Easy steps to converting vinyl To FLAC's to archive.

chuckd

chuckd

Ikon Class
Joined
Nov 9, 2018
Location
Boston Area
I have a dumb question that probably doesn't belong on this thread. What is the simplest way to convert my vinyl to FLAC files so I can A - maximize disk space and B - achieve lossless audio/ Any tips , suggestions, pictures links to good articles would be greatly appreciated.
 
I still prefer to record analog to a stand-alone CD-R recorder.
Then, if desired to make the disc play-portable, I then convert the finalized CD to whatever file type I need - flac, mp3, mp4, etc. using a variety of programs. I've used the program bosshoss located; it is decent, but of course, whenever you convert from analog to digital using the common conversion programs, or recording from a turntable to a computer, the quality will never be equal to the analog source.
 
Right now I use my crappy Ion usb turntable and I record with Audacity outputting to .wav and then I use dBPoweramp to convert to FLAC.
 
chuckd, I'm not too up on USB turntables, but I do know the "crazy poor" club for sure. When you come into a little extra cash, I'd suggest shopping on craigslist. You'll want to test the equipment first, but there's some good deals out there. I picked up a Philips 212 turntable for under $100.00. Sometimes hi-fi repair shops will have products that have been repaired, but haven't been picked up and are for sale (scored a pair of Cizek speakers.) Good Luck
 
"I still prefer to record analog to a stand-alone CD-R recorder"

When the Populace are catching up, the "analog" people gotta have one up, even if they're bulljivin'.
 
As to a non-usb turntable, here's what I do. I use a cable that has the "line out" (or "line in") on one end and the right and left RCA attachments on the other end. Then, I use a wave editor to record the sound that comes through on to the computer. The software I use isn't free, but if you do an internet search, there's probably something free out there that can also provide the same result.

I've seen USB turntables, but I've never used one (which means that I don't have a lot of knowledge about them). I just did a search for "record usb turntable to computer" and there seem to be some websites that offer better instructions than I am probably qualiied to provide. Hope that this will help.
 
13th Floor Garage said:
As to a non-usb turntable, here's what I do. I use a cable that has the "line out" (or "line in") on one end and the right and left RCA attachments on the other end. Then, I use a wave editor to record the sound that comes through on to the computer.
Click to expand...

Using the line in on your computer uses the very cheap ADC in your computer. This device costs $30 and has a higher quality ADC as well as a decent DAC:

https://www.amazon.com/Behringer-UCA222-BEHRINGER-U-CONTROL/dp/B0023BYDHK

The included audacity software will allow to record .wav files and save them as .flac files. You can also download the software free from the audacity website. The software is a bit complicated but very complete.
 
chuckd, if you have the extra cash, Rich made a great suggestion for the price.
I have a 10 year old M-Audio sound card that is semi-compatable with win 7. Thanks to Rich's suggestion, I just may order this very product.
 
Seems like an affordable option. I have been a huge fan of Rich (& his comps) from the Garagepunk.com forum days and I trust him implicitly. I have been using Audacity for years so I just needed to be pointed in the right direction to bridge an analog audio source (like vinyl) to the lossless digital domain. I still need to get my hands on a Philips 212 turntable and then hopefully I'll be off to the races. I'm incredibly grateful for all the fantastic advice.
 
The Philips that I have was just a lucky score. Actually, there are other turntables that will be adequate. My only suggestion is to be sure that it has a "pitch" control option. If you've ever recorded a cassette and played it on another deck ... and noticed that it sounds sped up or slowed down, you might get the same frustration with a turntable - if lacking a pitch control option.

I second your appreciation for Rich's comps. I still listen to these quite often, ten plus years later.
 
13th Floor Garage said:
The Philips that I have was just a lucky score. Actually, there are other turntables that will be adequate. My only suggestion is to be sure that it has a "pitch" control option. If you've ever recorded a cassette and played it on another deck ... and noticed that it sounds sped up or slowed down, you might get the same frustration with a turntable - if lacking a pitch control option.

I second your appreciation for Rich's comps. I still listen to these quite often, ten plus years later.
Click to expand...


Yeah,he's got the infectious gift of Mark. The first time I ever had a conversation with Mark years ago I immediately became infected with the "garage Disease" and it oozes out of every pore of Rich too. The only other person who ever had that affect on me was Lux Interior.

record lair.jpg
 
Rich Strauss said:
Aw shucks. You're making me blush.

But seriously, here is the least expensive turntable that I would recommend.

https://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-AT-LP3BK-Automatic-Belt-Drive-Turntable/dp/B01N6YK1GA

If you can find it on sale. I bought one for a friend on sale at Fry's for $129. If you can't find it on sale then I would recommend this one:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000FMNBXG

Hope that this helps.
Click to expand...
You like that one better that the Philips 212 that a few others recommended? I read some online articles that almost places that model in a cult status. Like I said earlier I trust your opinion implicitly.
 
Well, to tell you the truth, I knew nothing about the Phillips 212. After researching online, It doesn't seem to have been sold in the US. But, the people who have used it, seem to love it. If you can find one in good working order, go for it. I should have clarified that I meant least expensive NEW turntable available in the US.
 
Rich Strauss said:
Using the line in on your computer uses the very cheap ADC in your computer. This device costs $30 and has a higher quality ADC as well as a decent DAC:

https://www.amazon.com/Behringer-UCA222-BEHRINGER-U-CONTROL/dp/B0023BYDHK

The included audacity software will allow to record .wav files and save them as .flac files. You can also download the software free from the audacity website. The software is a bit complicated but very complete.
Click to expand...

I've been using this interface for my transfers for years now, never had an issue. Using one of these with your usual turntable and preamp will definitely give MUCH better results than a USB turntable.
 
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