• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

Recording vinyl records to digital files

If your computer's motherboard or sound card has a light-blue colored 3.5 mm jack labeled "Line-In", then you don't need an external device, just a 3.5 mm-to-dual-RCA cable.

Then download Audacity for free to use as the recording software.
 
The only time I feel that copying vinyl to digital makes sense is for people with extremely expensive cartridges and or rare/expensive records. That is coming from a preservation mindset. I know it's not exactly the same; however, today I was thinking about ripping CDs. Then I asked why? I have access to everything I have on disc via Tidal. The same can be said for my LPs. However, I'm not ready to totally give up on the tactile nature of vinyl. So my question for you, is why copy your records to a digital format when you can stream FLAC files that are already available from Tidal?
 
techguy0192 said:
The only time I feel that copying vinyl to digital makes sense is for people with extremely expensive cartridges and or rare/expensive records. That is coming from a preservation mindset. I know it's not exactly the same; however, today I was thinking about ripping CDs. Then I asked why? I have access to everything I have on disc via Tidal. The same can be said for my LPs. However, I'm not ready to totally give up on the tactile nature of vinyl. So my question for you, is why copy your records to a digital format when you can stream FLAC files that are already available from Tidal?
Click to expand...
Personally, I have some reasons:
1. I get lots of records cheap and already have access to hundreds. No need to pay extra for the music.
2. My digital library is where my main listening happens, so I like to have everything there.
3. Having the digital file and a physical copy (even CD or tape) is a 2-for-1 deal.
4. Currently, I'm not subscribing to Tidal nor do I plan to at the moment.
5. Tidal and other lossless streaming services like it are on shaky ground. Maybe they'll survive, maybe they won't. Lossless streaming is still a new market and only time will tell if it catches on enough to stick around.
6. You don't get those nostalgic clicks and pops with Tidal.
7. As expansive as Tidal and other services' libararies are, they still don't have everything nor will they ever have everything. It's just not possible.

8. My main reason is that my connection with the music is greater after I physically pull an album out (doesn't have to be vinyl - CDs and tapes are the same way) and listen to it straight through the first time I listen to it. Then it goes in the digital collection with everything else. The instantaneous access to music we have now I feel is great for a supplement to my physical connection to the music at the start, but not a replacement. I have to physically feel it before I can truly feel it musically. At the same time, there's too much music to listen to the physical copy all the time. Therefore, the 2-for-1 deal created by ripping vinyl is something truly special.

Anyway, that's my reasoning and a discussion for another thread.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom