What Do I Need?

You can use practically any computer, whether PC or Mac, desktop or laptop, to convert your music collection.In addition to your computer, you’ll need two things:

• A way of connecting your turntable to your computer.
• Some audio editing software to record the incoming signal and save it as mp3 or burn it to CD.

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Connecting Up…

The best way to connect depends on what connections your computer already has, and your budget. To find out more in detail about converting your old vinyl digitally to MP3 or CD read on this post for an in depth look and for what gear is available…

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Method 1: Direct to Sound Card from your Mixer

If your computer has a line input for recording, it’s possible to connect the output of your mixer directly to it using a cable with the correct connections.

A line input on a computer will usually be a stereo minijack (also called a 3.5mm or 1/8″ jack) socket. Every sound card is different, though, and there may be several different sockets – the line input is usually marked with a symbol showing a circle with an arrow pointing inwards, to the centre of the circle.

Simply choose a cable that has a stereo minijack at one end, and a connector that matches the output of your mixer (usually the ‘rec’ or ‘tape’ output on the back in the form of phonos) at the other end. If your struggling for a spare output you could set the channel of your mixer on cue to use your  headphone output instead (obviously needing a different cable).

Connecting this way is very easy, and since all you need is one cable it’s a great way to get started if you’re on a budget.

Lynx Standard Phono to Stereo MiniJack 1.2 MTR

View our Guide to Cables and Connectors for more information…

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Method 2: Audio Interfaces

If your computer doesn’t have an audio input, you can connect a turntable to a spare USB or FireWire port instead using an audio interface with phono pre-amps.

An audio interface works in just the same way as your computer’s sound card, except that it connects to a USB or Firewire port instead of being fitted inside your computer.

Audio interfaces can transfer sound in and out of your computer. There are many different models available, which allow you to connect everything from microphones and guitars to CD decks and turntables.

Because audio interfaces are specially designed for recording, they usually give higher sound quality than connecting via a standard computer sound card.

Some audio interfaces also include bundled software for making and editing recordings, so you can get everything you need in one package.

	Native Instruments Audio 4 DJ Native Instruments Audio 4 DJ all the connections you need in one sturdy and portable design, this hardware is destined to be the centerpiece of your DJ set-up – at home and in the club. Its also allows you to record live sets and digitize your vinyl collection.
	M-Audio Conectiv Offers 2 stereo phono connections with 2 phono pre-amps allowing you to connect two turntables up simultaneously or cd decks
	ARTcessories USB Phono Plus Transfer all your tape archives: Cassettes, reel to reel, 8-tracks, commercial carts and even vinyl and rip them directly to your PC or laptop! All you need is the player with the proper connections and you’re on your way.
	Native Instruments Audio 8 DJ Use the 4 stereo inputs to connect turntables, CD players, effect sends, or a microphone – whatever your performance demands

View our Audio Interfaces Section for more interfaces…
View our Guide to Sound Cards for more information…

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Method 3: USB Turntables

It’s also possible to buy turntables with a USB connection.

These turntables have a built-in audio interface, which transfers the sound directly to your computer.

If you only want to convert vinyl, you can’t beat a USB turntable for convenience. Best of all, they can be connected to an amplifier and speakers and used as a normal turntable as well.

	Numark TTUSB The TTUSB is the perfect tool for digitally archiving your record collection. Combined with Audacity’s software for removing clicks and other noises, the TTUSB is an easy-to-use, comprehensive solution to transferring a record collection to a computer or portable music player.
	Numark LP2CD LP 2 CD is a professional tool for high-quality conversion of vinyl recordings to CD, WAV, or MP3, with or without a computer.
	Numark PT-01 USB Numark has created a revolutionary portable turntable that enables you to convert your vinyl to WAV or MP3.
	Numark TTi This USB turntable with built-in universal dock for iPod easily transfers your old vinyl collection to your iPod or computer. Included software archives your records to CD or MP3.
	Numark TTx USB The TTXUSB’s built-in USB connector simplifies connection to a computer for fast, professional grade vinyl-to-digital transfer.

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What about Software?

Once you have a way to connect your turntable to your computer, you’ll need some software to record and edit your collection with.

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Audio Editing Software

Audio editing software allows you to record the sound coming into your computer from your turntable. Once you’ve recorded it, you can then use the software to save your recordings as MP3s or burn them to CD.

You can use almost any music production software for this job, but there are some pieces of software designed specifically with vinyl conversion in mind:

	Bias Peak LE For Mac OSX. With Peak LE, you can quickly edit and create your own custom MP3 music mixes. Convert your vinyl or cassette collection to CDs in just a few simple steps. Optimize audio for the web.
	Sound Forge Audio Studio Sound Forge Audio Studio software is everything you need to edit and master professional-quality audio on your home computer. Best of all, Sound Forge Audio Studio software is easy to use. With a few basic commands such as cut, copy, and paste, you can produce high-fidelity audio on your PC.

View our Audio Editing Section for more software…
View our Guide to Music Software for more information…

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Noise Reduction Software

Some software is designed specially for removing clicks and hiss from vinyl or tape recordings.

This software doesn’t allow you to record audio, so you still need audio editing software to record first. However, once you’ve recorded you can load your files into the noise reduction software to remove clicks and pops and reduce hiss and rumble. The software can work automatically, or you can tweak the settings yourself for perfect results.

Bias Soundsoap 2 The easiest way to remove tape hum, hiss, buzzing, rumble and most other types of background noise. For Mac & PC.

View our Audio Restoration Section for more software…
View our Guide to Music Software for more information…

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How to Convert?

The method of transferring audio onto your computer is mostly the same whichever hardware or software you’re using.

To convert, you’ll need to start by connecting your turntable to your computer using one of the methods above.

If you’re using a cable, you’ll just need to connect it. If you’re using an audio interface or a USB turntable, you may need to install some software, called a driver, so that your hardware will work properly. Instructions on how to do this will be included with your hardware.

Once your hardware is up and running, you’ll need to install and configure your software. This will differ depending on what software you have, but in simple terms you’ll need to tell it where you want to record from. This is usually a case of choosing your sound card, audio interface or other hardware as the recording input source. Detailed instructions for installing and using your software will be given in the manual or the help file.

When you’re ready to go, set your software recording then play your vinyl. The software will record the audio as it plays in real time, so you’ll need to wait until it’s finished playing.

When the record has finished playing, stop the recording and use your software to clean up the recording if you have to and save as WAV or MP3 files, for burning onto CD or using in your DJ sets.