How to Convert LP to CD

 
SoundAbout graphic

soundabout logo

 
 

Do it yourself conversion of LP to CD - LP to Digital Recording

If you want to convert LP to CD here is a quick 'How To' explaination on this page.

If you haven't seen the Transfer Tape to CD page then please take a look after you have seen the information here as this will explain the cables, connections to your computer and recommended software.

Copying lp records to cd can be time consuming, but with the right lp to cd recorder software it can be quite straight forward, good fun and some excellent results can be achieved.

 

If your LP record turntable is connected to a hi-fi amplifier with a dedicated phono (turntable) input, then connect a stereo phono/RCA lead from the 'line out' or 'record out' from your amplifier to the 'line in' on your computer, then proceed as with 'transferring tape'.

If however you have a turntable, but no amplifier (or don't have access to one ie. beg, borrow, steal - well maybe not steal!) or your amplifier has no dedicated phono/turntable' input, then you will need a 'phono pre-amp' similar to the one shown below.

Phono Pre-Amp



Using a USB preamp can make life even easier

A phono pre-amp 'matches' the output from the cartridge in the your turntable to the input of your soundcard ie. the 'line in' on your computer.
It amplifies the very small signal output coming from the phono cartridge and changes the frequency response so the sound is acceptable to listen to (RIAA specification).

If you are going to use a pre-amp, then connect the phono (RCA) lead from your turntable to the input of the pre-amp and the output of the pre-amp to the 'Line In' on your computer soundcard, so you will need another stereo 'phono to phono' (RCA to RCA) lead to run from the pre-amp to your computer.

This pre-amp will work fine to transfer LP's EP's and 45's to CD, but technically the match (frequency response) should be different for 78 rpm, and even different 'matches' for different types of 78's. However unless you are wanting a really professional result then this pre-amp should be fine.

If you are going to use an audio editor like the one included with the 'Acondigital.com Acoustica software' then you can use the graphic equalizer to 'tweak' the sound anyway.

It is just worth mentioning here that if the turntable you are using to play your 78's is fitted with a 'ceramic' or 'crystal' cartridge, (the cartridge is the bit the stylus fits into) these are 'high signal output' devices so you will need a different type of pre-amp altogether. You can usually tell if the cartridge fitted is this type as a lot of them have a 'flip over' stylus. One side for playing LP's and 45's - using a diamond stylus, the other for 78's - using a sapphire stylus, each side being labelled so you know which is which.

 

If you are using a turntable/cartridge combination of this type, then unless there is a line out or record out socket built into the unit then you will have difficulty in finding a suitable pre-amp now I'm afraid. The only answer is to try and buy a compatible magnetic cartridge that will then match the standard type pre-amp.

If you want a replacement stylus then check out the Diamond Stylus website at http://www.diamondstylus.co.uk/index.html

crystal cartridge image
old type crystal cartridge
 

LP to CD software

If you want to transfer your LP to CD the easy way then take a look at this LP to CD software...
 

Watch our NEW two part video of Spin It Again in action

Hear the difference the Audio Cleaning Effects Make...

Click the Images below to watch each video - - Don't forget to turn up your sound

Spin It Again Video part one
Spin It Again Video part two

ACOUSTICA SOFTWARE Spin It Again

I have evaluated this software and find it easy to use and follow. It even has a voice (which you can switch off!) to guide you through set up and operation.

The audio restoration tools with spin it again was very effective and very easy to use. There's a variety of audio restoration presets or you can load your own.

A great bonus with Spin It Again is that you can load an audio file into spin it again and convert it to MP3, OGG or WMA formats and to any 'quality' (file size) you choose, so you can transfer your LP's and Cassettes to your PC and convert them ready to use with your MP3 player or IPod.

There is also a CD label printing option so if you want to make a professional looking as well as sounding CD, use this option too.

For the money this is excellent value. The combination of value and 'wizard driven' ease of use - it's definately a winner!

Spin It Again also comes with Free CD/DVD Label Maker Software Spin It Again - more information

You can get
More Information About Spin It Again HERE

or DOWNLOAD a FREE TRIAL here NOW

 

TIP!
If you have a lot of Vinyl LP's or 78's to transfer or still want to be able to play them
then you will find this piece of kit really interesting. Check it out here
transfer cassette and LP to CD
transfer cassette and LP to CD
transfer cassette and LP to CD

I will add more information as and when I get chance but in the mean time I hope this LP to CD tutorial helps
- have fun...........

 
Professional LP to CD and Tape to CD Transfers by SoundAbout.net
Useful Stuff

Articles

CASSETTE TO CD - The DIY Option

LP to CD - The DIY Option

CASSETTE DECK Information - What you need to Know - Features, Specifications and How to BUY SECONDHAND

Audio Tape Restoration and Cassette Tape to CD Want an even more in-depth look?

Reel to Reel Tape Running Times

Software

Transfer Cassette and LP's to CD Software

NEW Demonstration Videos of Transferring LP and Cassette to CD and Converting Audio to MP3
Part One - Part Two

Useful Kit

CASSETTE DECK FOR YOUR PC PlusDeck makes transfers really easy

USB CASSETTE DECK Twin Cassette Deck From Ion

USB TURNTABLE from Ion

Portable USB Recorder from I-key

PHONO PREAMP USB makes life easier


Audio Technica AT-LP2D LP-to-Digital Recording System

Get our FREE NEWSLETTER for News and Helpful 'How To' Articles and Videos

NEW Website WWW.About-Guitar-Amps.com All you need to know.....

home - aboutus - contact us - your questions - the process - order form - copyright - audio samples - useful links - site map
Hosting by iPowerWeb - an excellent hosting company
We are in York - United Kingdom