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How to Convert Albums to CDs

Transferring an album to a CD can be done two ways. The first way is to use a stand-alone CD recorder. The second is by transferring it to a computer, then using the computer's CD burner to create a CD. Using a stand-alone recorder is the easiest, but fewer people are likely to own one. Therefore, let's look at how to use your computer's CD burner to create a CD from a vinyl record in a two-step process.

Things You'll Need

  • Turntable
  • Phono Preamp/Receiver (for older turntables)
  • Computer with CD burner (needs USB or audio linputs depending on method used)
  • Blank CD
  • Recording software
  • Connection Cables
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Instructions

  1. Transfer Using Older Turntables

    • 1

      Connect the phono outputs of the turntable to the phono preamp or receiver's phono inputs.

    • 2

      Connect the line outputs of the receiver or phono preamp to the audio line inputs of the computer.

    • 3

      Open the record software and set it to record a stereo, 44.1k, 16bit wave or AIFF audio file. Make sure the input selection is set to the line inputs.

    • 4

      Adjust the record level, if available, to avoid the meter's overload indicators but so the meter reading is fairly high during loud audio passages. The overload indicators are generally a red segment at the top of the meter.

    • 5

      Record the album, pausing the software to flip sides.

    • 6

      Export individual songs as stereo, 44.1k, 16bit wave or AIFF audio files to an easy-to-find destination. According to software instructions, this may be done by highlighting the song in the waveform view, then choosing "Export selected" or a similar command.

    • 7

      Burn a CD from the exported audio files using your computer's CD-burning software.

    Transfer Using a Turntable With USB or Line-Level Output

    • 8

      Connect turntable directly to the computer using USB or line-level outputs. If it has both, use the USB. If using a turntable's line-level output, connect it to the computer's line-level input.

    • 9

      Open the record software and set it to record a stereo, 44.1k, 16bit wave or AIFF audio file. Check that the input selection is set to match the turntable connection (USB or line).

    • 10

      Adjust the record level, if available, to avoid the meter's overload indicators but so the meter reading is fairly high during loud audio passages. The overload indicators are generally a red segment at the top of the meter.

    • 11

      Record the album, pausing the software to flip sides.

    • 12

      Export individual songs as stereo, 44.1k, 16bit wave or AIFF audio files to an easy-to-find destination. According to software instructions, this is often done by highlighting the song in the waveform view, then choosing an "Export selected" or a similar command.

    • 13

      Burn a CD of the exported audio files using your computer's CD-burning software.

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