Setting up a way to do something even if it's kinda pointless

[crazyfingers]

I have no easy way to directly record vinyls to digital files on the computer.

I have some vinyls that I never got the CD for. I was thinking about setting back up my retired Adcom preamp to play the turntable to and connect the Denon dual bay CD player/recorder to make CDs of the vinyls and then take the CDs to the computer to rip them into AACs or FlACs. I could also connect the Adcom to the NAD preamp to monitor the vinyl to CD recording.

To be frank, I doubt I have many vinyls that I never replaced with CDs. Mainly some Billy Joel and Chicago.

It would be a lot easier to just buy and download the albums direct. But I really have no strong desire to listen to them much.

The main thing is have you ever gone to a lot of trouble just to set up a capability even if you would rarely do it and there are easier solutions? The fun is the journey, not the destination kind of thing?

Have you ever gone to a lot of trouble to set up a capability just to have it even if you have no real need and might never use it?

 

[Eppie]

I did pay for Audio Cleaning Lab software years ago. The intention was to set up a pre-amp and turntable next to the computer and record vinyl to PC files. I did do a bit of that. ACL software knocks down the pops and clicks and allows for some EQ in the process. For records that had a scratch, I used Wave Repair software to edit the raw WAV file. You could manually knock down any loud pops from scratches but to edit just one song would take a lot of time. To record and edit a full album took ages.

Problem with ACL was that it was copy protected and every time you upgraded to a new PC or new version of Windows, you had to request a new license key. I eventually gave up on that head ache. These days it's easy to find a digital copy of most classic albums so if I have paid for a legitimate copy I might download a digital version. Still have the majority of my old albums on vinyl only though. If I spend money on music it's usually for something new to add to the collection. Despite people's complaints, there is plenty of good music being recorded if you take the time to search for it.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

Doing things pointlessly wastes time, but people do it anyways to learn or as a hobby.
I know that digitizing old Vynil records is entirely possible, but if not needed, then why do it?
Would you enjoy the process or learn something valuable?
Since you mentioned famous artists such as Chicago and Billy Joel, finding better lossless recordings for both should not be challenging and the cost, you have to consider the value of your own time. Using audio cleaning software can be both expensive in terms of licensing and time spent cleaning the audio. Considering all costs, finding a lossless track online could be a cheaper alternative.

 

[TLS Guy]

I have no easy way to directly record vinyls to digital files on the computer.

I have some vinyls that I never got the CD for. I was thinking about setting back up my retired Adcom preamp to play the turntable to and connect the Denon dual bay CD player/recorder to make CDs of the vinyls and then take the CDs to the computer to rip them into AACs or FlACs. I could also connect the Adcom to the NAD preamp to monitor the vinyl to CD recording.

To be frank, I doubt I have many vinyls that I never replaced with CDs. Mainly some Billy Joel and Chicago.

It would be a lot easier to just buy and download the albums direct. But I really have no strong desire to listen to them much.

The main thing is have you ever gone to a lot of trouble just to set up a capability even if you would rarely do it and there are easier solutions? The fun is the journey, not the destination kind of thing?

Have you ever gone to a lot of trouble to set up a capability just to have it even if you have no real need and might never use it?

I must say, that I don't digitize, my LP's. I cold easily, as I have a DAW with pro. DAC and pro. software. I like handling my LPs, and enjoy the pleasure of playing them in my vintage turntables. It is good to be remined that really good audio was to be had over half a century ago.

 

[maximoore]

I must say, that I don't digitize, my LP's. I cold easily, as I have a DAW with pro. DAC and pro. software. I like handling my LPs, and enjoy the pleasure of playing them in my vintage turntables. It is good to be remined that really good audio was to be had over half a century ago.

I not long ago became a music lover, now I want to hear this, could you make a movie?

 

[lovinthehd]

I did buy an ART Phono Plus setup to digitize my vinyl several years ago....but after spending some time with it decided it just really wasn't worth the time investment, that I may as well just play the vinyl if I want to hear that particular recording (or will go to the digital version most often, even if not in my own collection).

 

[crazyfingers]

Long ago my old notebook had a 3.5 audio-in plug. It was easy to play a vinyl and record it with Audacity and then separate the tracks. My current notebook doesn't have an audio-in. So I'd need a analog to digital box. But a good standalone box that goes analog to digital is hard to find. Digital to analog is easy.

 

[crazyfingers]

ART Phono Plus

That would do it. I wonder why so many audio devices still use the old "printer USB" cable plug. A USB-B?

 

[lovinthehd]

That would do it. I wonder why so many audio devices still use the old "printer USB" cable plug. A USB-B?

Because it's an older design generally I assume, but not up on my usb evolution either. Can't think of any other audio gear (at least that I've had/used) that uses the "printer" plug, tho....

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

But a good standalone box that goes analog to digital is EASY to find.

Fixed that for you. just look for a USB audio interface and you'd find tons.
My two favorite ones, and both measure very well are: Motu M2 and Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen

 

[crazyfingers]

Because it's an older design generally I assume, but not up on my usb evolution either. Can't think of any other audio gear (at least that I've had/used) that uses the "printer" plug, tho....

I ran into a bunch when I was looking for a replacement preamp that would also stream from my computer.

 

[crazyfingers]

Fixed that for you. just look for a USB audio interface and you'd find tons.
My two favorite ones, and both measure very well are: Motu M2 and Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen

Cool. So between Loveinthehd and your suggestions, I need to decide if this urge to have the capability is worth doing. Actually, It's not worth doing but I have the urge to be able to do it.

Strange

 

[Bucknekked]

Fixed that for you. just look for a USB audio interface and you'd find tons.
My two favorite ones, and both measure very well are: Motu M2 and Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen

I own a Scarlett Solo unit and use it as my analog interface for guitar work. Its a great unit and the Scarlett series is pretty widespread. I was surprised that you listed it as an avenue to for the OP to meet his request.
I had to do a side by side comparison with the 212 unit to see the difference between the Solo and the 212 is a pair of line in interfaces. I learned something useful today. I have no idea what I would ever use that functionality for, but, I am always looking for something new in getting music recorded.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

I own a Scarlett Solo unit and use it as my analog interface for guitar work. Its a great unit and the Scarlett series is pretty widespread. I was surprised that you listed it as an avenue to for the OP to meet his request.
I had to do a side by side comparison with the 212 unit to see the difference between the Solo and the 212 is a pair of line in interfaces. I learned something useful today. I have no idea what I would ever use that functionality for, but, I am always looking for something new in getting music recorded.

I recommended 2i2, not solo, because the prior has a dedicated headphones level control.
I use this feature on my UMC404HD quite often. I got my very cheap ($80), but I won't recommend it to others at the current high retail prices and less-than-perfect measurements.