Archiving FAQs

What’s the best way for me to convert my records to digital files?

There’s no clear-cut answer to this question, but let’s just say it’s simple, and you can do it yourself! Here are a few schematics that depict your options:

turntable RCA output → stereo receiver phono RCA input → stereo receiver tape/line RCA output → computer 1/8” input

turntable RCA output → phono preamp RCA input → phono preamp RCA output → computer → 1/8” input

USB turntable USB output → computer USB input

Don’t fret. It’s not as complicated as it sounds. If you’ll recall our discussion of phono preamps, take note of the fact that the phono signal only needs to be boosted to line-level for your receiver to handle it properly (along with a little RIAA equalization, but that’s not relevant here). It’s the same deal when you’re connecting your turntable to a computer, CD burner, cassette deck, etc. These pieces of gear, as a general rule of thumb, always have line-level inputs. The inputs may not be RCA inputs like your receiver has, but we have all the adapter cables you’ll need for mating an RCA output with pretty much any other sort of input.

What do I have to do after I send the signal to my computer?

At that point you’ll need to use some sort of software to record the files. Affordable recording software can be found at local electronics stores or on the web. There are even free programs available for download. Pricier software usually offers more pop/click filters, various recording-quality settings, among many other features that you don’t need but may come in handy if you want to be thorough. Once the files are recorded, you can split them up into separate tracks or run whatever filters you choose to. Once you feel like the material is ready, you’ll need to convert it to a listenable media, such as an MP3. Then you can load it up on your iPod, burn it to a CD, etc. Again, it’s not as tough as it sounds. Don’t be afraid to implement a little trial and error until you find a system that works for you. At first, the process may be littered with frustration, but once you get the hang of it, it’ll be smooth sailing from there on out.

Should we discuss A/D converters?

Perhaps, but don’t let this bog you down. An A/D (analogue to digital) converter is exactly what you think it is. It converts an analogue signal, like the one your turntable sends, to a digital one. If you’re recording your vinyl to your computer, this necessarily takes place at some point in the signal chain. Your computer has an A/D converter built in. If you’re using a phono preamp between your turntable and computer, the preamp is sending an analogue signal to your computer’s soundcard, where the A/D converter resides. If you’re using a USB turntable, the converter lies therein. It’s really only an issue if you’re trying to get the highest-quality recordings possible. You can purchase external soundcards that have better converters and offer higher sampling rates, which amounts to less material lost in the analogue to digital conversion.

What other things can I do to get better sounding recordings?

It all starts with your turntable and cartridge. These have the most impact on how refined the recordings will turn out. Next, the phono preamp you choose is bears weight on the sound quality. The more information the preamp is capable of allowing through, the more information your computer or CD burner will be able to gather. The soundcard you’re using will have a very similar effect, so consider that as well. Last, if you want to get the absolute most from your recording rig, make sure that all the settings on your soundcard and in the recording software are optimized, and remember to convert the recorded information to music files of the highest quality. Doing these things will create much larger files that’ll take up more space on your hard-drive, so keep an eye on the space you have available.

So you never answered my original question. What the best way to do this?

Right. The original question. If you have a decent turntable, don’t waste your money on a USB one, though it may be slightly more convenient. Spend your money on a cartridge or preamp upgrade. You’ll be much happier with the results. If you’re on a budget and have no equipment at all, this project can be carried out affordably. We have entry-level turntables, both USB and not, that’ll get the job done. Again, remember that the turntable and cartridge have the most impact on the quality of the recordings. If you’ve still got all your old stereo gear, you may need nothing more than a few dollars worth of cables.