Arts >> Music >> Recording Music

How to Copy 45s to CD

If you have a collection of records, such as 45s, that you want on CD, you will need a stereo receiver, a computer and some software. Several free audio programs are available on the Internet that you can download to accomplish your task. You will also need the right audio cable to carry the sounds from your stereo to your computer. This article will give you the basics to getting your 45s onto CD.

Things You'll Need

  • Record player
  • Stereo receiver
  • RCA-to-stereo mini-cable
  • Computer with a CD burner
  • Audio program
  • iTunes
Show More

Instructions

  1. Getting the Music to Your Computer

    • 1

      Plug the cable RCA ends into the "Line Out" on your receiver. These usually are found in the back of your unit. Plug the other end of the cable, the mini-stereo end, into the "Line In" on your computer's sound card. This would be the same place you would plug in a microphone for chatting on the Web.

    • 2

      Download and install a free audio program from the Internet. Audacity is one easy-to-use program you can get for free.

    • 3

      Open up your audio program and put a record on the record player. Make sure your receiver is set to play records. Usually this is the "Phono" button on your receiver. Now you have everything set up to get sound from your stereo to your computer.

    Using the Audio Program

    • 4

      Learn how to use your audio program's record function. Usually when you download a program for the first time, as with Audacity, the default settings will be set for immediate use. Open your audio program. If you are using Audacity, you will see a control panel at the top of the screen. You will see buttons like those you would find on a CD player.

    • 5

      Start recording by hitting "Record," usually displayed as a red circle. A track will appear with a line running across the program's display.

    • 6

      Begin playing your record. When your record ends, flip it and play the other side. On your audio track in your audio program, you will be able to see the audio as waveforms.

    • 7

      When the record is finished, click "Stop" in your audio program. This is usually a button with a square on it.

    Making CDs

    • 8

      Get ready to make CDs. If you want, at this time you can edit your audio tracks. You can play around with the easy-to-use interface of your program, or you can read about how to make each song its own track. For the sake of ease, this article will show you how to make one long CD with the entire record as one track.

    • 9

      Click "File" at the top of the program's screeen and select "Export as .mp3" or "Export as .wav." Either one will burn onto a CD. Note where you export the file to, such as your computer's desktop.

    • 10

      Open iTunes. Import the file that you just recorded and exported into iTunes. Now you can burn your CD.

+:
+:

Recording Music

Related Categories