Converting record albums to MP3 files?

[Bearvet]

DH would desperately love to convert his huge collection of record albums to MP3 files (on the computer) and then transfer them to an MP3 player. Does such a thing exist? I've asked at Best Buy but haven't gotten much help - they just keep sending me to different departments. It's the only thing DH wants for Christmas so I'm trying to figure it out now.

TIA

 

[salmoneous]

There are two basic approaches.

One is a machine specifically designed for LP -> mp3 work. It's a record player and mp3 maker all in one. It will cost you about $300 and make the process straightforward. But you'll only have limited control over the recordings.

EDIT: Here's an example: http://www.amazon.com/Trout-Tail-Llc-GF-350-Turntable-CD-Recorder/dp/B0007LA9EE

The other option is to just use your computer. If he still has a working turntable hooked up to a stereo system, and you can run a line out from the stereo system to the "line in" on your computer, all he needs is some software. There is free software out there, or you can pay ($50??) for software specifically designed for converting LP's to MP3's. You'll probably have to buy a cable to hook the two up and do some tinkering with the software, but you get full control over the recordings this way.

Do a google search on something like "convert lp to mp3" and I bet you'll get a ton of information.

 

[KrnB]

I don't know much about this stuff at all, but you may want to see if you can find something that allows you to copy the record to a CD first. From there it would be easy to convert to MP3.

Also, you should probably try looking at a place that specializes in audio equipment. Best Buy, Circuit City and the like carry a pretty good variety when it comes to mainstream equipment, but I'm guessing what you are looking for is pretty specialized. You may only find options online too, since most stores have to cater to the masses.

 

[Amity 3]

it's not worth the time or investment. no matter how many times you digitally scrub the recordings it's going to sound bad.

 

[Frantasmic]

Microsoft Plus! (recently on sale at Office Max for 9.99 (half price)) supposedly takes the hiss out of files and does this conversion.

In my "google" on this topic, I discovered that it is better to have your phonograph with a preamp on it. The line out would be directly from your phonograph to the computer. This might reduce some of the hiss since you wouldn't be going through your receiver.

I haven't tried it yet however.

 

[Towncrier]

My BIL has converted nearly his entire record collection to CDs. I have done this with a handful of specialty albums. The hiss, clicks, pops, and other surface noise are definitely a problem. Filtering will reduce the noise, but not eliminate it entirely. My advice is to try the line out trick (or use a preamplifier) and use your computer's soundcard to capture some audio. There are plenty of free programs out there to convert WAV files to MP3s. Don't spend a lot of money until you are certain that you will get the results you are hoping for.

 

[ceiligh1]

It is cheaper to set it up yourself but in case you dont have the time or want to there is equipment out there for about 170 http://www.hammacher.com/publish/73363.asp?promo=gi_forhim

I am thinking of getting this for my dad as I dont want to have to set it up for him. Also all his equipment is upstairs and the computer down so it would be a nightmare to connect.

 

[Charade]

It is cheaper to set it up yourself but in case you dont have the time or want to there is equipment out there for about 170 http://www.hammacher.com/publish/73363.asp?promo=gi_forhim

I am thinking of getting this for my dad as I dont want to have to set it up for him. Also all his equipment is upstairs and the computer down so it would be a nightmare to connect.

That looks nice. I have a bunch of albums I want to get rid of but I might want to convert some over.

I suppose you would have to worry about the stylus wearing out if you're transferring a lot of albums.

There is a new turntable (VERY expensive @ $15K) that uses a laser pick up instead of a needle.

 

[ransom]

it's not worth the time or investment. no matter how many times you digitally scrub the recordings it's going to sound bad.

Agreed, if the album in question is not available on CD.

But some of my LPs were never offered in CD format (and probably never will be), so I bought some software that does a pretty good job of cleaning up the pops and hiss, then did the best I could in recording from LP to computer.

It was either that or nothing, so . . .

 

[Bearvet]

Op here - all of this advice was great and I showed it all to DH. He wasn't quite ready to begin the process yet, so it was put on the back burner. The kids gave him an ipod for his birthday in January, so this gave him the perfect reason to begin working on this. Instead of investing any money at the beginning, I found a great website when I googled "convert lp to mp3" it is www.br0wn.co.uk/vinyltocd.htm.

This gives step by step instructions on downloading specific software (free and/or free trial) and the actual process itself. DH has an excellent turntable, so he hooked everything up to the computer and has been having a blast! Yes, there have been some bumps along the way and you do still get some "crackles" but it sounds like a record. He is thrilled to once again listen to many of his favorite albums which haven't been available on CD.

So, just wanted to let you know that this CAN be done and is a lot of fun!