Record your LP records as MP3 files

By Jonathan Walker

Question: How do I transfer my old vinyl LPs, 45s, and cassette tapes into MP3 for playback on my computer? --Thom

Answer: If you're anything like me, you probably have an old milk crate or two full of LP records gathering dust in a closet somewhere.

Here’s how to transfer songs from those records into a digital format for use on your computer, or even to create CDs out of them. Note that, since you own the record or cassette, this is legal to do, but it is not legal to share the resulting digital files with others.

Before we discuss the process, let me first point you to a video that shows you how to convert LPs to MP3s with a program called All Sound Recorder XP (free trial download).

If you are not ready for that yet, then i mention it later in this article. First let’s talk about the equipment and software required.

You will need:

• A turntable (for LPs and 45s) and/or a tape deck for cassettes
• A stereo with amplifier (into which your turntable and/or tape deck connect
• A cable that connects your stereo’s Audio Out connector to your computer’s Line In connector on your sound card.
• A computer with the following specs:
  
  • Pentium II 266 computer or better
  • 128 MB of RAM or more
  • 200 MB free space on your hard drive
  • a soundcard with a “Line In” port
  • WAV file recording software
  • WAV to MP3 conversion software
  • MP3 burning software, if you want to make audio CDs

Let’s talk a little about this list. First, you must have the means to actually play the original music.

Vinyl needs a turntable, and audio tape needs a tape deck. These older pieces of hardware can still be found in either your local pawn shop, second-hand store, thrift store, or a decent boutique stereo shop or vintage record store. You can get them new here. You can also try eBay . Or check your Dad’s basement. Just be careful not to trip over the the Betamax, the CB radio, or the 8-track player.

Each component shouldn’t cost more than about $150 or so, but remember that cheaper versions can mean cheaper quality which means a poor source from which to record.

Second, you must hook these up through a stereo with an amplifier. The reason for this is that most (but not all) turntables require amplification.

If you hook a turntable directly to a computer, chances are the audio will be too faint to record properly. You can try plugging the turntable into the microphone jack, because that does amplify the audio source, but it's not an ideal solution.

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