[Dixielandjazz] Audio to Digital Basics. Computer experts need not apply or read.

[Lowell Busching]

I have been reading with interest the recent post concerning analog to 
digital conversion, recommended equipment, etc.  If you are an 
audiophile, which many on this list are, you will want to follow the 
advice of the high end users, but for adequate and sometimes excellent 
results I have had good luck with the following "basic" equipment. 

On LP's  I have found that the TEAC Model R-A400  turntable  has worked 
exceptionally well with my Philips "stand alone" CD burner.   It has a 
built in pre amp that can be turned off if the unit is used into an 
amplifier that has phono inputs. Its speed, and thus pitch, for 
recordings is excellent.  It probably would work good directly to the 
computer also.

 The TEAC turn table is, or was, available for years at a discount price 
from www.heartlandamerica.com. It is probably similar or identical to 
the RCA one recommenced  on this list by another member.

Concerning cassette analog input, I am currently using the RCA SCT-510 
cassette DECK. A set output. I usually burn a rough copy on the Philips 
unit and then  use the Magix Editor program on this  computer to clean 
them up, add or remove tracks, insert or remove track markers etc.  The 
program is good. The documentation minimul, but for the price, what do 
you want?

One caution on Magix. The cheaper version, around $30. will only burn a 
limited number of optional MP3 files or MP3  CD's before requiring an 
upgrade. It is somewhat easier to use then the slightly more expensive 
version with built in encoder. for unlimited  MP3 files or disks. If you 
only want Audio CD's that will play anywhere, the cheaper program is 
sufficient.  Most computers today come with programs to burn CD's. No 
additional expense, or use Windows Media Player or Real Player.


Bargain basement suggestions..

If you really want to do this on the cheap, you can get old record 
players with pre amps, or cassette DECKS with pre amps only from your 
local nearly new store. Run them into your computer through the Line or 
Audio in jacks. Download the free Audacity program off the internet.  
Make wave files of selected tracks or entire records or cassettes.  Burn 
your CD's using the Windows Media Player or Real Player burn programs, 
after moving the files generated by Audacity to those programs.

 This has been done by a friend with minimum computer audio experience  
Not a walk in the park, but it works with some help from other users.. 
Cost is virtually nothing. Blank CD's for around 30 cents or less.  It 
is a great hobby, but time consuming.  Never be bored again. :-)

I have said enough on this subject, but then my ID IS Verbose.  Feel 
fortunate I spent considerable time editing this email.


Lowell