how can i record my vinyls to cd

[robin symons]

i have a turntable with phono leads i have seen a usb record deck but it seems a lot of money to only be used for my record collection

[Postdog]

I did mine using musicmatch http://www.musicmatch.com/ , which I have had for years. I used the line in jack socket, and with trial and error you can get it pretty good. It also has a feature which will stop recording during silent bits, but restart when the sound starts again, so it's useful for LPs, but again, trial and error comes into this if you have any tunes with breaks or quiet bits.

To be honest, whatever method you choose, I think you will have your work cut out. Remember, it will all have to be done in real time, and if you have a lot it can drive you nuts.

In the end I basically recorded the tracks I wanted IF I couldn't get them from say filesharing - if no-one else had them I had no choice.

[Mattk]

why not download the songs ?

[Buenchico]

As Postdog states, the transfer from vinyl to PC has to be done in 'real time'. i.e. if you've got 500 hours of recordings, it will take you 500 hours to transfer them. You'll probably find it easiest it you are very selective!

Check what type of socket your PC uses for audio input. (It's probable a 3.5mm stereo jack but there are other possibilities). Then head to your nearest branch of Maplin Electronics to purchase a lead to connect the phono sockets, on your deck, to the PC's input.

Now you'll need some software. Audacity is probably the most popular free general purpose sound-recording program:
http://www.download.com/Audacity/3000-2170_4-1 0606824.html?tag=lst-0-1

However, you might want to consider a paid-for program specifically designed for the type of task you're considering. These include PolderbitS (which offers a 14 day free trial and then costs $36.25. Note that it only runs under XP):
http://www.download.com/PolderbitS-Sound-Recor der-and-Editor/3000-2169_4-10541707.html

An alternative is Media Digitaliizer. This is also XP only, with a 14 day free trial. Purchase costs $30.
http://www.download.com/Media-Digitalizer/3000 -2141_4-10577774.html

All you then need is some CD burning software (and a pile of blank CDs!). You've probably already got the software (either within XP or as a separate program such as Nero). However, if you use Media Digitalizer, it's got its own burning software built-in.

Chris