issue with the recording cutting out. My best guess is that I don't have enough buffer space. Have you seen or hear of that and do you have any suggestions? Thanks again great video.
Hey! So sorry I missed this comment. If I'm not too late, then yes, you're possibly right. A very low buffer size will reduce latency in what you hear when monitoring, but it will tax your computer resources more and could result in errors. Try increasing it until you get a stable performance.
Thanks for your kind words on the tutorial and hope you manage to sort the issue
@soundmatters HI,
No worries, haha.
I could never over come the data dropouts on Windows 11 machine, although checking 5-8 tweaks suggested online. The issue never arose on a Windows 10 machine. My rabbit-hole journey has been interesting and successful. Thanks again for your video.
What is the best way to transfer vinyl to get the best quality? I am about to begin recording my vinyl collection but debating on how to do it. I’ve got the audio technica lp 120 USB turntable with AT-VM95SH stylus. I have a Sony str-av1020 receiver. I can transfer the record straight to cd via an external cd recorder. Then import the cd into my laptop as a wave file using iTunes. I’ve always been happy with the quality doing it this way. Or I could connect the turntable straight to my laptop either through usb or to the mic jack and record that way without the receiver bc turntable has internal amp. I use audacity and export it as wave that way. I don’t use editing filters to remove pops etc…I think using filters takes away from the natural sound. Or I can use receiver and connect to mic jack on laptop. I wasn’t sure if it makes difference when recording to laptop if I should use receiver or internal amp with turntable. My laptop runs on windows 10 with the sound card that came with it. Could the sound card lessen the quality bc it is not a top of the line sound card? I thought still sounded pretty good. But I just want to make sure I’m getting the best results before investing lot of time. Could the sound card affect the quality whether I connect through usb? Hopefully this makes sense it’s just there are so many ways to record…appreciate any feedback. And by quality I am referring to the natural smooth sound of the lp. I know the stylus can make a difference and that is why I upgraded to the shibata. My lps are in great condition, every now and then there might my a pop or crackle but I do not mind that. I love lot of bass. I am kinda just leaning towards recording straight to cd recorder via Sony receiver but want to make sure. Any tips on scanning lp covers? I plan on doing it with gimp art and scanning in portions and then put together. If there is an easier way with great results please let me know. Thank you!
worked perfectly for me! thanks for the help!
Great to hear! Thanks for watching. Enjoy the music
Great vid. My "Export Labels" is greyed out - any suggestions
Great article but mine goes straight to 0 and is nowhere near the -12 to -6 range whether it's in Recording mode or Enable Silent Monitoring option.
What do I edit to keep it within the -12 to -6 range?
A PCM file can be compressed with ALAC or Flac. If you want to play an Apple device, AlAC is well recommended. But the best thing is not to compress anything at all. I think AIFF supports Tags
What's the sound like when you do this compared to buying a CD?
The trouble with recording vinyl straight into computer is that typically HiFi and computers are in different rooms. So you need to move one of them.
Alternative; get a professional solid-state recorder, from the likes of Tascam, Denon and others. This will typically be no bigger than a cassette deck. Connect to output of phono stage, or tape out on your amp. Record to solid-state recorder. This will typically store WAV or AIFF files. Copy to USB on the recorder.
Take USB stick to PC, copy files to PC. Edit with Audacity or similar.
True if you have a desktop computer, easier with a laptop. Great alternative suggestions added, thanks for being part of the discussion 🎶🎧
Hi I still use Cool Edit Pro 2.0 from way back in 2002 ish.. works fine on Windows 10.. I've always wondered if using a much more up-to-date DAW would give a better quality recording, because of the advances in technology they're able to capture more bits etc.. Any help with this query would be much appreciated thanks
As far as I know, you can increase the bit depth in cool edit pro. So realistically, any upgrade is more about software functionality. Upgrading your front end audio interface for something with better analog to digital converters will likely give you better audio quality if that’s what you’re after. That depends on what you’re running already, of course.
Will a turn table running through an analogue mixer work too instead of having to get a Phono pre-amp? Also, when i tried to rip records in the past using Audacity via the line-in/Mic on my laptop (& setting everything to a Stereo Mix), it still came out Mono. Will connecting my mixer via USB grab everything in Stereo? Thanks.
If your mixer has a usb out, this should work in the same way as a usb audio interface. Hope this helps 🎶🎧
@@soundmatters Yeah, that's the problem. It doesn't. But thanks for answering anyway ! Cheers.
@@Malegys - a cable from your mixer to a built-in sound card on most computers is unlikely to produce a high-quality result, so I would recommend investing into a USB audio interface like the one mentioned in this video.
If you have any other questions, fire away! Cheers
I was wondering what record player you were using. I have a Victoria. Is that a good one or are there any others that would make a big difference
In this video it's a Pro-Ject X1. What's the model name of your turntable?
Excellent video. Thanks. What is your computer…Mac or Microsoft based?
Glad it helped! I’m on a Mac, but audacity is available on both 🎶🎧
@@soundmatters Yes, I found that out, as my laptop is Intel/Microsoft based. I’ve actually ordered some of equipment you mentioned.
