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How to Transfer 33 RPM to Digital

With the resurgence of vinyl records, music collectors the world over are seeking new ways to preserve their vinyl record collections. In many cases, record collectors are turning to computers as a means of preservation by converting records to digital format. This involves connecting a record player or turntable directly to a computer for digital audio recording. Converting your records to a digital format allows you to enjoy the same audio quality without the risk of degrading the sound quality of your record collection by playing them over and over again.

Things You'll Need

RCA-to-1/8-inch audio cable

Instructions

- 1
  Place a 33 RPM record onto your turntable or record player. Make sure the speed switch is set to "33 1/3."
- 2
  Locate an RCA-to-1/8-inch audio cable. Connect the RCA end of the cable to the left (L) and right (R) speaker outputs on the back of your record player. Plug the 1/8-inch end of the cable to the audio input jack on your computer. This jack is usually labeled with a microphone icon.
- 3
  Power on the record player and turn on your computer. Navigate to your computer's audio recording program and open it.
- 4
  Set up the audio track. In some cases this can be done by simply pressing the "Record" button. If your recording program is a little more advanced, click on "File," and go to "New" or "New Track." Enter the name of the track -- this should be the name of the LP you're digitizing -- and click on the "OK" button.
- 5
  Click on the red "Record" button in your recording software. Then drop the needle on your record on the turntable. Allow the first track to play through. Then press the "Stop" button on the program to end the recording process.
- 6
  Go to the "File" drop-down menu and select the "Save" option. Enter the name of the song you just recorded. Click on the "Save" button to save the file to your computer.
- 7
  Repeat this procedure to digitize each track on your record.

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