Digitizing LPs and can't get stereo recording only mono

[ronnie]

I've been dealing with this issue for hours and I can't resolve this.

I'm digitizing my LPs with the Memorex 2650mmo turntable and for some unknown reason it doesn't record in stereo.
I tried connecting the turntable with the USB but it doesnt provide any volume control and the volume is very high and distorted but has stereo.

I connected the RCA cables to a converter plug that turns the signal into a mini plug which I connect to my line in socket in my computer. With this configuration I have volume control but for some strange reason I don't have stereo. The RCA - miniplug connector is supposed to provide stereo sound.

Help!

[Gale Andrews]

I'm digitizing my LPs with the Memorex 2650mmo turntable and for some unknown reason it doesn't record in stereo. I tried connecting the turntable with the USB but it doesnt provide any volume control and the volume is very high and distorted but has stereo.

What version of Windows are you using (for example, XP, Vista or 7)? If you are on Vista or 7, USB audio input level can be very high. Is there a volume control for the turntable in the recording side of the Windows Control Panel? Turning the level down in the Audacity input slider in Mixer Toolbar might help, but unless it controls the input level directly it will only turn the distorted sound down rather than stop it distorting.

If you use the current Audacity Beta (1.3.13) the Audacity input slider will indicate by being greyed out on maximum if it can directly control the input level. You should use 1.3.13 if you are on Vista or 7,

I connected the RCA cables to a converter plug that turns the signal into a mini plug which I connect to my line in socket in my computer. With this configuration I have volume control but for some strange reason I don't have stereo. The RCA - miniplug connector is supposed to provide stereo sound.

This sounds as if you might be on Windows Vista or 7 which can choose between sending mono or stereo. On those versions of Windows, right-click over the speaker icon in the System Tray > Recording Devices. Right-click over the line-in and choose Properties. On the "Advanced" tab, in the "Default Format" section, change the dropdown menu to "2 channel 16 bit 44100 Hz".

Obviously, double-check that you have chosen stereo input in Audacity (Audio I/O Preferences in Audacity 1.2.6 or Device Toolbar in 1.3.13).


Gale