How to convert LPs to MP3 with a USB Turntable

Have you bought a record player that attaches to your PC via USB and now you want to convert your LPs and 45s to MP3 format to play from your mp3 player? Here's how.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Record player (phonograph) with USB connection
• Audio recording software

1. 
    
   USB Ports

   CONNECT TURNTABLE'S USB CABLE TO PC USB PORT
   
   For this demo, we'll be using a turntable designed to connect directly into your PC's USB port. So no receivers, RCA cables or adapters will be necessary. Simply plug the turntable's USB cable into the PC's USB Port.

2. 
    
   Check Recording Device on PC

   MAKE SURE THE DEFAULT RECORDING DEVICE IS THE USB AUDIO CODEC
   
   By default your PC's sound card is selected as the default recording device, but for this recording the USB device should be the default. Windows (XP and above) should automatically switch it for you, but if you're not getting any sound, you'll want to make sure after you plug in your turntable, the turntable (USB CODEC) is selected as the default device. In Windows XP, you can view and set that by going to start / settings / control panel / Sounds and Audio Devices. Select the "Audio" tab and make sure your USB Audio Codec is selected.

3. 
    
   Verify Sound is being captured

   OPEN RECORDING SOFTWARE / VERIFY SOUND AND LEVELS
   
   For this demonstration, we'll be using the software which came with the ION turntable which is Audacity, but you can use any software that's compatible with your turntable. Open Audacity and start a new recording file and then pause it. We're going to check that the sound is coming through properly. Start playing the LP or 45 - you should be able to hear it through your speakers. You'll also get a visual indication of the sound levels from the output meter (level from the phono) and input meter. With the meter set to display db (decibels - the default) the loudest levels should approach zero.

4. 
    
   Recording with Audacity

   MAKE THE RECORDING
   
   Having checked that the sound is making it to the software, it's time to start recording. In Audacity start a new file and restart the music from the beginning. When done recording, you can edit out any empty space at the beginning or end of the recording. (Select the "flat" spot and cut.)

5. 
    
   Export as MP3

   EXPORT AS AN MP3
   
   When you're ready to create your MP3, in Audacity, you do so by Exporting to MP3 and saving.

6. 
    
   Add Track Info

   ADD TRACK INFO
   
   You'll be prompted for the MP3 Label tags; enter them. This is the info that is displayed by your player so you can select by song title, or artist, or album, etc.
   
   Done! You've created an MP3 file ready to be copied into your player.

Tips & Warnings

• This article is for creating an MP3 file using a USB connected record player. To create a file without buying a dedicated USB device, see the companion article "How to convert LPs or Tapes to MP3 without a USB device".