Vinyl can be converted to digital formats quite easily. We usually do that when the quality of the vinyl record worsened. The portability of the vinyl record, too, is sometimes complicated. So, it’s good to have a digital copy of the vinyl in cases of portability problems. A vinyl record is played using a turntable.
There are lots of turntable types. From the one with a phono preamp and USB port built-in, the one without USB port built-in, to the one that has neither a USB built-in or phone preamp. Converting a vinyl record to digital format in each of those cases is always different. Connections and some components are needed, while the software work for all situations.
How to Convert Vinyl to Digital Formats
The Connections
If the turntable has a phono preamp and a USB port built-in it, you’ll need a PC or Mac, and an audio-recording software (Audacity), and a USB connecter. Start by connecting the turntable to your computer using the USB.
Open the audio-recording and wait for the process to be completed. For the second situation, you’ll need a computer, an audio interface, an audio recording software, and a USB connecter. Connect the turntable to the input of the audio interface. Then, connect the output of the audio interface to the USB port of your computer. Finally, open the audio-recording software.
In the third situation, you’ll need a phono preamp, a computer, an audio interface, an audio recording software, and a USB connector. Start by connecting the turntable to the phono input of the phono preamp.
The phono preamp output must be connected next to the input of the audio interface. Use the USB port of your computer to connect to it the output of the audio interface. Ultimately, open the audio recording software.
How the Software Works
Using the software, you’ll need to set the input to the USB port. The turntable must be connected to the USB port and the turntable’s output switch to line output. Press the record button and start recording the vinyl. Stop the recording after you finish. Save the results and export the audio file in mp3 or wav. digital formats.
