Recording Vinyl To PC

[NDL]

I'm inexperienced in recording vinyl onto my PC (Windows XP), and was hoping to benefit from the knowledge of experienced posters.

In short, I am looking for a software program that will record from my 'line in' input. To get my feet wet, I tried a very simple program which was free for a limited period of time. Now that I have a better idea of what i'm doing, i'd like to get a program that's more substantial.

I'm not a professional, so I am looking for an inexpensive, and simple, program that will record off my line-in input, and allow for some very basic editing (clip the beginning, and end, of songs if necessary).

Thanks in advance, for any suggestions!

[DJ Bozo]

I use a program called Goldwave. You can do anything from basic recording/editing to more advanced things. I really enjoy the preset filters for reducing hiss when I record from a cassette. It also has some filters for reducing/removing pop/clicks from recorded vinyl, etc.

http://www.goldwave.com/

[Mixmachine]

Although I don't use it for recording to the PC, Roxio EZCD Creator is more that enough for what you describe, very easy to understand and stable on XP, I just updated to the new Easy Media Creator 7 (from V-5)that also allows for DVD recording, after rebates the cost was 39.99 USD, I'm yet to use it for burning, but after just browsing thru it I can tell the improvements are phenomenal (to me) the Label Creator portion has been greatly enhance (big plus for me) to automatically do steps that had to be done manually before, and backing up is now a breeze, Nero 6 is also similar and popular.

[Editmaster JT]

Here's a great site with lots of helpful info:
http://www.delback.co.uk/lp-cdr.htm

I use Sound Forge (an older version, before Sony bought them out) and refuse to use anything else :D but it's kind of expensive.

[NDL]

Thank you all, for your very helpful suggestions!

And a Merry Christmas to all!

[Videoskooter]

You can also have a look at open-source freeware like:

http://audacity.sourceforge.net/about.php

[judydoggie]

Like Editmaster, I used to use SoundForge, and still do, when doing simple stereo work. However, the drawback is that since Sony bought 'em, they changed overnight from a user-friendly, very generous, helpful kinda bunch of kindred souls to the robotic, sales-motivated, "if our knowledge base doesn't help you you'll need to upgrade to our latest version" kinda organization.

I also use Digimarc ProTools. One needs a degree in Broadcast Engineering, or nearly so, to figure this one out. Having learned from the masters, it was easy enough.

Finally, there is an answer. There's a pro broadcasting studio called KENR. They're broadcast professionals who specialize in creating on-air sound effects for broadcasters (those special voices "singing" a radio station's on-air "logo," for example, or the "countdown" to 'number one' on the station's top ten. ATTENTION DJs: They also have closets-full of vintage radio jingles and other stuff on CD at $39 each -- cool stuff to mix into your high-energy stuff, esp. retro.

NOW, the answer to your question. KENR also will take your vintage product, scratches, hiss, pop, tape hiss, etc. and lay it down on CD with remarkably clear results -- at a very reasonable price. I use them myself for my particularly valuable vinyl LPs. If you think about it, by the time you invest in a $2,500 turntable; keep the needles sharp, and waste your time in real-time recording everything, then going back with ProTools (which, by the way, costs in excess of $4,000 and requires a workstation that costs another $3,000 minimum) to remove the hiss, pops and clicks without diminishing the quality of the recording, it's quite the value. By the way, I have nothing to do with KENR and am not an employee -- I just think they're good at what they do and are a good deal. Their URL is www.kenr.com - click on "audio restoration."

Paul - a.k.a. Judydoggie

[NDL]

Videoskooter & Judydoggie, thanks for your very helpful replies!

[Cory Ander]

Originally Posted by NDL

I'm inexperienced in recording vinyl onto my PC (Windows XP), and was hoping to benefit from the knowledge of experienced posters.

In short, I am looking for a software program that will record from my 'line in' input. To get my feet wet, I tried a very simple program which was free for a limited period of time. Now that I have a better idea of what i'm doing, i'd like to get a program that's more substantial.

I'm not a professional, so I am looking for an inexpensive, and simple, program that will record off my line-in input, and allow for some very basic editing (clip the beginning, and end, of songs if necessary).

Thanks in advance, for any suggestions!

I also use Audacity and I ASSURE you, my knowledge of this kind of technical stuff is practically non-existent. I don't know about using the line-in process but if you use a USB Plug 'n Play turntable its not a very complicated process to master. And before you buy one make sure the manufacturer offers voice to voice customer assistance...some only use FAQ pages for assistance and they're no help to me.