How I digitize my vinyl

[@DiscMilk]

Excellent process, man. Switched over from Rogue Amoeba's Fission to Adobe Audition because you made it look so easy. Everything else in my process was relatively the same, with iZotope and MP3Tag.

[@rollingtroll]

Make sure you setup a ton of hot keys, that really saves you time. Most of the number keys are still available. I have 2 for parametric eq, 3 for multi band compressor, 4 for graphic eq, 5 for mastering, 6 for the hard limiter, 7 for dynamics processing and 8 for normalize. F is for 'silence' (ideal for pops) and n is to turn the meters on (because they are off by default). Speeds up the process a lot. Audition is great for this 2-track stuff, not so much for multi track. I never worked with Fission though, so I will give that a shot just for the heck of it :)

[@M-Guitars]

Good video, dude. You put some effort in it. Man, this reminds me of my fathers vinyl collection. Thousands. Rock from the 50s to the 80s. Only the good/valuable stuff. Many records worth hundreds of dollars each. My parents moved into a smaller apartment so my father asked me to sell his collection. So I started to catalogue his collection. One day I visited them to continue my work and all records were gone. The whole collection. My father decided to speed things up and let a record dealer visit him. Do you want to know for how much my father sold his vinyl collection that he started as a teen? Five hundred dollars. The dealer first said three hundred dollars. So my father "negotiated". I was so angry at both of them. At the dealer and my father. Elvis, Jethro Tull, The Beatles, The Who, Hendrix, Willy DeVille, The Cramps, Jefferson Airplane, Tom Waits etc. Almost all of them first editions and in good condition. That was the best day of the dealers life. Oh he also sold his Marvel Comics collection for three hundred dollars. Collected since the 60s. Hundreds of comics. Many complete series, every single comic inside plastic covers since decades. No dog ears. Man. I'm shaking my head while I'm commenting here. That was one horrible day.

[@rollingtroll]

That stuff hurts. But as someone closely affiliated with the record bizz I hear this so often. Dads tend to do these things. Mine gave away an almost perfect 1983 Citroen gsa break last year because he thought it would keep costing money. I would have loved to have that car, especially for free. Odd decisions made by older people ;) That being said; you have a good goal for your own collection now 😀

[@M-Guitars]

@@rollingtroll Thx for sharing my pain, dude. Seems like you know what I'm talking about. ^^

[@knuftobor]

I bought over 12 crates of records for about a thousand dollars. I had no problem paying that much because he was having financial issues. I don't think I got any hard to find or rare copies but I have not looked at all of them either. Tons of 80's stuff and some older soul stuff. Some movie soundtracks too but nothing amazing. I almost have all the James Bond 007 soundtracks and a lot of Star Trek and comic book records, not from his collection though.

[@rastanz]

I connect my turntable to a phono preamp into my focusrite 18i20 which is connected to my PC via USB. I use Reaper DAW and IzotopeRX 10 as my audio editing choice's because Adobe Audition kept giving me audio driver issues after an update. Great video!

[@myvinyljourney7908]

What other options we have for directly recording this in the computer instead of the SD card. I really like the TASCAM here but looking for something which is as good as this but can do directly into the computer? any suggestion is appreciated. I also see you are using a Tannoy monitor, could you let me know which one is it?

[@rollingtroll]

Just any stereo audio interface with a line input . I myself use the Native Instruments Komplete Audio 2 which is extremely good value. But you can even get a 35 dollar Behringer to do the job. Every desktop pc (not laptop) has a line input so then it works right away but and external sound interface often sounds better. I recommend ocenaudio for software if you want a free, easy to use option. The monitors are the Tannoy SRM10B. Keep in mind; those only work as nearfield monitors, not in a listening room setup. I drive them with a NAD c320 in poweramp mode which is a remarkably good combination

[@myvinyljourney7908]

@@rollingtroll thank you so much, one more question. So if I get the Native Instruments Komplete Audio 2, I can plug the RCA out of the Phono to this interface as In or I need something else. As I think I don't see any RCA inputs. For Output from Native Instruments Komplete Audio 2 to computer can I use the USB as I would be using a Mac so it wont have the line input.

