Beginner's Guide To Recording / Ripping Vinyl Into Your Computer

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1.0 Get Familiar With Your Turntable Setup

Please read our Beginner's Guide To Turntable Setups first. After reading that, you'll know what equipment you'll need, especially if you need a preamp or not. For recording, the only additional component you'll need is recording software.

2.0 Will You Need An Audio Interface To Record Vinyl?

No. An audio interface is not necessary to record vinyl into your computer. The exception is if your turntable does not have a USB output AND your computer ONLY has a USB input (many computers have an 1/8" input).

A case can be made to use an Audio Interface even if you technically don't need one. If you want your recordings for music production, digital DJing or critical listening, you probably want an Audio Interface to your setup to assure optimal sound quality transfer. You can read our Guide To Audio Interfaces here.

3.0 What Software Should I Use To Record Vinyl?

for Macs , Garage Band will work fine.

, Garage Band will work fine. Audacity is a free downloadable program that works on both PC and MAC

4.0 Recording Basics

Connect your turntable output to your computer's 1/8" audio input or USB input.

Launch your program and create a new file.

Select the appropriate input source (1/8" or USB) in the program preferences.

Test play your record and make sure the input levels do not reach "red", adjust input volume if necessary.

Click "Record" and once you are finished hit "Stop".

If using Audacity go to the "File" menu and select "Export to MP3".

If using Garageband go to the "File" menu and select "Save As". The default file type is AAC.



