Migrating that extensive collection of vinyl records to more permanent CDs could seem expensive, but it's fairly straightforward to digitize those old records.
Instructions
Procedure
1. Connect your stereo's line out jack to your computer's line in jack using the adapter and cables. Most stereos have RCA-type line out jacks and most computers have 3.5 mm line in jacks, so you will probably need to use an adapter.
2. Install audio recording and editing software such as Audacity. There are many different computer audio packages available, ranging from very expensive to free. Audacity (http://audacity.sourceforge.net/) is a popular and free open source audio editing package available for Windows, Macintosh and Linux.
3. Play a test record and adjust the volume levels in your audio editing software. Almost all audio editors include a virtual VU meter, which allows you to visualize the sound level coming into the computer. With a record playing on the stereo, first check the VU meter to make sure that the audio is being received. If the VU meter doesn't move, check your connections and check your computer's audio mixer to make sure that line in is not muted. Once you have a signal established, adjust the line in volume level so that the VU meter reads as close as possible to 0 without going over 0.
4. Record a song from your record. Press "record" in your audio editor software, and play a desired song from your record. When the song ends, press "stop" in the audio editor.
5. Play the digital version back to verify that the recording went well. If all went well, save the file to disk. Repeat this procedure for as many songs as you would like to transfer to CD.
6. Burn a CD. When you've recorded and saved all desired songs to your computer, open your CD burning software and create a new "audio CD" type project. Import the tracks that you recorded from vinyl. Depending on how many tracks you want to transfer to CD, you might have to make more than one audio CD project. When all songs are imported, put in a blank CD and press "burn."
Tags: your computer, audio editing, audio editor, check your, computer audio, editing software