@@markcarruthers3313 - Cool! Happy recording. That's a nice project over the holiday season for you 🎶
What cables.do I need to connect the ssl2+ to the laptop.
My phono preamp has xlr outputs but how does this connect to the laptop? Do i need a separate usb cable?
Thanks
Paul
It comes with the USB cable supplied 🎶🎧
What I think is interesting, the quality in sound between a Pick-Up with build in AD-convertor with USB output and a good quality record player and a High End AD-convertor. The price for the compete set (the record player with build-in USB output) is available for Aldi prices. But only the RIAA-convertor with low-noise pre-amplifier costs more then that. Is the all in one - cheap supermarket - in one week we sell ten thousand - Made in Chet Chen - the best quality or should I use a classical gramophone record player and an Emagic or a MOTU AD-convertor. Can ears detect the details? Or are we in a situation where posh nitwits are sold so called super high quality gold plated loudspeaker cable?
I have a pioneer plx500, i want to have the best sound quality, do you recommend a seprate pre amp and audio interface ?
You mention the space required to store the music files. What type of HD do you recommend. Is there a physical disk or a virtual disk? I have approx 700 albums that I would like to digitize. These are all original 1st pressings, so I don't play them often and digitizing is a way to preserve the vinyl. Thanks.
I would get yourself a solid state drive. I like the ScanDisk ones (they're super small and portable):
amzn.to/3q8uSUX (Amazon Affilliate Link)
You could also look into creating your own NAS drive (Network Attached Drive) and create your own library for streaming. All good fun :)
Worked like a charm. Thanks sir
Glad it helped! Happy spinning/archiving - enjoy the music
what program do you use if you just want to listen to your records though your computer? I have good speakers set up on the pc.
You could just use an audio interface (assuming you’re connecting via a phono preamp). But it might be better in this case to just buy some powered speakers
Excellent tutorial !!
Glad it helped. Happy recording 🎶🎧
I have a Pro-Ject Phono preamp without a usb port. But i do have an audio interface. Can i still do this? I also can't find out what the max sample rate and bitrate the preamp supports.
Thank you so much for your help man appreciate it ❤
Glad to hear it helped! Enjoy the music
I am looking into trying this process. I have about 350 albums but for one reason or another-sadly my hi-fi stereo is no longer available. What USB turntable do you recommend - that will do a decent job? I don't want to spend a ton of cash as I have recently invested in a SONOS system I just don't want to repurchase my vinyl collection some of which are no longer available. Thanks in advance for the help and for posting the step-by-step guide.
If my speakers (Klipsch Sixes) that my turntable is plugged into have a usb port in them and phono/line switch does that mean they have a preamp and I can just use them straight to the computer to record the vinyl?
Thanks for your question. I believe the USB on those speakers is an input only and not an audio interface, so unfortunately not. Great speakers by the way 🎶🎧
turntable pro-ject Debut Carbon RecordMaster Hi-Res and Sony PS-HX500 . Can Output 24bit 192kHz or DSD. The interesting thing about DSD is that it is said to give an analogue-like sound. if you don't want to buy a record player now, you can buy a digital recorder for PCM 24 Bit or DSD Although finding DSD seems a bit tricky
Dynamic range of vinyl compared to cd is much less but if u want to really make your recordings 'sing' get the most expensive cartridge that will fit your player
Will this help with this vinyl to mp3 process. Mix12FX 12 channel mixer with effects?
Please put a list of equipment needed
Every time I convert vinyl to mp3, my recording comes out low. Whenever I transfer it to iTunes, the recording is not as loud as it sounded when it was being recorded. Any suggestions?
I have the same issue.
How do I make it louder?
When I plug my technics deck into my rega preamp and then out the rega into the SSL 2plus , exactly the gear in this video , the gains have to be turned right down to 0 and its still too loud... also it only works with the line buttons not pressed down (the monitor mix is to input) the sound is great its just too loud and peaks on audacity with no way to turn it down... what am I doing wrong , please !!?? Thanks in advance, J
Well detailed. Thanks sir!
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks Mark for the tutorial, I found it very helpful. But I have an issue with my setup. Maybe someone can enlighten me. I have approximately the same set up. Turtable REGA P3, REGA fono mini A2D, Solid State Logic SSL 2+.
So I manage to transfert vinyl to the computer using VinylStudio. My problem is with the gain. Even with both chanels at "0" gain on the SSL 2+, the music is still practically in the red near the top. I have tried 2 different LPs. The recording are good, but I feel that someting is wrong here because there is no place for adjustments with the gain knobs.
Are you going into the SSL2+ with XLR cables? If so, you need to swap to a quarter inch jack. This will then mean the SSL is receiving a line level signal which is much lower. You'll then easily be able to control the levels using the gain knobs. Hope this helps. Anything else, please do ask.
@@soundmatters Okay, I’ll give that a try. In the meantime, I’m using my old Yamaha amplifier, the volume has decreased a bit and I can adjust the gain a little for some albums. The rest is not in the red anymore. But It takes up quite a bit of space, which is why I liked the REGA Mini A2D MK2-it’s so compact. Thanks for your response! Keep up the great work!
