How to Record Your LP's, 45's, or any Source of Audio to CD From the desk of the Surgeon
Okay, here's the situation: You want to record some type of audio that isn't part of your computer's configuration (cassette deck, Internet radio, LP, TV audio, etc...). How do you do this you ask? Well here's the way I do it. This is not presented as the only way, the cheapest way, or the fastest way. It is simply the best way that I have found to record any type of audio to the computer so that it can be recorded to CD, with the best possible quality. With that stated, let's go! First of all, some audio recording is as simple as 1, 2, 3. For instance, if you wanted to record your favorite radio show:
That's it. Use your sound card's recording software and tune in to your favorite radio show. It's nothing fancy and your grandma could do it. Now recording your LP's is a little more involved. In order to do this exactly as I do it, you'll need certain hardware and software. Some of the equipment I use is what I happen to have and you shouldn't break the bank trying to buy the same. The only thing that I highly recommend is the sound card that I use (the Audigy). Because of it's features, it makes doing this so much easier. Here's what I use:
The Mixer The mixer is not mandatory when recording audio tapes or radio broadcast from your walkman, TV, DVD, and VCR audio, or from some tape decks. However, the signal coming from a turntable and most tape and reel to reel decks is not amplified. Thus, you can't just get a cable at Radio Shack and plug your turntable directly to your sound card. If you do, you'll get a hollow, tinny sounding recording. The main reason for using a mixer is that all of your devices can plug into it, and their audio will be sent to the computer through one connection. Also, the outputs on the mixer for the turntables are amplified which makes them powerful enough to push a signal down a cord to your computer's sound card. Using a mixer will also eliminate the need to drag your computer out every time you want to record something, just to get behind it and plug up the device you're recording from. You can plug up to three (3) turntables into the model I use (although only us DJ's would ever have a need to do this), and 3 line devices simultaneously (that would be a cassette deck, 8-track player, walkman, TV, VCR, CD player, DVD player, laptop, etc..). In other words, you could hook up your turntable, VCR, tape deck, reel to reel, and DVD player into the mixer all at the same time, and never have a need to unplug them. When you want to record from one of these devices, just move the correct slide control up! This device also has a microphone input. Not one of those cheesy computer mic inputs, a full blown quarter-inch jack for You can get a cheap mixer (in the $60 - 90) range at Radio Shack (or at the Doo Wop Shop in Louisville, KY where I live). Remember, the quality of your recording starts at the source and is affected by all of the devices that it travels through. The better the mixer, the better quality sound it will have AND the more STEREO inputs it will have. I got this particular mixer at Mom's Music in Louisville, KY for $189. This however, is a higher grade mixer and you do not need something as elaborate as this one unless you beat mix a lot of music and like to do a lot of tricks on the turntables. If that statement lost you, then you definitely don't need this mixer! However if money is not an issue, this is a sweet puppy. If you do a search on the Internet, you'll find this baby being offered all over the place, as well as a through description of it's features.
The Turntable The turntable you use can make this an easy project or a difficult hassle. I use the turntable chosen by professional DJ's. Now, if you're looking to do this, you probably already have a turntable (or whatever source you're recording from). I only show this for the folks who are just bombarded with cash and need to blow some. This turntable runs about $550 without a needle. The needle that I use is the Stanton Groovemaster II, which only comes in a set (of two) for around $300 (because all DJ's have 2 turntables). They call it the "Groove Master" because it will stay in the record's groove as the DJ thrashes the record around "playing" the turntable as if it were a musical instrument. This turntable allows me to set the needle down without the platter spinning (as shown). This way I can "cue" the song. When I'm ready for it to play, I hit the big square button to the left, and that song is spinning at the exact speed (that I can alter with the long slide control to the right) within a quarter turn. That my friends, is major torque. The tone arm is weighted, and this baby will stop on a dime. This is a major class turntable and if you find one used, jump on it. Most will be sold in pairs, as that is what most DJ's have.
The Sound Card Your computer probably already has a sound card with the capability to accept a "line in" input. Here's where you plug in the source that you're wanting to record. The only problem is, the connector on your sound card is the same size as the headphone jack on your walkman. A turntable has RCA jacks. Besides the fact that you can't plug the turntable directly into the sound card because of the lack of a amplified signal coming from the turntable, the connectors don't match. This is no longer an issue thanks to Creative's Sound Blaster Audigy line of sound cards, with it's front panel connection feature.
The cool thing about this? It's in the front of the computer! No dragging the computer out, digging in blindness in some awkward position under my desk, getting frustrated because I can't find the hole. Here's the card of musicians, the Sound Blaster Audigy II. I will only say that the sound capability of this card is unmatched in the consumer market area, but you can do your on research by visiting Creative's web site and looking at the card for yourself. One thing to be careful about if you purchase this card, make sure that you're getting the model that comes with this front panel connector, the Sound Blaster Audigy 2 ZS Platinum. There are three different models being offered and they are all the same except only one comes with this front panel. Don't get caught up in the software being offered with the card, you want the front panel connector.
Adobe Audition and MusicMatch Jukebox
The combination of Audition with the Audigy card is all most folks will need. If you're trying to record an Internet broadcast, just tune in to the broadcast and tell Audition to start recording. You'll see the VU meters light up and you'll know that a recording is in progress. There's also MusicMatch Jukebox, which is an excellent piece of software for ripping your CD's to the hard drive, playing all types of music files, and putting your finished recordings on CD. This is a very easy to use piece of software and it can also convert various audio files to different audio formats. There's no need to purchase the full blown version, just the basic version is all you need. Check it out here at Music Match's web site.
How It all Works It's really quite simple. You connect any device who's audio you want to record to the mixer, run a connection from the mixer to your computer sound card's input jack, and tell the recording software that you're using to start recording (or listening). Your start playing whatever it is that you want to record and walla! It's recording! The sweet thing about the Audigy card is the connection from the mixer can be plugged directly into the front panel of the computer. Also, the Audigy card has the ability to play AND record audio at the same time! This is really a sweet card folks and it runs all four of my home speakers with ease. Sometimes I forget to turn down the audio only to be rudely awaken by incoming mail at 4:00 A.M. Talk about bone jarring...
The PC Surgeon
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studio grade microphones. Furthermore, since this is a "mixing board", you can play multiple devices simultaneously. Thus, you could record a compilation with no "dead air" between the songs. As one audio source is fading out, you can fade in the second audio source (or just drop it in with your voice over both songs!). These units have a second master output which allows you to send this audio to your stereo receiver also. Thus, you can send the audio from your walkman (or computer, as I do) straight to your home stereo speakers! Who needs wimpy computer speakers or tiny headphones when you let the whole neighborhood know when "you've got mail!" Last of all, you can control the volume level of the audio being sent to your computer. This is extremely useful when recording audio that is either too soft or too loud.
I've been using this brand of turntable since I started DJ'ing back in 1983. You won't find a more durable or better quality DJ'ing turntable anywhere in the world. This is to turntables, what Rolls Royce is to cars.
That was the hardware, now for the software. Most sound cards have their own recording software and for a lot of you, that software will work just fine. But if you want to step up to what the big boys use, it's called Adobe Audition. Formally known as Cool Edit Pro by Syntrillium, this software rocked before Adobe got a hold of it, and now it's even better. You can find it on | Non-Flash Site (Under Construction) | Home | The PC Surgeon, Inc. © 2006 |