Sudden noise when converting LPs to digital

[DustyChicago]

So I recently purchased this: Audio-Technica turntable

I'm using Audacity 1.3 to convert some vinyl to digital on my MacBook pro using 10.4.11. Something sort of weird is happening. I've been able to record with some success, but about 60%, part way through playing a record, I'll get an annoying fuzz that begins.

I've tried noise removal and the high pass filter, but cant deal with the fuzz that way. I'm thinking it may be an issue with something inside my computer that begins to go wrong, or possible the needle is dragging dust that comes through on my computer but not through the Bose soundock I have hooked up the turntable through. I've make this claim based on the fact that when I lift the stylus off the record, the fuzz will stop.

A search showed a windows user that had a similar problem but remained unresolved.

Suggestions would be mighty appreciated, and I am a noob when it comes to this stuff so your patience is appreciated as well.

[billw58]

What is the model of the turntable? How is it connected to your MacBook - USB or Line-in? If it is a USB connection to the MacBook, are you going through a hub?

-- Bill

[DustyChicago]

The turntable is a http://www.audio-technica.com/cms/turnt ... index.html audio-technica AT-L120-USB

It has a internal pre-amp, which is how I've hooked it up to my Bose soundock (made for iPods.) I'm using the USB connection with my mactintosh, although I could try switching to the line in.

I've read where USB turntables are carp, but I did try to select a decent one which is why I dropped a bit more green on the AT-L120.

I've also read where a possible issue could be the RCA cables touching a common metal surface, so I've isolated those.

[billw58]

I forget to ask which 1.3.x version you have - the latest is 1.3.13.

Do you have a another USB cable you could try?

Could you describe the "fuzz" sound?

If all else fails you could get a dual-RCA-female to 1/8" stereo mini plug adapter and try using the line input on your MacBook.

-- Bill

[DustyChicago]

I have the latest version of audacity.

And it seems your suggestions are pointing towards a line problem, which I do suspect is occurring.

The fuzz is mostly fuzzy, but a bit scratchy and crackly, but never too loud to completely overcome the groove of the record. It does seem to get worse/louder as I go on.

What I'll actually try to do is post a recording of it the next time I have an opportunity to record some. I probably should have saved a file, but I deleted them this last time. I'll try to get back and post next weekend.

Bill, thanks for your help and I'd like to say I love your province. Great for Fishing and the people are very nice.

[billw58]

I've got to make a list of these questions some time ...

Are you running any other programs on the MacBook while you are recording? How full is your hard disk?

Could the fuzz be due to dropped samples? If the music plays back a bit fast compared to the original, that would be an indication that somewhere along the line the digital samples are being dropped, and that points to either a problem with the USB connection, a too-full hard disk or a CPU that is too busy doing other things to pay proper attention to Audacity.

-- Bill

[Lou Abbey]

This is similar, but different from the Sudden Noise post. My equipment includes: Audacity1.3x (beta), a MacBook with OS 10.4.11, Behringer UFO202 preamp (new) and a Panasonic Techniques SL20 single play turntable with diamond stylus tracking less than 1.5 g (1980s model that has a flawless playing record on a high end stereo system with Advent speakers). I have been recording with Audacity for about 2 weeks and the first tries were with the 1.25x version. I have been recording both popular vocal and classical records of good quality, freshly cleaned before recording. The first 3 or 4 sessions were learning but went reasonably well. Then yesterday I was recording some monophonic vocals of country/western variety with tracks from 1.5-3.5 minutes. I was using 16 bit setting on Audacity 1.25x and saving tracks as .aiff and mp3. Here is the experience: The first 2 tracks will record perfectly and then the third track will develop a buzz that starts off as a few crackles and then develops into a buzz that strongly competes with the music. I tried noise removal and it muffled it a little but to no avail. I then downloaded new copy of Audacity 1.3x and the same thing happened, first two tracks perfect then noise from the third onward. I have tested this out with both classical and popular. Can you help me? Thank you....Lou Abbey

You have different problems. I split your message into its own topic.
http://forum.audacityteam.org/viewtopic ... 17&t=57543
Koz