@@soundmatters I checked behind my SSL 2+, and it seems there are no quarter-inch INPUT connections available. I’m not sure how to proceed from here. I’ve looked into attenuators, but they either seem quite expensive or suspiciously cheap (I’m not keen on buying from China or platforms like AliExpress or Temu).
Any advice would be appreciated!
@@guylafond Hey! The SSL has Neutrik combi XLR/jack inputs. Those black preamp inputs on the back of the unit can take both XLR and quarter-inch jack cables. I know, confusing at first glance. Does that make sense?
Ah ! Wonderful ! Never would have guessed that one. Thanks, have a great day !
My turntable and preamp do not have usb. Can I still use any of these methods? Thanks!
You’ll need to get a usb audio interface ideally. There are a couple mentioned in the video and description. Hope that helps
Help!
Technics 1200G
Musical Fidelity M1 Vinl
Ssl2+ interface
Windows 11 Lenovo laptop.
Recording vinyl. Great! BUT THERE IS A PROBLEM!
Recordings have pops randomly that are NOT present on the record or as I listen to it recording. I monitor through the headphone jack on the SSL2+
These audiable pops are mid tone to almost bass in frequency. They are not present at the monitoring stage.
What's going on. I'm so disappointed as it spoils my transfers.
Happens about 12 times in a 40 minute recording. 😢
Hi Paul: sorry to hear about this. It sounds like you have the audio buffer set too low for your system power. Can you try increasing this and see if it helps. There may be more of a delay in monitoring the sound via software on input, but it should fix your issue. (In Audacity: this is done via the Audio Setup, then click "Audio Settings" -- see "buffer length"
@soundmatters thank you for your reply that's very helpful. I think it is indeed buffer length as I have been playing with this to see if it eliminates the problem..
Running under 1000 seems to cause trouble.
I now put the laptop in flight mode, turn off monitor audio, and close the screen. Buffer now set at 3000.
Is there a case of too big a buffer in this scenario? Doesn't seem to be
Only issue I have is it won't play back and comes up with an error message if I don't set the buffer back to 100 before I start editing.
@@paulwheatley141 - great! Thanks Paul. Generally, it's best to keep the buffer size below 1024, but you having a higher than 128 buffer size isn't really an issue as you're not doing multitrack recording where the latency might cause an issue.
So: two choices here I'd say:
1: increase the buffer size to either 256 or 512
2: If that doesn't work, it might be time for a computer upgrade or to optimize its performance.
Hope this helps Paul
@soundmatters thank you. May I ask is there a reason for those buffer numbers in particular? I tried 800 and had errors in the recording. Isn't the bigger the buffer best when recording viny?
The computer is only 3 years old and was quite a reasonably expensive one at the time. Seems odd that it is struggling. Thanks.for your.help!
@@paulwheatley141 - odd, most recording software has these preset at these numbers I mentioned, but I see audacity does not. 256 should be more than enough buffer. What sample rate and bit depth are you using?
There are other issues that could cause pops (buffer is just the most likely), so this is a process of elimination.
how would i determine the sampling rate and bit based on my pre-amp specs?
Do you mean your phone preamp? Has it got a usb output on it? Which model do you have?
Can someone advice, please? I have a Project Turntable followed by Project Phono PreAmp followed by a USB Audio Grabber (A/D converter) that goes into a Mac via USB to record using Audacity. Problem: The signmal is to "loud" for recordings without clipping. The record level slider in audacity does not work. What should I do to reduce input levels in Audacity? Is it a bug in Audacity that mnight be fixed eventually? Should I reduce the output signal from the PreAmp before converting to digital? What kind of device would do this? I hope this all makes sense and thanks for any helpful comment.
Hey John. Sorry to hear of your troubles. This sounds like an compatibility issue with your USB device. I’d consider swapping it for a USB audio interface that allows for hardware volume adjustment. The SSL device I mentioned can do this with the right cables from your project phono pre.
What is the best turn table and phone pre amp that has the best adc considering im not on a budget as my audio interface i have is the rme ucx ii
Do you need the phono preamp if the turntable and/or the interface has a built-in preamp?
If your turntable has a built in preamp, you can go straight into an USB audio interface. If your turntable has a USB output, this is an option too
Within Audacity are there controls to adjust recording volume levels? Tx
Is it possible to connect an audio interface to a smartphone to make the recording, and then transfer it to a pc/mac for post-editing?
Yes: you can do that. The Focusrite scarlet is class compliant and can be connected to a smart phone without any additional drivers. Here is an affiliate link:
amzn.to/3SZ7Eg3
Are you on an iPhone? If so, you'll need their lightening to USB adaptor
Also, you will need a powered USB 3.0 hub to supply power to the audio interface.
You do realize that the USB turntables have similar crap converters like the built in motherboard soundcards right?
Where did you get that cleaning brush from?
The GrooveWasher walnut one? Here's their website: www.groovewasher.com/
You can get 10% off when using my code SOUNDMATTERS10