[dba-Tech] Converting LPs into digital audio

Grandmaster PvG,

So, you were a disco DJ AND a radio DJ? My time in radio was the most fun I ever had at a job. I did some dance DJ work, too, but it was mainly for weddings and reunions.

Thank you for your detailed answer. When I recorded those voice tracks off of LP almost four years ago, I did, indeed, use my laptop, so your warning about the audio quality of the laptop sound card is right on. At the time the laptop was over three years old, too.

Since we played those old Whamco LPs to death while I was in radio, I wasn't too concerned that the quality wouldn't be very high. The LPs were cut in 1982 and I didn't try this analog-to-digital routine until 18 years later.

I appreciate all the advice, though I'm not sure what to do about the pre-amp. When I made my original recordings, my turntable was connected to my receiver, and I used the audio-out from the receiver into the line-in on my laptop. Would that be sufficient do you think? Or should I not use the receiver?

Steve Erbach
Neenah, WI

> ------------Original Message------------
> From: Erwin Craps - IT Helps <Erwin.Craps at ithelps.be>
> To: "Discussion of Hardware and Software issues" <dba-tech at databaseadvisors.com>
> Date: Wed, Nov-17-2004 3:38 AM
> Subject: RE: [dba-Tech] Converting LPs into digital audio
> 
> Forgot one.
> 
> 9) When recording you may NEVER have a peak of 0Db, but you must set it
> as high as posible.
> Digital recording, in contrast with analogue, may never have a higher
> volume then 0Db.
> This is known as clipping. Everything that is higher will be cut off 
> and
> result in distortion.
> This may be your original problem...
> Due to this you gonna have to change the recording volume several times
> before recording a vinyl succesfully. Before recoding set the needle to
> the loudest part on the vinyl and adjust volume to that part. Keep
> closely looking if it does'nt clip when recording. 
> Do not change recording volume while recording!
> Setting the volume higher afterwards in the wave can result in higher
> noise.
> Do not use any volume enhancers like normalizing en 
> compressor/limiters.
> They will flatten your sound and should never be used in master files.
> They can conflict with other enhancements/equipment when playing
> afterwards.
> Like on radiostation or discotheques or even the enhancements in media
> player software (like Windows Media player etc).
>