Using Audacity 2.4.2 and the latest Win 10.
Do I need new hardware to convert analog signals (coming out of a phono preamp) to digital (to feed into my computer, using USB?)
I have an old but good turntable and a phono preamp.
I am able to record LPs as MP3 files (using the “Line In” jack) and play back the files.
I would like to convert the recordings to true digital format.
I have scanned the forum and the user manual and cannot find a clear answer.
Do I need to buy an analog-to-digital converter or can Audacity convert the analog recordings to digital?
Thanks for answering a question from a newbie!
Al.
“I am able to record LPs as MP3 files (using the “Line In” jack) and play back the files.”
That would be an analog to digital conversion already. You may want try using an audio interface for better results.
“Do I need to buy an analog-to-digital converter or can Audacity convert the analog recordings to digital?”
Audacity is already receiving a digital signal whatsoever the source is.
You have the option of doing the conversion with the sound card (when you use the line-in), or using an interface like the UCA222.
I have an UCA222, never used it yet, but tried it and seems a good choice for what you want to do.
If your computer really has a line-in, (not mic-in), then you don’t have to buy any more hardware:
that means your computer already has an in-built A/D converter which will accept line-out from the turntable.
I am able to record LPs as MP3 files (using the “Line In” jack) and play back the files.
What he said. If you have a “real” Line-In on a desktop machine (blue connector).
Or an older Mac (on the left).
Then all you need is the adapter cable.
However. I wouldn’t use MP3. MP3 builds compression and processing sound damage into the music and you can’t stop it. Even worse, if you decide to apply effects, filters, or corrections to your music, the distortion will get worse.
File > Export > WAV (Microsoft) 16-bit for your music archive. Those are large files, but they don’t have compression damage and you can make them into anything you want—including MP3 files for your Portable Music Player.
Fair warning. Are you super-double-dog-sure your computer has stereo line-in? Stereo is not normal. If your machine has a socket that doesn’t say anything or has no label, that’s not a good quality stereo connection. When you do capture a stereo LP, are the Audacity bouncing sound meters different from each other? If they’re not, then you’re not getting a good stereo capture.
Koz