Vinyl to CD Conversion Software
Eventually, every former collector of vinyl records feels the itch to "Spin the Black Circle" again. Thanks to the advent of turntables that connect to the computer via the USB port, it is possible to conveniently transfer records to the computer for yourself and a friend. Software must be used to convert records to CD. There are many solutions available for this purpose, and understanding how these solutions differ can help you select the best one for your needs.
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Function
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At its most basic level, vinyl conversion software should be able to interface directly with a USB turntable, or record audio input through the sound card. The conversion software should also have an algorithm for noise reduction, allowing it to make the pops and scratches of records less evident. The software should then be able to convert the recordings to the format of your choice, including WAV and MP3.
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Features
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Each solution for converting records has a unique set of features, some of which may be more useful for your needs than others. Although virtually all conversion programs employ noise reduction, some employ algorithms that are equally effective on audio cassettes. Other conversion programs give you the ability to burn your tracks directly to a CD, while others automatically split your recordings into separate files, which can save a significant amount of time during long projects.
Limitations
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Although noise correction can do a great deal to make a badly scratched record more listenable, it is important to remember that it is virtually impossible to remove noise from a recording without also removing signal. Every person's ears are unique, and you may find that you are unable to notice the lost signal when applying noise reduction to a recording. However, if you are converting your records with the goal of making them sound better, try to obtain samples of before-and-after noise reduction for any software that you are considering buying before you spend your money. This can help you avoid disappointment.
Alternative
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It is not necessary to purchase specially-designed software to convert your records to CDs. Any audio recording software can record the output from your turntable, although there may be extra work involved in using software that was not written for this purpose. Consider a free audio recording program such as Audacity if you would prefer not to spend money on your vinyl conversion project.
Considerations
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Converting vinyl records to CD is not a project for everyone. Audiophiles praise vinyl for its ability to color sound subtly and reproduce sound in a warm and detailed manner. In converting a record to a digital format, some of this will be lost. For albums that are still being produced, it may be preferable to simply purchase the CD version, unless the CD was mastered poorly.
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- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of audiophilia
