| To convert vinyl to digital music files, of course, | | | | If so, the thing is shot and you should avoid it. |
| you'll need a turntable. Perhaps you have an old | | | | Next, plug the speaker into either output jack (or |
| one in a closet, attic or basement. The next | | | | use a pair of headphones) and twiddle with the |
| option is to buy one new or used. We'll cover all | | | | balance knob while the record is playing. Make |
| three options. | | | | sure you get a smooth, strong signal through |
| Whether you're going to use an old turntable you | | | | each stereo track at approximately the same |
| have lying around the house or purchase one | | | | volume and with no static. |
| used, you want to make sure it is in proper | | | | Finally, make sure to test the device on both LPs |
| working order first. I had an old stereo | | | | and 45s (even 78s if you have some really old |
| phonograph that I thought worked decently, but I | | | | ones you want to digitize). |
| couldn't get a good recording off of it. I tried | | | | If the unit has passed this battery of tests, you |
| different cables, different hookups, posting to | | | | should be ready to go. The unit doesn't need to |
| message boards, and so on. | | | | have any speakers, since you will be plugging it |
| Finally, I actually tested the thing and found out | | | | directly into your computer. |
| that it was not giving a proper output through | | | | If you want to save the hassle and make sure |
| both speakers. Twiddling the balance knob did no | | | | you get a quality unit right from the beginning, |
| good, nor did switching speakers or wires. The | | | | you might want to just buy a new turntable. |
| thing was just shot. So the moral of the story | | | | There are a number of good ones that are |
| here is, even though a phonograph, stereo or | | | | designed specifically for digitizing old vinyl. For |
| turntable may seem good at first glance, it can | | | | example, the Ion TTUSB Turntable with USB |
| turn out to be a dud. You should test it carefully | | | | Record can be purchased for under $90 and has |
| before you get started. | | | | an adjustable anti-skating control for increased |
| Whether you test a phonograph you find in a | | | | stereo balancing and line-level outputs for easy |
| closet or one you find at the second-hand store, | | | | stereo connection. The Ion Audio TTUSB 10 Vinyl |
| the process is pretty much the same. If you're | | | | Recording USB Turntable (a few dollars more) |
| going shopping for a used phonograph or | | | | supports the recording of 78 RPM records. |
| turntable, you might want to bring a record and | | | | Naturally, the quality of the turntable or |
| speaker with you for testing purposes. | | | | phonograph you buy will in large part determine |
| The first thing you want to test is whether the | | | | the quality of your digitized files. The unit will |
| thing actually has a needle (stylus)! It will be | | | | simply have a better sound, even when no |
| difficult to test the phonograph in a secondhand | | | | speakers are involved. It will have a richer base |
| store if it lacks one! If the phonograph in your | | | | and sharper treble. |
| closet lacks a needle, you'll have to find out what | | | | The quality of your digitized files, of course, will |
| type it takes and order one online (they're no | | | | only be as good as the quality of the equipment |
| longer carried in RadioShack stores). | | | | you use to digitize them. However, you can get |
| The second thing to test is a turntable speed. Put | | | | pretty decent results even from a budget |
| the record on the turntable, start the thing running | | | | phonograph. Plus, you will have the satisfaction of |
| and place the needle on a steady, even passage. | | | | knowing that your music will never deteriorate |
| Does the pitch vary? In other words, is the | | | | any further from this point onwards. |
| turntable's motor speeding up and slowing down? | | | | |