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How to Convert Vinyl to Digital

If you have old vinyl records laying around, you might want to consider preserving your music in a newer format. Many people are now converting their vinyl records to digital music. By doing this, you'll be able to listen to your old favorites without risking damage or wear to the records by playing them over and over. Converting your vinyl records to digital format can be time consuming, but it isn't difficult.

Things You'll Need

  • Vinyl record player
  • Adapter cable with dual RCA female jacks
  • Analog-to-digital recording software
  • Music management software
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Instructions

    • 1

      Connect the left and right RCA male phone plugs from the record player to the two RCA female jacks on your adapter.

    • 2

      Plug the adapter cable into your computer. You can either plug the adapter into the audio or microphone input. Make sure that you connect this cable securely.

    • 3

      Open your analog-to-digital software. You can use programs such as Wave Pad or Sound Edit for this process (find the links under Resources). Set the input level on your computer according to the instructions recommended by your software. You will also need to choose whether to set the files up as WAV or MP3 files. If you are converting entire albums, an MP3 setting is best.

    • 4

      Follow the step-by-step instructions provided in your software to make a test recording of one song. Play back the recording in your computer's media player and check for distortion and volume. If the volume is not loud enough, you can raise the input level volume on your computer.

    • 5

      Record your songs one at a time so that you will have smaller digital files. This will also make your file easier to organize and title. Use iTunes, Windows Media Player or another music management program to organize your files.

Digital Music

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