[@myvinyljourney7908]

@@rollingtroll do I get a RCA to XLR balanced connector to connect them and the use the USB out to Mac USB

[@cubdukat]

@@myvinyljourney7908 You might want to check to see if the Komplete Audio 2 can take line inputs. I bought a Presonus Audiobox USB 96 in order to be free of having to deal with my PC's onboard sound. I bought a pair of RCA-to-1/4" connectors to connect the preamp to the Audiobox, but I couldn't get a good recording because it was overloaded from the minute I plugged it in. Turns out it was because it doesn't accept line inputs. They make a newer model, the Studio 24c, that does, but I just got this thing and I'm getting my $125 of use out of it before I upgrade :) So for the time being, I'm back to the onboard sound again, but just temporarily. I'm going to do something like he's done and break my vinyl ripping setup away from my computer entirely and capture to either a TASCAM portable recorder or to their SD20m SD recorder, if I can find one. My computer in its current state is no longer ideal for ripping vinyl.

[@nickspann89]

Can any CD recorder virtually do the same thing? Record analog to CD then to computer for editing?

[@rollingtroll]

Not in this quality but other than that, yes. It just would be cumbersome, slow and more expensive than buying a half decent sound interface, and it would sound worse. So I wouldn't recommend it 😁

[@seed_drill7135]

CD recorders are limited to the CD standard of 16 bit / 44.1khz. Also, unless you buy a professional model, you have to buy expensive and hard to find Music CD-R's. I had an allegedly Pro model HHB, but it was the Olds Diesel of pro models, being a modified consumer model and trying to record on data CD-R's burned it out in no time flat.

[@rollingtroll]

@@seed_drill7135 Music cd r are easily found and not expensive here in the Netherlands. But I still wouldn't know a reason why you would want to use a cd recorder 😁

[@From_the_mil]

Your doing a good job with your content! Keep it up, I appreciate it! Thanks man

[@rollingtroll]

You are so welcome! Will try!

[@calicreations2029]

love this video! how did you connect the turntable to the tascam da 3000??

[@rollingtroll]

Through the Ayre K3 preamplifier. It has a built in phono preamp. But any preamplifier or amplifier with built in phono preamplifier will work. Of course there are quality differences. Good to hear you liked the video!

[@calicreations2029]

@@rollingtroll nice! and what speakers are you using? of course quality difference is always a given haha

[@calicreations2029]

@@rollingtroll oh also I was meant to ask, the turntable can't connect directly to the tascam then?

[@MARTIN201199]

@@calicreations2029 it Can but then you will have to RIIA equalize it later with digital software. That would be a degradation of the analog source.

[@Mikado463]

Very cool. That TASCAM DA3000 recorder looks sweet ...I've been using a pair of somewhat vintage TASCAM CD-RW4U burners to make raw digital transfers. Might have to look into the DA3000. Once uploaded to the computer I use Audio Cleaning Labs MX version to clean up the raw transfer. Yes, it's old software, only runs on Windows, but it works surprisingly well and has an attractive price point. You talked about setting recording levels for the digital transfer and this is probably the most important aspect in making clean sounding digital transfers. Having grown up in the age of analog tape recording, I discovered you cannot exceed the digital "window". Digital distortion is ugly and immediate if you exceed the 0db level. And that includes the peak transients as well. So it is good to see you talk of setting what would be "low" recording levels (in comparison to analog recordings on tape). Something to consider adding to your equipment repertoire is lay hands on a Behringer "Ultramizer Pro". It's an older piece Behringer no longer makes, but it's features are rather amazing. It essentially maximizes volume without exceeding digital limits. All processing is done digitally ...inputs/outputs are analog. You can enhance bass, tweak the high register and add some "surround" effect. Obviously there are limiter/compression capabilities as well. So if you looking to make a "mix tape" or maybe a transfer for playback in your vehicle ...any situation you want to boost volume without blowing the digital limits ...this would be a good use for the Ultramizer. It's kind of fun to play with ...Cheers!

[@rollingtroll]

