Best way to convert vinyl to mp3?

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Level 2

211 points

Best way to convert vinyl to mp3?

While this is not really an iTunes question, I thought this might be the best forum for this question. I have hundreds of 45s and LPs that I want to convert to mp3. I have looked at a few of the usb turntables out there (including the brand new Sony that is not Mac compatible!) and have not found anything that appears to be any good. Currently I am using a cd recorder and my old turntable, and those work fine, by putting the music onto a cd, then importing into iTunes. However, I think those units are near the end of their lives, and would like to skip the intermediate step of putting them onto cd. Has anyone found a good solution for this?

Mac OS X (10.5.2)

Posted on Apr 15, 2008 4:41 PM

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Answer 1

Apr 15, 2008 8:57 PM in response to Joey C 2

I have a Mac and a Windows laptop. I'm using Total Recorder (Google it}. I have my turntable running into the input of the computer and Total Recorder takes whatever sound it gets and saves it as MP3s It doesn't have the capability to translate to ACC, but I've been very satisfied. It's a very long process as you have to play the whole record, then cut the file into songs saved by title. I also use Dr. Tag to help fill in the MP3 tags with artists name, name of song, etc. And at the end I photograph the album cover for the artwork. I like having the lp art rather than the re released CD cover. I remember the music better that way.

Good luck. Quite a project though

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Answer 2

varjak paw

Level 10

182,656 points

Apr 16, 2008 7:28 AM in response to Joey C 2

Take a look here:

Digitize your LPs and tapes

The article's a bit long in the tooth so some of the specific products mentioned may not be available, but the concepts are still valid. There are a couple of USB turntables available if you don't have a turntable and amplifier you can use.

Message was edited by: Dave Sawyer

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Answer 3

Joey C 2 Author

Level 2

211 points

Apr 16, 2008 7:27 AM in response to RikPierce

Rik, I am familiar with Total Recorder, as I used that when I had a PC. When I got the Mac last year, I checked with Total Recorder and found they did not have a Mac version. I just went to their site now, and still do not find a version for the Mac. Are you running it on your PC, or Mac? Thanks.

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Answer 4

Chris CA

Level 10

82,513 points

Apr 16, 2008 9:22 AM in response to Joey C 2

iMic and Final Vinyl from Griffin Technology.
http://www.griffintechnology.com/products/imic

Very simple to use. Plug it into a USB port and connect your existing turntable.

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Answer 5

Joey C 2 Author

Level 2

211 points

Apr 17, 2008 6:44 AM in response to Chris CA

Thanks, Chris! Sounds like the easiest way to get this done. I will check it out.
Joe

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