vinyl records to FLAC

[RaptorJesus]

Who here does this? I'm preparing to be set to backup my records to FLAC and had a couple questions for people who've done it already.

So far my setup consists of my iMac, Technics SL-QD33 turntable, so I just need a preamp right? Thinking about the TCC TC-750 phono preamp.

So what I want to know is:
1. Do you think this setup will give me decent quality to back up my records to FLAC with audacity?
2. How is the TC-750 preamp? Is there a better preamp I should look into?

I'm on a budget but I'd like to make quality FLAC without having to buy super expensive equipment.

[moose3642]

I do that with tapes, without the preamp...I just connect the headphone jack straight to the mic input of the computer's soundcard. The audio ends up perfect that way for me, so try it out before purchasing the preamp.

Get your level by right clicking the audacity input bar level thingy and clicking "monitor input", play the record, tweak the volume knob (I hope you have one), make sure it doesn't clip. Then record.

Audacity is definitely the way to go. I don't deal with FLAC format, and I haven't seen Audacity do it either...so maybe export a .wav file and use a good, simple, command-line converter. Mac has a terminal in Applications>utilities, and the syntax will be something like

program name /yourname/music/blahblahblah.wav /yourname/music/blahblahblah.flac

Best of luck!

[loansindi]

At 7/19/09 12:57 AM, moose3642 wrote: I do that with tapes, without the preamp...I just connect the headphone jack straight to the mic input of the computer's soundcard. The audio ends up perfect that way for me, so try it out before purchasing the preamp.

Get your level by right clicking the audacity input bar level thingy and clicking "monitor input", play the record, tweak the volume knob (I hope you have one), make sure it doesn't clip. Then record.

He has to use a preamp because turntables output PHONO level, which is WELL below the line level needed by his sound card

To the OP. The quality will largely be determined by your sound hardware. If you're unimpressed, you might need to invest in a USB/firewire interface (a simple one from m-audio will run you a little under a hundred bucks)

[Khuskan]

You don't need a preamp really, you can do all amplification via software. This will give you better control on how you want the sound of the rip to be.

[RaptorJesus]

At 7/19/09 06:48 AM, Khuskan wrote: You don't need a preamp really, you can do all amplification via software. This will give you better control on how you want the sound of the rip to be.

I'm doing phono, you NEED a preamp. Otherwise it won't sound right. The preamp also takes the sound through some RIAA curve, otherwise it doesn't sound right. It's not just amplification.

Before making this thread I've actually tried without the preamp just out of curiosity and it sounded like shit. I somehow doubt you've actually done this.

[Khuskan]

I have, but I recorded into a jack l/r DI box which had a preamp already in there - hence not much need for having an external one.

[RaptorJesus]

At 7/19/09 11:03 AM, Khuskan wrote: I have, but I recorded into a jack l/r DI box which had a preamp already in there - hence not much need for having an external one.

Ah, sneaky sneaky. Very cool, I wish I had a DI box still. Sold it before I got into collecting records.

I'll post as soon as I have my first good rip.

[loansindi]

At 7/19/09 11:03 AM, Khuskan wrote: I have, but I recorded into a jack l/r DI box which had a preamp already in there - hence not much need for having an external one.

It's tough to get the gain needed to raise the level of the turntable.

I've tried running a turntable direct into a mixing console but there just wasn't the gain available.