The DA3000 is an absolute gem. I personally am not happy about digital audio below 24/88.2 (I also don't use CD's) so for me the cheaper models were not an option but having bought the DA3000 brand new, I was never sorry about it. I use it a lot and once every 4 to 5 months it locks up, power off, power on, go. Other than that, flawless. As for cleaning up; Have a look at Izotope RX. It's such a gem. I'm not sure if I am using it in this video (I started using it relatively recently and can't remember whether I go over it in this video). I have a tape background as well, despite me being slightly too young for it. I had my first reel to when I was three, in 1987, and used them very regularly until 4, 5 years ago. These days I mostly use cassettes for (mix)tapes. There's a video on how to record cassettes as well, you already know but it may still be fun. In that video I mention recording as loud as possible, as opposed to this. 0dB is definitely way louder than I'd want to go. Especially with compressed recordings I stay below -6dB. There's a reason most professional digital devices and software have their vu's do 'nominal' at -12 and 'red' at -6dB's. I do make mixtapes regularly and I indeed work on a per track basis before I make the mix, to master all the tracks so they sound somewhat similar. Levels, dynamics, etc. Especially on tapes that mix modern and old day recordings I find that I often have to compress the old recordings quite a bit. Though objectively worse sounding, they just won't work in a mix if you don't. As for the ultramizer; 48khz is really not enough for me so I'm afraid that's not going go work. It looks like a fun thing to play with but I wouldn't be happy with the results I fear.

[@primoz.crncec.gramofon]

Aaah, tascam da-3000 on my wishlist.. ♥

[@rollingtroll]

It is very much worth its price. Not cheap though. Cheaper alterantive is the DR100 MK-III. Lot less nice to work with but it does sound about as good :)

[@primoz.crncec.gramofon]

@@rollingtroll Hello, seems kinda nice alternative, but i don't see unbalanced RCA inputs on them? I don''t prefer XLR cables :| ... so da-3000 .. uf Gem :D

[@rollingtroll]

@@primoz.crncec.gramofon XLR is always your best option and you can just buy cables from Jack to XLR or from RCA to XLR (unbalanced, still works). But the good news is; The middle of those XLR connectors is a normal 6.3mm jack. So you can just use jack cables :).

[@primoz.crncec.gramofon]

@@rollingtroll tnx man for your tips, you are good youtuber with knowledge :)

[@rollingtroll]

Thank you! And you are very welcome!

[@nickspann89]

Do you need a quality sound card in your computer or does it even matter?

[@rollingtroll]

It matters very much for playback and to have a proper reference when editing. It won’t change the way the files themselves sound if you use an external recorder like I did. If you use your computer to digitise your records it’s extremely important. I would go usb though. Easier to get an affordable sound interface that sounds good when it’s external. I personally use a native instruments komplete audio 2 which is extremely good value and rock solid on both Mac and windows

[@nickspann89]

Thanks for the response, this had helped alot. I only want to this is the quality will be the highest possible. Thanks alot

[@nickspann89]

Oh also could I use Logic Pro X? I’m looking for high quality recordings like you have done.

[@Jean-LucCoeurdevey]

Thank you for your tips. I wonder why you haven't chosen to digitise in DSD, is it because you need further processing? I am not getting into the PCM/DSD debate but it seems that going from analog to DSD makes sense while converting PCM to DSD or vice versa does not.

[@rollingtroll]

@@Jean-LucCoeurdevey have you ever tried manipulating dsd? It’s an absolute headache. I have now switched to dsd though, just for backups of my records.

[@Ken5244]

This is an excellent video. I'm just getting into digitizing some of my vinyl record collection, and I've learned a ton. Thanks for taking the time to educate me. I do have one question if you don't mind: You mention around the 5:50 mark that Ocenaudio is your choice over Audacity (among the free software options). What is it about Ocenaudio that you like better?

[@rollingtroll]

@@Ken5244 the workflow. Audacity is meant for multi tracking and I find it very cumbersome for just recording stereo signals and cutting them. It is technically more capable but just a bit of a pain to work with. Many people are super happy with it though, but I am so used to audition having a separate two track editor that I could never get used to recording and editing in multi track

[@Ken5244]

@@rollingtroll Okay, great. I'm glad I asked. Think I'll start with Ocenaudio then since I don't need multi-tracking capability. Thanks again.

[@rollingtroll]

@@Ken5244 that being said if you want to do remastering and such, eventually audacity is more capable. I think it also supports vst plugins (not 100% sure)

[@Ken5244]

@@rollingtroll Okay, I'll keep that in mind. Thanks.

