Recommendations how to convert LP's into CD's?

[12georgea]

I want to record some of my LP’s on CD, so I can listen to them in my car and put them on my I-Pod.

What is the way to go?

Use a CDrecorder like the Marantz DR 700, or use software?
I intend to copy them 1:1 (side 1 and 2 on one CD) with good sound quality (no MP3) and the possibility to select the album tracks.
What is the most practical way to achieve this?
And which CDrecorder or software is recommended?

Thank you! :edthumbs:

[BigE]

A lot of people on the forum refer to what you are trying to accomplish as "needle drops". Do a search using that term and you'll probably find more information than you wanted. Read what has already been discussed and then you'll know what questions you still have.

Eric

[fxsuperglide]

I use a TASCAM CDRW-4U standalone CD recorder (component) in my stereo system (it connects just as a tape deck would, and is similar to operate). What I do when "mastering" is use a CD-RW blank, just in case I find the record that I'm mastering doesn't sound "quite right" (this way, I can try different methods, setups, adjustments, etc, without wasting CD-r blanks, until the most satisfactory results are achieved). When done with the CD-RW "master", I "finalize" it and copy my CD-R master and copies from it. ......As for CD-r units in a PC, I just don't trust them. With my luck, it always seems just when I become confident with one, I end up with CD copies that have errors (skips, dropouts, "buffer overruns", whateveryouwannacall'em, etc). Perhaps newer PC setups are better, but unless I had a setup that was dedicated for copying CD-rs and nothing else, I simply prefer a standalone component in my A/V system.

[12georgea]

Thank you very much bigE. "Needle drop" was new to me
George

[Claude]

Here's some basic reading material:

http://www.delback.co.uk/lp-cdr.htm

[RPhelps]

I guess my tastes are simple and my time is valuable.
I use the Xitel Inport device and it comes with software needed to record. Then I use NERO to record to CD. Very reasonably priced and the learning curve is not too steep either.

[Claude]

I would also suggest not to burn the recordings onto CD-R only, but to archive the WAV files (or lossless compression files) on DVD-R as well. If the CD-R becomes unreadable or is lost, you can easily burn another copy from the archived files without having to repeat the whole LP-to-CD procedure.

[Heuer]

Cheapest and simplest way is to use a Griffin iMic2 ADC USB ($30). Plugs into the tape out of your pre-amp and into the USB port on a PC or laptop. No other connections or power needed. Use 'Spin It Again' software ($30) to capture the resulting WAV and automatically detect the tracks. You can annotate them and then choose to make a CD or MP3. The combo is so simple to setup and use you will be making CD's within 15 minutes of installing.

For higher quality ND's (24 bit/96khz) the e-mu 0202 works superbly either with SIA or Audacity. If you are a real enthusiast then get Adobe Audition or Wavelab but expect to spend some time figuring it all out!

[hagtech]

Depends on the equipment you already have. Do you have a turntable? If not, maybe get one of those TEAC all-in-one units. I can't imagine it sounds that great, but if you're just doing compressed audio onto an iPod maybe it is acceptable.

If you have a phonostage, then add a decent sound card. Something like an EMU. I recommend against doing EQ in software, as there is a 40dB shift between bass and treble. That's 7 bits of resolution loss for the bass. Does not happen with analog EQ.

If you have a just a turntable and computer, then something like The Ripper will do the rest for you. Not cheap, as it provides high-end sonics. Not something you need if you plan to convert to MP3, though.

jh

[rpd]

OK..

I use Vista and I have a Sound Blaster X-FI Platinum card with the X-Fi console. All I want to do is record casettes to CD's...no EQ...just move the music from the tape deck to the cd (these are old mix tapes I want to get on to CD).

What software is needed to do this...that will work with Vista??