Plugging an LP phonograph into the computer

[Don Paul]

Browsing the advertisements for CDROM read/write devices, I notice that many apparently provide a means for plugging an old LP phonograph player into the drive so as to retrieve the music from favorite disks. So, I ask myself, just how would I plug in my own LP player to my computer (without buying an expensive CDROM r/w device)? What type of connectors / converters would I need and what special software? Is my Creative WaveStudio sufficient as recording software?

I'm really somewhat of a dummy when it comes to hardware configurations.

Don Paul

[Roy]

The phono cartridge requires a specially equalized pre-amplifier. It's built into the stereo receiver or control unit. Whatever output would be used to feed a tape recorder is suitable to feed a sound card's line level input.

You would need an adaptor from RCA phono plugs to the mini tip-ring-sleeve plug that goes into the card. If there is only a microphone input, then the level must be reduced by adding a series resistor. I'd start with 20Kohms and see what happens. http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif

[LJE2]

With you record player connected to your receiver all you need is a cable with a 1/4" stereo phone jack on one end and an 1/8" stereo phone jack on the other, plug the 1/4" jack into the headphone jack on your reciever and plug the 1/8" jack into the "line in" on your sound card, I am not familiar with the software you speak of, I use some shareware call "Cool Edit" it work great!(not cheap though I think it was $50)

[steves]

Try visiting the hardware discussion forum at www.mp3.com (http://www.mp3.com) there are posts here that will help. Including contributions by yours truly.

Forgive given me if I sound rude but where are you? 'Phonograph' is not a term I have heard for the past 20 years. I assume you mean either stereo or perhaps just a plain turntable.

The line-out of your stereo (assuming it has one) should be able to plug into the line-in of your sound card (assuming it has one - if not see Roy's post above).

Altneratively if you just have a plain turntable it most likely has a simple phono output which requires RIAA equalisation before you can plug it into your sound card. I've just built one of these and housed it in the turntable base as my new stereo only has aux-in and no dedicated phono input (also I want to be able to convert my vinyl to MP3/WMA format and use a PC as a jukebox). If you are handy with a soldering iron visit your local electronics store/catalogue and you should be able to knock one up (or buy a pre-built kit - you say hardware is not you forte). To save building a power supply as well you could house this in/near the PC and and use the PC 12V supply.

Assuming you get a pre-built kit, it's just a case of making up some leads with the right connectors and adding power (a kit that will run of 12V would be easiest).

Various bits of software are available to either play or record the tracks as WAV files (for compression to MP3/WMA files perhaps). Try www.audiotools.com (http://www.audiotools.com) and www.winamp.com (http://www.winamp.com) .

Stored as a WAV file you are talking about 10Mb/minute.

P.S The kit I built was 'velleman K2573' do a search on this and you should find a supplier local to you (as well as the velleman site).

[JimmyCW]

Steves, I will ask you the same question. Whare are you.....the term "knock one up" is not a reference a procect in my "neck of the woods". (This could go on all day)

[JimmyCW]

Steves, I will ask you the same question. Where are you.....the term "knock one up" is not a reference to a project in my "neck of the woods". (This could go on all day)

[steves]

I see what you mean about 'knock one up', admittedly that sort of behaviour could get you arrested.

I'm in the UK BTW and 'phonograph' brings to mind images of spitfire pilots sipping G and Ts whilst waiting to be scrambled. "Chuck another 78 on the old phonograph johnny, good egg, crack on" sort of thing. It seemed so quaint to see such language being used here - I had to ask (hope no one took it the wrong way) http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif

Who said 'two nations seperated by a common language'?

P.S Click on the little pencil and paper icon to edit your posts (correct spellings). I've only just bothered to find out how to do it myself.

[This message has been edited by steves (edited 05-18-99).]

[Don Paul]

My thanks to all who took the time and effort to make my small project easy for me. A quick trip to Radio Shack to purchase the 1/4" to 1/8" male to male connector was all it took. My installed Soundblaster program called, Soundo'le, did the recording and my CD "ripper" program called, AudioGrabber, converted the files to mp3.

I really want to thank each and every one who volunteered their helpful suggestions.

Don Paul