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How to Copy an LP Record to a CD

Converting your favorite vinyl LP record to digital files, such as MP3s that can be burned to CD, makes it easier to put them on a portable media device. To convert your LP record to CD form, you will need to connect a turntable to your computer through an audio/video receiver, record the music in digital form and burn it using your computer's built-in media device. Doing so gives your LP record's audio the simultaneous conveniences of portability and storage.

Things You'll Need

  • Turntable
  • Audio/video receiver with RCA inputs
  • Ground wire (optional)
  • RCA cable
  • RCA-to-TRS cable or second RCA cable and RCA-to-TRS adapter
  • Personal computer with CD writer drive
  • Audio recorder software
  • CD writer software
  • Blank writable CD
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Instructions

    • 1

      Connect your turntable to an audio/video receiver if you have not already done so. Loop a ground wire around both the turntable and receiver's ground connectors and screw them down to hold the cable in place for noise reduction, if desired. Insert one end of the RCA cable into the turntable's color-coded RCA output jacks. Insert the other end of the RCA cable into the audio/video receiver's color-coded RCA "Phono" or available "Line In" jacks.

    • 2

      Connect your turntable's audio/video receiver to your personal computer. Insert the RCA end of the RCA-to-TRS cable into the receiver's color-coded "Phono Out," "Tape Out" or available "Line Out" jacks. Insert the TRS end of the cable into your computer's "Line In" port. You may alternatively attach an RCA-to-TRS adapter to an RCA cable to establish this connection.

    • 3

      Cue the record to the point from which you want to record. Push "Play" on the turntable until you hear the song you wish to start recording. Push "Stop" on the turntable and rewind the record until just before the desired song begins.

    • 4

      Launch your audio recorder software. Try Audacity if you do not have one in mind (see Resources). Push the "Record" button on the audio recorder software. Push the "Play" or "Start" button on the turntable immediately.

    • 5

      Push the "Stop" button on your audio recorder software. Push the "Stop" button on the turntable at this point as well.

    • 6

      Save the recording as a new audio file. Click "Save As" from your audio recording software's "File" tab. Name the file and choose a format compatible with your media player or CD writer program, such as MP3 or WAV. Click the "Save" button to render the recording. Repeat Steps 3 through 6 for the other side of your LP record.

    • 7

      Open the rendered recordings in iTunes, Windows Media Player or another CD writer program. Create a new playlist or burn list that includes the rendered recordings.

    • 8

      Insert a blank writable CD into your computer's CD writer. Click "Burn CD" to complete your LP record's copy to CD.

Digital Music

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