Whats the best way to convert LP music? Do you want to digitize your vinyl? That is, do you want to convert it into easy to store, easy to organize MP3 files? Maybe you want to add your music to iTunes or some other digital jukebox software. Maybe you want to use the genius feature, create playlists, play your song in any order, shuffle your music so you never have the same listening experience twice, play your music without fear of deterioration, fine songs instantly, burn them onto CDs and put them on your iPod for listening anywhere.
If so, you want to move your files from vinyl into the digital era. There are a number of ways to do this. You could repurchase all of your music -- if it's still available -- from the Amazon or the eye tunes music store, but at $.99 per song, this could get expensive. Or you could use a turntable that you may already own, plus the computer you already own, and some free audio recording software to convert the music you already own into digital format.
To digitize your music, you will need to have a little know-how, and that's what this article is all about. But it's not that hard; in fact, it's similar to making a tape recording.
Here's what you will need to get started:
* A turntable, phonograph, record player - whatever you want to call it - with a built-in preamp or a standalone preamp or receiver, if one isn't built-in
* A tape player (if you want to digitize tapes)
* Some LPs and 45s (or cassettes) to digitize
* Stereo RCA to 1/8 inch stereo mini plug cable (about 10 bucks at electronics stores)
* A computer with a sound input port, or a USB audio input device if your computer lacks one
* Audio recording software such as the open-source Audacity (free!)
* iTunes on your computer to play your music (also free!) or some other music player
Got what you need? Okay, let's get started.
