Downloading music from 331/3 records.

[Doc Spock]

I have a turntable but no amplifier.

How can I put the music onto my PC.

Is there a cable to go from back of turntable via USB into PC.

What sort of software would I need.

I have some treasured records I would like to put on PC and then to DVD.

Any ideas??

[The Builder]

It could certainly be done - but it's all a bit technical :-( I doubt there is an output from the turntable especially a USB one. If not - then take the output from the pickup arm - usually 2 wires. You'd have to make up a cable from this to one of the computer inputs (line in, or mic). First though, you would have to make sure the pickup output matches the sound card input (voltage level and impedance). This is all getting too silly - you'd need to be a geek - if you know one, get him to help you :-)

[Doc Spock]

Thanks builder. I know you can buy usb turntables, I am just mean..

[ajmmac]

hi doc--having no amplifier probably means the signal from ur record deck will be too weak to give reasonable audio thru your pc--so--u need to get a pre-amplifier--u connect the deck to the pre amp input and the pre-amp output to the line-in socket of your pc--the pre-amp boosts the signal to a good output level so you can hear it thro ur comp speakers--then--google for "audacity" and download and install it--it's free--run audacity having selected the source as line-in--as you put on ur lp click record in audacity and you can record each song to ur pc--if you record a whole side of an lp at once you will end up with one large audio file--that means when u burn it to a cd u will not be able to play individual tracks because u will have only one track--ie the whole side of the lp-so record and save each track individually and when u burn it do so as a compilation and u can then get it to play any single track on ur cd player like a normal cd--post back if u have any problems--i have a pre-amp which cost about �20--lots of makes available--search online--cheers

[ACtheTROLL]

You are basically on a looser here

turntable output is very very low voltage (that's why you need the amp!!) - so there is no whaaay that it's going to work

if you already have vinyl and turntable .... how did you listen without an amp - by gripping the needle in your teeth?

the usb turntables do have amps ... and that's where the output is coming from

to transfer music from any device to your PC is quite simple
all you need is a jack - jack phono cord to connect the headphone output to the line in of your PC
(this works on any audio device with earphones [radio, ipod, tv ....])

e-bay and most other junk shops sell old hi-fi music centres for pennies these days .... treat yourself ;-)

[ajmmac]

i have to disagree with ACtheTROLL--i have a turntable without an amp--has two phono plugs for output--i plug them in to the pre-amp i bought for �20 and then pr-amp to to the line in on my pc--works perfectly

[Doc Spock]

Thanks folks, taken on board. Will sort it out.


Thanks again.

[ACtheTROLL]

aj

so you are using an (pre) amp!
My point was that the raw feed from the turntable is too low.

Once it's been through an amp stage ... the worry then is keeping the power down to a safe level so as not to blow the soundcard - but with a little care that's doable

the recomendation is to use the earphone output ... which is much lower power and at worst should only cause distortion if the vol is too high