Hi,
I just got through writing you a detailed description of how to do this, and I pressed a key and lost it! Aauuuurrrgh!!
ANYWAY, I've transfered vinyl to CD with pretty good results, using techniques I've picked up on the web, and I'll try to share them with you. Here is the process I've been using. Realize, however, that there may be better or more efficient ways of doing this, but this is the way that I've learned and it works for me.
1. CLEAN THE RECORD - Most important step! Use a solution of isopropyl alcohol/distilled water (half and half). Wet a soft cloth to the point where it's dripping, than wipe the record in a circular motion, being careful to avoid wetting the label. Rinse with another soft cloth soaked in distilled water, then let dry (a plastic dishrack would be perfect). You'll be amazed at how many "clicks" and "pops" you'll eliminate with this simple step.
2. CONNECT THE TURNTABLE - You'll need to connect your turntable to your computer. It should be connected to the "input" of your soundcard in the back of the computer. Remember, turntables need a preamp, so if your turntable isn't powered, you'll need to connect to an amplifier, than connect the amplifier to the input of your souncard. I got my connections from Radio Shack - just tell them what you need, they'll get it for you. (you'll probably need a cord with 2 RCA jacks on one end, and a stereo 1/8" jack on the other)
3. RECORD THE MUSIC - I use a program called "Cool Edit" to record the music from the vinyl, but any any recording program would do. Cool Edit is just really simple. Just remember to record the music as "hot" as possible. In other words, as loud as you can without the meter going into the red. If you have a hard time doing this, you can always use a process called "normalizing" later (found in most recording programs).
4. CLEAN THE MUSIC UP - Once the music is recorded (it should now be a wave file), I use a process within Cool Edit called "noise reduction" to get rid of any clicks, pops or hisses that may still be there.
5. PUT THE WAVE FILES ONTO THE CD WITH YOUR BURNER SOFTWARE.
That should do it. Now I gotta tell you, the easiest way to listen to vinyl recordings on CD is to buy a remastered version already on CD. But if you can't, and the recording on the vinyl is special to you, than this is the way to go.
Good luck, let me know how it turns out.
Lee Muller
http://leemuller.iuma.com