[@tejanotunes1984]

What is the best way to transfer vinyl to get the best quality? I am about to begin recording my vinyl collection but debating on how to do it. I’ve got the audio technica lp 120 USB turntable with AT-VM95SH stylus. I have a Sony str-av1020 receiver. I can transfer the record straight to cd via an external cd recorder. Then import the cd into my laptop as a wave file using iTunes. I’ve always been happy with the quality doing it this way. Or I could connect the turntable straight to my laptop either through usb or to the mic jack and record that way without the receiver bc turntable has internal amp. I use audacity and export it as wave that way. I don’t use editing filters to remove pops etc…I think using filters takes away from the natural sound. Or I can use receiver and connect to mic jack on laptop. I wasn’t sure if it makes difference when recording to laptop if I should use receiver or internal amp with turntable. My laptop runs on windows 10 with the sound card that came with it. Could the sound card lessen the quality bc it is not a top of the line sound card? I thought still sounded pretty good. But I just want to make sure I’m getting the best results before investing lot of time. Could the sound card affect the quality whether I connect through usb? Hopefully this makes sense it’s just there are so many ways to record…appreciate any feedback. And by quality I am referring to the natural smooth sound of the lp. I know the stylus can make a difference and that is why I upgraded to the shibata. My lps are in great condition, every now and then there might my a pop or crackle but I do not mind that. I love lot of bass. I am kinda just leaning towards recording straight to cd recorder via Sony receiver but want to make sure. Any tips on scanning lp covers? I plan on doing it with gimp art and scanning in portions and then put together. If there is an easier way with great results please let me know. Thank you!

[@zacharyjhocker5940]

Would you be interested in doing this for 2 records I have for a fee? I have 2 vinyls that were limited release about 1k copies each. I havnt even listened to them yet but on side b of each is unreleased songs.

[@rollingtroll]

Absolutely! I do that regularly and I'm not even expensive, haha. But I'm wondering; I'm in the Netherlands, judging by your name you may be abroad. Won't that make it tricky/expensive with shipping? You can contact me on [e-mail]

[@zacharyjhocker5940]

@@rollingtroll I'll email you.

[@paolosergiolupi5056]

Can you use a mixer to connect your turntable

[@rollingtroll]

Yes. If your turntable has a built in phono preamp you should connect it to a line input. If it doesn’t your mixer needs to have phono inputs. That said, your computer must have a line input too. Many laptops only have microphone inputs which are way more sensitive. You can buy cheap audio interfaces via usb to solve that. Also make sure you check my video on phono preamps. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aWXRgplvjrWYkMk

[@paolosergiolupi5056]

Thanks for your reply actually I don’t have any hardware yet to record the vinyl to my PC but since I watch your video start search about what to buy and how to do it and I Find you can do it with interface, mixer or audio recorder like you and I wondering which of those hardware will transfer the best quantity of sound, if you can help me with this I will appreciate

[@paolosergiolupi5056]

Finally I bought a teach SD-500HR Recorder and so far I believe is similar as the Tascam with some differences on the spec, I was available to record in PCM on a SD card, now I need to figure out how to used those programs to retouch the sound I believe is the hard part😅😅😅any recommendations. Thanks

[@davidhaslett9777]

Thank you for opening a different product than Audacity. I actually have Adobe subscription, so I might well try this. I have a Tascam DR05x to digitise my vinyl with.

[@rollingtroll]

Audacity is just really annoying if you ask me. If you want to know my free alternative, look up ocenaudio (or did I mention that in the video? :))

[@davidhaslett9777]

@@rollingtrollsomeone else has suggested “Vinylstudio”, need to look further into this!

[@andrewverran3498]

Have you any videos on ripping vinyl with some bad scratches on them ie how to edit out the scratches ? PeaceFromOz

[@rollingtroll]

The same, just a bit more to cut 😁

[@andrewverran3498]

@rollingtroll damn mdma..much appreciated.

[@mr.classicalmusic5607]

Do you transfer at 24/96?

[@rollingtroll]

24/192 :)

[@From_the_mil]

Any cons on the Tascam DA-3000?

[@rollingtroll]

If you are used to a minidisc it will sometimes make you think that the interface could be smarter (more minidisc like), also updates are only possible through compact flash. It can play usb but not record to it. And that is really it. I use it a LOT and it crashes once or twice a year but that is it, really. The thing is nice to work with, very reliable and sounds absolutely beautiful. Definitely good enough for serious high end digital recordings. I find that it works best with 32gb cards or smaller. It officially supports larger ones but only after a firmware update and it’s still a bit wonky. Bottom line; small niggles, I think it is well worth its money. If you don’t care about ultra high resolution though and just want cd quality, go for a cheaper one. Also if you want to save a buck and don’t want a “deck” per se the tascam dr100 mk3 is also a very nice choice.

