Quick Vinyl Ripping Question

[Audie O'File]

Is there any compelling reason I would not want to use my (good quality) Denon amplifier/receiver as a preamp when ripping from my turntable?

I'd rather not spring for a dedicated pre-amp, unless using a stereo-system amp is for some reason a Bad Idea!

thanks!

 

[Herandu]

It will do just fine.

 

[Arainach]

As long as whatever recorder you're using can handle the level of its line out, you're good. My dedicated preamp (this) has a volume control that I max out when connecting to my receiver's input but leave reasonably low (3/10) when connected to my computer's line-in. I'm sure different devices have different tolerances and expectations.

 

[Audie O'File]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arainach /img/forum/go_quote.gif As long as whatever recorder you're using can handle the level of its line out, you're good.

I was planning on using my powerbook (an old model that still has line in audio) to record.

I also have an Edirol R-09 24 bit digital recorder I could use, but it's preamp is probably noisier than the Mac....

 

[JimSmiley]

I'm guessing your Denon has a phono stage? Otherwise, you will need a pre-amp that can apply the RIAA equalization.

 

[Audie O'File]

Yeah, it's a classic 1980's hi-fi set-up....definitely has a phono stage.

 

[JimSmiley]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Audie O'File /img/forum/go_quote.gif Yeah, it's a classic 1980's hi-fi set-up....definitely has a phono stage.

I use a compact soundcraft soundboard for level adjustments. Works great.

 

[Audie O'File]

Jim, thanks. A couple questions. I'm understanding you to mean you put the board between the source and the recorder. But that way you don't get a raw reference recording....? Also, what sorts of adjustments are you talking about?

 

[jiiteepee]

As you are going to record using laptops' on-board sound, IMO, you don't necessarily need additional gear as like the "suggested" soundcraft soundboard there. If you like to buy something ... invest to the better audio interface (to a USB, FireWire or CardBus audio interface). Anyway, just connect the laptop into Denon as you normally connect a cassette deck and set the recording options there (in Denon) just as you do when recording from vinyl to cassette deck. If you don't get high enough recording levels in your recording software then just use some software for to gain the signal a bit. Why in this way ... just because of the low quality you get from on-board sound.

jiitee

 

[Audie O'File]

Ooh, ok, I think I get it. It's got the preamps, it's got the RIAA phono input, plus it's got lots of other stuff, and it's just $99. I'm reading up and trying to really understand how this fits in, but it does look like a good call!

I'm guessing you plug the turntable directly into this thing?

 

[Audie O'File]

thanks, jiitee, we posted at the same time. Hey, I don't quite understand your final sentence...?

also, if I do decide to upgrade to a usb interface (rather than use my powerbook's line-in audio), an imic would probably work well for this particular sort of application, no?

I'd be more enticed by the Soundcraft COMPACT 4 if it offered USB output. i know that's not the sort of item it is, but it IS sold mainly for working with computer sound...

 

[jiiteepee]

You could get something like these (USB(FW Audio interface w/ Phono pre-amp and RIAA stage on-board) to get the turntable connected directly into laptop (dunno if these supports both MM and MC):

USB:
Applied Research & Technology: ARTcessories™

FireWire:
PreSonus

There are couple low-budged interfaces more but I can't recall those now.

What comes to the gaining input level software wise, this is possible if you have 'proper' software either through software settings or by using some VST/DX plug-in w/ gain control.

EDIT:
XPSOUND

jiitee

 

[Audie O'File]

Thanks, Xpsound looks like a good thing to get. I like the free copy of soundsoap (retail $75), which I was going to have to buy anyway.

And it looks a bit more versatile at handling different levels than similar decks. The posting linked below worried me - because I too have a Denon DP-35F and do not have a high output cartridge (it's a Grado MF1): Digitizing Vinyl. Help! - rec.audio.misc | Grupy dyskusyjne