Soundcard Recommendations for Recording LPs?

[erikzen]

I've been toying around with the idea of ripping my vinyl and I've actually ripped a few albums, but I'm thinking now if I'm really going to do this, I might want to get a better soundcard, even if it's just for this project.

Currently, I have a Santa Cruz Turtle Beach. I know there are better cards out there, but honestly, I want something fairly simple that I can just plug my preamp into it and record. I'd also still like to be able to use my speakers, although they seem to be designed specifically for my computer and the Turtle Beach, but I don't have any experience with computer speakers.

I see a couple of soundcards in the "for sale" forum, but I'm not sure these are what I want for recording vinyl. Any suggestions?

 

[erikzen]

Kickin' it for some replies.

In addition for using it for the input of my turntable for recording, I think I'd like to also be able to use it for playback and also use it with the Micro DAC so I'd want something with some kind of digital out.

I've seen some debate over USB vs. optical vs. digital out. What is the the best way to utilize the Micro DAC if using the computer-as-source?

 

[raffells]

Hi Im new to these forums Ibought an 1820 M for this purpose recordings as DVDAs at 24/96 or higher rez. .Also I want the top quality to match my Townshend Rock/AT32 MC all Vishay/schottky/blackgated equipment...I found this card still wasnt good enough but had all that you would possibly need and is good for modding if you arent happy..The 1212 is similair...The software is a bit weird but if its only CD level you want this is all you will want..Dave

 

[jiiteepee]

Quote:

Originally Posted by erikzen I've been toying around with the idea of ripping my vinyl and I've actually ripped a few albums, but I'm thinking now if I'm really going to do this, I might want to get a better soundcard, even if it's just for this project. Currently, I have a Santa Cruz Turtle Beach. I know there are better cards out there, but honestly, I want something fairly simple that I can just plug my preamp into it and record. I'd also still like to be able to use my speakers, although they seem to be designed specifically for my computer and the Turtle Beach, but I don't have any experience with computer speakers. I see a couple of soundcards in the "for sale" forum, but I'm not sure these are what I want for recording vinyl. Any suggestions?

What kind of signal 'path' are you thinking to use (turnable --> 'RIAA+preamp' --> sound card input)?

Also, there are some sound cards equipped with RIAA/phono input but I do not know the quality of them (like E-MU's).

An adjustable RIAA/preamp would be good choice for the best 'sound'quality.

When I ripped my >750 LP's, I think the sound became maybe too bright (I used Technics amp and SL-Q2 turnable + 205CMKIII cardridge (with 1.25g mass) (I know they're pretty old devices, but the stylus was new and turnable still is like a new one

)). I ripped all first to 16-bit/44.1kHz wave files and then converted to 192 kbps .mp3 files (quality is good enough to my old ears).

jiitee

 

[erikzen]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jiiteepee What kind of signal 'path' are you thinking to use (turnable --> 'RIAA+preamp' --> sound card input)?

Yes, exactly.


Quote:

An adjustable RIAA/preamp would be good choice for the best 'sound'quality.

Do you have any recommendations?

Quote:

I ripped all first to 16-bit/44.1kHz wave files and then converted to 192 kbps .mp3 files (quality is good enough to my old ears).

I'm going to convert to flac so I can always go back to .wav for burning CDs if I want.

 

[jiiteepee]

Quote:

Do you have any recommendations?

No, I do not have, sorry for that.

If you google it, you'll find many 'answers', but it seems those are mostly USB devices on now-a-days, equipped with various functions, not only preamp with adjustable RIAA EQ.

One interesting 'ripping method' is introduced @ http://www.enhancedaudio.com/newway.htm.

jiitee

 

[sgrossklass]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jiiteepee One interesting 'ripping method' is introduced @ http://www.enhancedaudio.com/newway.htm.

Pretty cool, but it makes perfect sense. EQ can be done with much higher precision in software after all.

 

[Mr.Radar]

I use my EMU 0404 for recording my vinyl. My signal path is Turntable -> Receiver -(tape outs)> EMU 0404 input. My recording software is Audacity which works pretty good, especially considering it's free. It doesn't have any depop/click filtering, but I don't really believe in those. I record in 24/96, then I save it as a 24/96 WAV file and convert that to a compressed FLAC file. Albums generally take up about 1 gigabyte this way.

A good A/D converter is very important for recording anything. The one on my 0404 is very good for the price (it's pretty popular for "budget" pro gear) and I don't have any problems with it. If you want the best sound quality you might considering upgrading the breakout cable with a better one (like the one that Headphile makes).

If you're only planning on recording the files to a CD you should record and save them at 24/44.1. When you want to burn them, use the Foobar2000 diskwriter to create a new wav file that is downsampled to 16/44.1 with dithering. (See the attached picture for how to set that up.) That should get you the best quality.

Adjustable phono stages should only be necessary if you're transferring old records (from before the mid-50's), as there were many different equalizations in place before the RIAA standardized on the one used today. All stereo records (at least all made in the US) should use RIAA equalization, as should most mono records made after the mid-1950's.

 

[sgrossklass]

BTW, when you're recording in 24/96 in Audacity on Windows it'll actually just be 16/96 - the library used for audio I/O does not support WAVE_FORMAT_EXTENSIBLE for MME yet, thus no 24 bit samples.