[@HarakiriRock]

Great video, but I would advise against copying and pasting like you did at 13:00. Duplicating the left and right channels results in centered mono. I imagine it would be quite jarring to hear for a split second while you're enjoying the music, especially if you edit out a lot of pops/clicks that way. Plus it's altering the music and not truly preserving it. There are often different instruments playing different notes on each side, momentarily removing a channel could really mess up a song.

[@rollingtroll]

If it was jarring to hear I wouldn't do it. At a length that short you absolutely don't notice it. Give it a try and you will see.

[@HarakiriRock]

​@@rollingtroll I have tried it and immediately noticed it. Sticks out like a sore thumb. Why be lazy and compromise the music in this way when you could simply avoid pops/clicks altogether by cleaning and removing static from the album beforehand? Or at least keep using the attenuation method you were using.

[@rollingtroll]

@@HarakiriRock happy to send you a sample in which I do it multiple times. You won’t notice. If you heard it it was too long of a sample :).

[@rollingtroll]

So here goes. I took a dirty record, hoping it'd have some pops on only one channel, but it didn't of course. So I measured the length of a few pops, finding that most of them are about 0.001 second, some are 0.002 seconds. So I picked a few seconds of music, and in five spots I copied the left channel over to the right, or vice versa. Randomly, although I did make sure to get some spots where there was clear 'stereo'. I got the times where that happens written down here. Ready to take a bow if you are managing to spot them. www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/8tl4j2y54emhmpu5o4jxc/lrrl.wav?rlkey=lbz6dc1z0abt1vhjirxz7ix86&dl=0 (if you are curious, this is EMT 938, AudioTechnica AT-XP5, Native Instruments Komplete Audio 2, into Adobe Audition, moved a few 0.002 second fragments, and leveled the whole thing to 0db)

[@rollingtroll]

Oh, becuase it's a short clip; at least two numbers after the second please, otherwise it's going to be very easy :D.

[@a-fox]

You flew though using Mp3tag so fast that I have no idea what steps to took to rename the files.... anyway you can do a tutorial on what you did with Mp3tag and Discog????

[@rollingtroll]

Oh I just use keyboard shortcuts, if you use the menus on top it speaks for itself :). I wouldn’t mind making a tutorial though

[@andylaszczyk4748]

Could you please do a slow video of Mp3tag, cheers@@rollingtroll

[@rollingtroll]

Mp3tag is really not very complicated, not realllly worth a video if you ask me, it works great, and they have manuals docs.mp3tag.de/ Very much worth using! @@andylaszczyk4748

[@kennethkrabat]

I have used Amadeus since version 1.0 - what... 15 years? All kinds of plugins and edit options i 64 bit. Excellent support from Hairer software.

[@rollingtroll]

@@kennethkrabat never heard of it, I will give it a shot!

[@kennethkrabat]

@@rollingtroll Just out of interest I googled the guy, Martin Hairer, whom I have conversed with on many occasions... Damn, bro! - en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_Hairer

[@rollingtroll]

@@kennethkrabat he definitely has the qualifications to write good software. I am absolutely going to try it!

[@Mike-76]

Wow! Great job!

[@rollingtroll]

Thank you Miguel! Glad you enjoyed it :D

[@Jetsettar]

ultimate video. Thank you!

[@rollingtroll]

You are welcome! Happy you liked it 😁

[@From_the_mil]

Do you ever just record to cassettes in lieu of digital ?

[@rollingtroll]

I make mixtapes on cassette, mostly. Or I record stuff that I can't find the records of, to have something 'tangible'. I also sometimes record mixes off of MyAnalogJournal (great KZbin channel). So yup, definitely a tapehead but I don't record vinyl records to cassette. There's just no point :D

[@fattal89]

Can you make a video for 2024 with DSD file creation :D

[@rollingtroll]

@@fattal89 exactly the same but with the tascam set to dsd and no editing afterwards 😁

[@benjaminwallace5644]

Vinyl studio is another good recording vinyl software

[@rollingtroll]

I will give it a shot!

[@robertozanetti7707]

Great Job .....Thank You.....

[@rollingtroll]

No problem! You are so welcome and thanks!

[@martinreynolds2870]

Very good watch.

[@rollingtroll]

Happy to hear that, thanks!

[@abdelkaderelbachir3817]

Not me enjoying crappy mp3s

[@rollingtroll]

Those times are over since I stopped using dial up internet ;)