How to Record Vinyl to an MP3 With Freeware
Vinyl LPs have a unique sound, but the more you play them, the more likely they are to sustain damage. Recording your LPs to MP3 allows you to keep a digital backup of the music you own, enabling you to copy it to CD or to an MP3 player. It also allows you to enjoy your LP collection without the hassle of flipping the LP or the possibility of damaging it. Several freeware solutions exist to help you accomplish this.
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Instructions
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Download and install freeware designed to record audio from vinyl into MP3. Examples of this kind of freeware include Vinyl to MP3 and Audiograbber. (See the Resources section for links.) Check that your computer meets the system requirements listed on the product's website for the software you choose.
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Right and Left RCA input jacks Connect the RCA cable coming from your turntable to your amplifier inputs labeled "Phono." Match up the colors on the inputs with the colors on the RCA jacks.
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The Y-cable connects the amplifier and computer. Connect the amplifier to your computer using the Y-cable. The RCA connectors go from "Audio Out" on the amplifier to the "Line In" on your computer. Do not connect your turntable directly to your computer.
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Launch the vinyl recording freeware you have installed from the "My Programs" folder on your PC.
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Press "Record" and play the LP. The process for recording will differ slightly depending on which freeware you are using. (See the Tips section for more details.)
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Name the audio files. Again, the process for this will differ depending on which freeware you are using.
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Save the files to the "My Music" folder on your PC.
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Tips & Warnings
Both Audiograbber and Vinyl to MP3 include Quickstart Guides under their "Help" menus. Each Quickstart Guide will take you through the process of using its particular program to record your vinyl and name the individual files.
When connecting the turntable to the amplifier, also connect the ground cable from your turntable to the ground on your amplifier.
Depending on what kind of amplifier you have, the "Audio out" may in fact read "Tape out." If so, use the "Tape out" to connect the Y-Cable to your computer.
Resources
- Photo Credit Closed-up dj turntable image by pavel Chernobrivets from Fotolia.com rca cables isolated image by JoLin from Fotolia.com audio in out image by Guy Pracros from Fotolia.com
