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How to Copy Vinyl Records to a PC

With the introduction of CDs, digital music and MP3 players, there has been a decline in the use of vinyl records. Instead of repurchasing your vinyl records in a new format, there is an alternative. Using a computer and audio editing software, you can copy your vinyl records onto your computer. You will then have the ability to use these recordings to burn your vinyl records to CD or transfer to your MP3 player.

Things You'll Need

  • Turntable
  • Preamp
  • Stereo
  • Computer
  • Recording software
  • Two RCA cables
  • One RCA to 1/8-inch cable
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Instructions

    • 1

      Connect your turntable to your stereo. Plug one end of an RCA cable into the audio outputs on your turntable. Then plug the other end into the phono RCA inputs on your preamp. Next, plug an RCA cable into the speaker outputs on your preamp, and then plug the other end into the audio inputs on your stereo.

    • 2

      Connect your stereo to your computer. Using an RCA to 1/8-inch cable, plug the RCA end into the audio output on your stereo system and then plug the 1/8-inch side into the headphone input on your computer.

    • 3

      Open a project in your audio editing program. Using an audio editing program, such as Audacity or GarageBand, open a new project. Save this project as the name of the first record you want to record.

    • 4

      Record a record into your audio editing program. In your audio editing program, press record. Then press play on your turntable. Your audio editing program will then record your vinyl record. Once the record stops playing, stop the recording in your audio editing program.

    • 5

      Export your audio project. In the "export" menu of your audio editing program, select the option to "export to media player." A window will open, asking you to name your track. Name your track and then click "export." In a few minutes, your project will export your vinyl recording to your media player. You will then have the ability to listen to your recording in your media player, burn it to CD or upload it to your MP3 player.

Recording Music

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