How to Convert LPs to CDs

Dust off your old LPs and convert them to CDs.

Many individuals still have LPs. Vinyl recorders may have a nostalgic quality, but they do not work with most modern speakers. Individuals who wish to listen to their LPs/vinyl records on a stereo system or iPod are in luck thanks to new technology that can help convert LPs to CDs (and thus, to MP3s for your iPod). Learn how to convert LPs to CDs to get the most out of your vinyl record collection.

Things You'll Need

• Turntable
• Blank CDs
• Noise-reduction software
• Connection cables

Instructions

1. Setup your turntable and power on your computer. Connect the turntable to your computer's sound card. The type of cable you use depends largely upon the sound card model installed in your computer. If you're unsure which connector cables are compatible with your computer, consult the sound card manufacturer's documentation.

2. Launch your noise-reduction software and audio-recorder program on your computer. Free Audio Editor 2010 (softpedia.com/get/Multimedia/Audio/Audio-Editors-Recorders/Free-Audio-Editor.shtml) is a freeware noise-reduction application. Acoustica Spin It Again (acoustica.com/spinitagain) is a commercial application.

3. Set the audio-recording software to record all incoming audio from the sound card's "Input" jack. Press "Record."

4. Begin playing your vinyl record or LP on your turntable. As the turntable plays the LP, it will send the audio through your connector cable to your computer's sound card. The audio-recorder software then monitors the incoming sound data and saves it to your hard drive. Pause the audio-recorder software when your LP finishes playing. Alternatively, pause the recorder after each song to create separate MP3 files for each song on your vinyl record.

5. Launch your noise-reduction software and have it scan and fix all digital files imported from the LP-to-CD conversion process. When converting LPs to CDs or MP3s, the scratchy white noise on the vinyl record is often picked up by the audio-recorder software. The noise-reduction software will remove this so your converted LP songs are crisp and clear.

6. Create a playlist in iTunes or your favorite music-management software. Import the songs or discs converted from your LP. Burn the tracks to a blank CD. Alternatively, load the MP3s onto your iPod or similar MP3 player.

7. Play your vinyl record music. Depending on the speed of your computer processor and the amount of vinyl records you have, converting the LPs to CDs may take several hours (or even days).

References

• CDBurner.ca: Learn How to Convert LP to CD or Audio Cassette Tapes to CD!

Resources

• Acoustica: Spin It Again
• Free Audio Editor 2010