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CD broadcast capture methods

raymeedc

raymeedc

Active Member
What would be the best method of capturing FM broadcasts onto CDs? I was at first considering a standalone CD recorder, but am now leaning towards my computer. Is there an external PC CD recorder drive with jacks to plug in a tuner for such an operation, or would I be required to hookup through my soundcard?
 
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Well, I'll try to toss in a few ideas, and then the experts can set you straight.:D

Although it's not clear from your question, if you're asking if you can record directly from an FM broadcast to a cd recorder, I'm pretty sure the answer is no.

You would need to send the output of your FM receiver or integrated amp to your pc. The simplest connection would probable be the tape out from the receiver/amp to the line in of your pc sound card.

Once you have captured the FM broadcast as an audio file on the pc, then you can edit, remove commercials, etc., (unless you want the commercials), save the edited file in the appropriate file format, and burn it to the cd.
 
raymeedc said:
What would be the best method of capturing FM broadcasts onto CDs? I was at first considering a standalone CD recorder, but am now leaning towards my computer. Is there an external PC CD recorder drive with jacks to plug in a tuner for such an operation, or would I be required to hookup through my soundcard?
Click to expand...

I have tried this, there are many options. Easiest but least flexible is hook the FM tuner direct to a CD recorder. I use the Pioneer PDR-555RW CD recorder, bought on EBay for 100. Downside is you must use special "Music" CDRs, available cheap. Also not good for recording while you are gone, or for long shows.
The most flexible way is to hook the tuner output to your PC soundcard input. Please note I personally like the direct connect route, not using a preamp in between the tuner and computer.
Then you record the FM show directly to your hard drive using software. There are many packages available to do this, the one I like best is MP3 Power recorder
http://www.cooolsoft.com/mp3rec.htm
Before you object to implications of the name, please note it will record both .wav and .mp3 files. It has a user interface that reminds you of a reel to reel deck, and let's you schedule programs in advance. So for instance, you can record Jazz with Bob Parlocha starting at 12:00 am and record 1 hour long .wav files for a 6 hour show, starting and stopping unattended. For long shows, the option of using .mp3 compression is nice, so you can fit say 6 hours on one CD and then play it in the car. Once the recording is done, you need to manually burn the CDs, or simply play the files off the PC into your stereo, which, is likely the easiest way.
 
Hi,

You can use a standalone CD Recorder to record FM broadcasts. I use my Tascam a lot for this job. It does a superb job for FM recording, transferring records, and transferring tapes. I have used the PC for this but it is less convenient. :tresbon:
 
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