connect hi-fi to PC

[Elainej]

I have been given a load of LP's and singles and want to convert them to CD. How can I connect the hi-fi turntable to the PC and do I need software or just the correct leads?

[LeMarchand]

I've just had to do this for my aunt! You will need some software (but you've probably got something suitable already installed) and a lead to connect your turntable to your soundcard.

The lead should really go from an amplified source (ie not directly from your turntable), the most common connection being a pair of "phono" plugs, and be plugged into the "line in" on your soundcard (normally a mini headphone jack). If this is impossible, you could try taping the vinyl and connecting a portable player in a similar fashion, but this will have a detrimental effect on the quality.

If you have Easy CD Creator, you're in luck as it includes an option called "SpinDoctor" that takes you through recording from vinyl (though it's track seperation didn't work well for me). Otherwise you need to see if you have anything capable of making extended recordings (check your soundcard software) or buy/download something suitable. Not used it, but this looks possible (and it's free): http://audacity.sourceforge.net/ . I used SpinDoctor set not to detect tracks (as it didn't seem to work properly) and different software to split the recording into tracks, but I guess it depends on how finicky you are. The best bet is to record on to your hard drive, and then use your burning software to create the CDs from the saved files.

To sum up: connect an amplified source to your soundcard, record to the hard drive, split LP's into tracks if needed/you want to, burn the track on the HD to CD.