How to Convert a LP to a Digital CD
Converting an LP (Long Playing) vinyl record to a compact disc requires a computer with a sound card capable of transforming the analog audio in the record grooves into a digital signal that can be recorded and stored as an audio file on the hard drive. Once you've converted the audio to a digital file, you can burn it to a CD using the computer's media drive and CD burner. If the computer is not equipped with a digital recording program, free software is available online.
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Things You'll Need
- Turntable
- RCA audio cables
- Y-adapter with RCA jacks and 3.5 mm mini-plug
- Computer or laptop with sound card, recording software (such as Audacity) and CD burner
- Blank CDs
- LP records
Instructions
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Connect the Components
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Insert a set of RCA cables into the turntable's audio OUT jacks, using the red plug for the right channel and the white plug for the left.
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Connect the other ends of the cables to the Y-adapter jacks.
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Insert the mini-plug on the Y-adapter into the computer's AUX IN jack, typically located on the back of the CPU (central processing unit) on a desktop, or on the back or edge on a laptop.
Convert the LP to a Digital File
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Download and install a program such as Audacity. After it's installed, start Audacity by double-clicking the program icon.
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Click the "File" tab at the top of the screen and select "New" to open a new recording project.
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Place an LP on the turntable and lower the tone arm to play the album.
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Click the "Record" button in Audacity.
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Click the "Stop" button when the recording is complete, then click "File" and choose "Save As .WAV file" Type a name for the file and click OK to save the converted digital file to the computer hard drive.
Burning the Digital Record to a CD
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Insert a blank, recordable CD in the computer;s media tray and close the tray.
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Start the CD burner software installed on the computer by double-clicking the name of the program. Apple computers typically use QuckTime or iTunes for CD burning. Windows Media Player is the default program on Microsoft systems.
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Click the "Burn" tab on the top of the screen.
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Open the music folder containing digital audio files on the computer and select the converted LP recording by clicking and holding the mouse button on the name of the file.
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Drag the file to the "Burn" list and release the mouse button, then click "Start Burn" to record the converted LP to a digital CD.
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Tips & Warnings
Although more time is required, recording and saving individual LP tracks as separate digital files on the computer will make it easier to create a mix when burning to CD. However, if the goal is to convert and burn the entire LP album to a CD, then one large audio file will work for this project.
PCWorld also advises using a preamp between your turntable and your computer: "Though you can import audio from a turntable without using a phono preamp, it isn't advisable. The level is likely to be very low, and the sound very tinny."
Unplug the turntable and the computer from the power source while connecting the equipment with audio cables.
