Comments on: Ripping Vinyl in OS X

Question: Ripping Vinyl in OS X

unSane — Tue, 07 Mar 2006 10:58:33 -0800

I want to rip a bunch of old vinyl LPs. I have a nice Dual turntable which I got off eBay, and a couple of USB audio interfaces (an M-Audio Audiophile USB and an Emagic A26) which plug into a G4 Powerbook. I have Logic and Garageband. Do I need anything else? How do I go about applying the RIAA curve given my set-up? Would I be better off getting a real pre-amp? What are the cheapest options?

By: designbot

designbot — Tue, 07 Mar 2006 11:02:47 -0800

Check this out.

By: designbot

designbot — Tue, 07 Mar 2006 11:04:44 -0800

Final Vinyl is free and made specifically for this purpose.

By: empath

empath — Tue, 07 Mar 2006 11:21:06 -0800

I would buy a pre-amp or a dj mixer. It doesn't cost that much, try your local Guitar Center.

Also, you probably want to apply a little bit of compression to it after you record it, to give it some oomph.

By: omnidrew

omnidrew — Tue, 07 Mar 2006 11:35:30 -0800

You definitely need a preamp to apply the RIAA curve between the TT and the audio interface. The "check this out" article designbot referenced is great -- Toast, Jam, Peak LE are what I use.

FYI you only need Jam if you are doing pro CD mastering, or adding "zero pause" track markers as you would have on a live album.

By: stratastar

stratastar — Tue, 07 Mar 2006 11:42:36 -0800

I have a very similar setup: Technics 12s into a PPD1 mixer (the part you miss) into the audiophile--> computer...

By: Neiltupper

Neiltupper — Tue, 07 Mar 2006 12:27:06 -0800

Probably the cheapest way to get the preamp into the mix is to buy an old receiver/amplifier which has phono inputs (they all used to) and connect to your audio interface hardware via the line out.

I see old receivers at second hand stores and garage sales for $10 or less. Many people of two ar three old receivers in their attics even. Ask around. You might score a freeby

By: Neiltupper

Neiltupper — Tue, 07 Mar 2006 12:29:29 -0800

"Many people have two or three . . "

Sorry, Tuesday brain . . .

By: klangklangston

klangklangston — Tue, 07 Mar 2006 14:17:45 -0800

Keep in mind two things: any reciever/amp with a "phono" slot already has a pre-amp, and most have RCA outs that'll run directly to your USB adapter. Second, "mic" slots also have a preamp, but they're usually set to a different gain, which means that you can use them but should be wary and will likely have to jigger your computer recording volume settings. Still, you've got pretty much all you need. Now you just need a blog where you post the vinyl that hasn't been reissued, so us schlubs can download it!

By: DandyRandy

DandyRandy — Tue, 07 Mar 2006 14:32:11 -0800

Griffin Technology's iMic (USB) will take your turntable's phono-level output and fit it riiight up - and they have a companion app (only works with iMic) called Final Vinyl that has 10-band EQ in addition to switchable RIAA EQ - works great for me! $40.