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Vinyl to Digital: Software or USB Converter?

I'd like to digitize my vinyl to play via AIFF. The options are a) to use a phono preamp which outputs USB, or b) to run the preamp output directly into the Mac's audio input and digitize it with Roxio Spin Doctor. Any recommendations on which would produce higher quality recordings? If you recommend the software route, any suggestions besides Spin Doctor?
gordonmj
11 responses Add your response
jonathan1257
82 posts
 
Audacity, which is free and easy-to-use, would also work very well for running from your preamp directly into the Mac.
mountainsong's avatar
mountainsong
418 posts
 
Looking for the same, no luck yet.
team212's avatar
team212
248 posts
 
I used The Analog Ripper out of Wales(UK)

Des
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
Best quality would be achieved by using a good A/D converter, like the PSAudio or a Mytek etc.. The master clock is critically important here.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
gordonmj OP
1 posts
 
Thanks, all, for your suggestions. Steve N., it looks like PSAudio and Mytek only make D>A converters, not A>D (and frankly, even what they do make is a little out of my price range). Are there any A>D converters you'd recommend under $500? I know there are several available with built-in MM phono preamps, which would be acceptable, but not required.
tcatman
57 posts
 
You could consider a Zoom

http://www.samsontech.com/zoom/products/handheld-audio-recorders/h2/

I pop the Sd card into the PC and use Audacity to chop the recording into tracks and tag them

It is certainly better then using the PC or Mac to digitize...
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
Gordon - you are correct. I was thinking of the Ayre A/D converter. Good reviews.
hevac1
812 posts
 
Soon as I have the time to start converting some of my vinyl to digital a friend has the NagraVI A-D recorder I am going to try. First full project will be the Led Zeppelin 45 box set after some test records.
dtc's avatar
dtc
1,047 posts
 
Under $500 for line level A to D via USB. They use the output from your existing phono pre.

HRT Line Streamer

Korg MR-2

No experience with either of them.
junk981
25 posts
 
you should check out the Lynx Hilo it is an AD/DA converter with headphone amp.
bondmanp
1,782 posts
 
Try this A/D converter from Furutech:
http://www.adl-av.com/products/usbdac/gt40/
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