How to Transfer LPs to CDs

Many still prefer the analog sound of music on LP.

Transferring LPs to CDs is a great way to get new life from older music. You might not want the expense of purchasing the same music twice or perhaps a favorite LP was never released in digital form. While it's true that the transfer process is a bit time-consuming, there are products available to make the conversion easier and, with care, LP quality can be improved through signal processing to get rid of noises from scratches and static.

Things You'll Need

• Turntable
• Amplifier with phono input
• Audio patch cables
• Computer with sound card
• Sound-editing software
• CD-burning software

Instructions

1. Connect your recording system. The turntable is routed to an audio amplifier that has a dedicated "Phono" input. LPs have a type of equalization called the RIAA curve to control the maximum wideness of the record grooves. Reverse equalization must be applied to restore proper sound. The output of the amp is then connected to the computer sound card input.

2. Record one side of the LP as a single audio file using an audio recording and editing program. Audacity is a free program available on the Internet and is suitable for this purpose (See Resources). Record the second side as a single file, also.

3. Clean the recording using features or plug-ins available with your software, if desired. Software to remove static, hiss and hum are common, and plug-in packages are available for purchase.

4. Split your audio files into individual songs, trimming blank space at the start and end of songs. Sequence the songs in order in your CD-burning software. CDBurnerXP is freeware (See Resources). Versions of Roxio and Nero are often packaged with new computers or CD and DVD drives.

Tips & Warnings

• USB turntables are now available expressly for the purpose of digitizing LPs. Check the instructions to understand how your turntable handles RIAA equalization.

• Some audio editors allow you to place markers for CD tracks and burn directly from the editor. In this case, additional CD burning software is not required.

References

• LP to CDR Tips; March 18, 2006

Resources

• Audacity: Free Audio Editor and Recorder
• CDBurnerXP: Free CD and DVD Burning Software