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USB record decks - converting old vinyl to digital
If you've got a pile of vinyl records gathering dust and desperately want to convert them to a digital format, a USB record deck could be the answer to your prayers, writes Jecinta Noble
OK, we all know that handling your beloved record collection, slowly slipping one out of its sleeve and placing it on the record player was all part of the appeal. But let's face it, they haven't stood up to the test of time very well and you're never going to replace them all with CDs. So if your favourite old records have seen better days or are no longer even available on CD, it's time to take action.
What is it?
This compact gadget allows you to record vinyl LPs or cassette tapes onto your PC. All you need to do is plug the USB cable into the back of your PC and then put the CD or your MP3 into the drive and follow the instructions on screen. It really is that easy.
What's on offer?
There are quite a few USB record decks on the market, ranging from basic to top of the range. This has been inspired by many DJs, who have converted their collections into digital formats.
Numark is one such company that specialises in producing DJ equipment, such as DJ DVD mixing consoles, microphones, amplifiers, mixers and monitors. You can find out the nearest store to you that stocks their products at www.numark.com/sales
However, we suggest taking a cheaper and easier route. Ion offers the iTT-USB Turntable for around £99, while Soundlab and TerraTec products retail at around £95. They are all reportedly incredibly easy to use and require no separate drivers. Audacity software for Mac/PC for recording is included and similarly, if you've got some gems on cassette, these can also be easily converted.
What's good about it?
The software allows you to play around with the sound levels, so any hissing and scratching can be erased. The unit matches the two sound levels by lifting (amplifying) the sound level from the deck to be the same as what the PC is expecting as its input. Genius.
Make sure your purchase comes with a 45 adaptor for jukebox singles with large centres, and the supplied software allows conversion of 78 records, too. Plug it into a spare USB port (the USB cable should be provided) and you're ready to bring your cherished collections to life!
Take a look at websites such as www.getinthemix.co.uk or www.djkit.co.uk to compare prices before you buy and don’t forget, as always, to be wary about sites you’ve never purchased from before.
Reader comments
Yes, you can easily do this with a scart connecting lead that has a scart plug on each end. One end goes into the DVD player, the other end into the VCR's scart input socket (try AV1 first). Turn on the DVD player and tune the tv to the same channel as if you were going to play a tape. Now on the VCR remote control change the channel number up or down until it reads AV or similar which is normally the channel number before 1. You should now see the DVD picture and can operate the DVD player as normal. This method also works for connecting freeview boxes, cable and SKY satellite receiver boxes etc. An alternative solution is to purchase a modulator box online or from Maplin stores for around £20.
Posted by: peter | 10/09/2008 13:27:31
My mother is 89 and cannot get to grips with her new VCR. Does anyone know of simple to use equipment that are as easy to use as they were in the 80's
Posted by: Colin Dines | 22/08/2008 12:12:34
My TV set is about 20 years and works perfectly,but it does not have a scart socket. My Video Recorder has 2 scart sockets, AV1 and AV2,which I do not use,since I play the VCR through the aerial sockets. Can I operate a DVD player through my VCR? If so please give me details of the precise connections to be made.
Posted by: Brian Wells | 10/08/2008 10:12:34
