Point me in the right direction?

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push316

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Hi,
Here's my situation(dilema):
I have volunteered to DJ my step-daughters sweet 16th birthday party(in November) since I have a plethora of musical styles. My Stereo system doesn't play CD-R/RW, so I'll probably have to upgrade my bookshelf system to a receiver and cd player--getting away from cassettes and records finally!
I'd like to record my cassettes/records to my computer and purchase a cd burner(Lite-On 16x10x40x) for my computer and transfer these files to cd. My current stereo system only has an output thru the headphone jack. I would like advice on how to avoid clipping. Also, I'd have to purchase a reasonably priced software(or freeware) to do this...I've been looking at Digital CD Recording Studio by Macmillan Digital Publishing and at Pyro v.1.5(just released) since I have Windows ME. Which is better or is there a package under $40 that is better? I'd also like to be able to "mix" tracks recorded on my computer with each other and burn the mix to cd. If I need to purchase another software to accomplish this, what are some of the best inexpensive packages to do this?
If you respond, please use as many lay-man terms as possible since I'm an old fart!
Thanks
 
Sound Forge or Cool Edit Pro can do that. You need a preamp before going to your soundcard.

And then you can burn with Easy CD Creator.

For a package, there's Clean Plus by Steinberg. It includes the preamp. It goes for about $100-150.
 
preamp?

What is the purpose of a preamp? How can I find out if my soundcard already has one built in?
 
Can't you just DJ a party with your cassettes and LPs?

Why do you feel compelled to dub to digital, and go CD, if your system won't handle it? Aren't you giving in to trends? Does it really make sense to take on a whole new format, just to play a party? Are you looking for an excuse to upgrade?

If you're dubbing from LPs and cassettes to CD, what's the point, anyway? You're not gaining in sound quality. You're not gaining compatibility, [as your system won't read CDRs]. Are you just going after long-play capability? Those old R-R recorders, in stereo format/auto reverse/10.5" reels, played for HOURS, and I don't hear you considering R-R format.

What's up? I don't understand. I don't see your plan as gaining any advantage, in any practical sense...

Unless you just want to upgrade, then go for it. CDR is a good format for HIFI use, and general recording usage.

I just don't understand why you seem compelled to have CDR just to DJ a party, and no other reason. A cassette deck and turntable would do the trick, for a lot less money.

I mean, no offense, but CDR is a great format, worthy of wanting or having. I use CDR for mixdown media, and it's great. I just don't see, if I read your post correctly, that you 'need' CDR to accomplish your goal: DJ'ing a party. Your present equipment could be used, and would do a fine job. CDR is nice, but it's not necessary, is it? You may 'want' CDR, but do you 'need' CDR?
 
Reel Person, you are right...I had planned on upgrading my system (most likely a receiver and cd carousel only(I have a small bookshelf unit)) in the near future anyway and this was a compelling selling point to the wife. I have DJ'd a party before using cassettes and records, and to be honest, the sound quality pretty much stunk! I could get by with doing the cassette/record/cd thing with the equipment I have, but I guess I'm a perfectionist. Everything is going to CDs and they are much easier to work with(I think). I've always been a bit jealous of professional DJs able to purchase expensive equipment, although this is more a hobby of mine (therefore the cheap budget). I'd like to "kill two birds with one stone." We(my wife and I) would like to record about 40 records(mostly her Elvis stuff), I have about 200 cassettes and nearly 400 cds that take up way too much room. I've looked at stand alone CD recorders but feel I'd have more flexibility using computer software to adjust the overall sound and transition between songs. I'm obviously an amateur or else I wouldn't be asking for help. I've mentioned Pyro and Digital CD Recording Studio and have received suggestions of Cool Edit 2000 and Sound Forge as possible inexpensive software tools to accomplish my goals(see first post). I'm still not sure yet which is the best for me or if I need two packages(one for recording to computer and one to blend songs together). Thanks for the previous posts and all future posts...they're all helping!
 
Trying to crossfade pre-recorded material and maintain sound quality is going to be quite time consuming if you are only working on a computer. A cheaper way to blend songs is go to Radio Shack and buy one of those inexpensive Realistic four channel mixers. This will allow you to blend LPs and cassettes without much ado.

Radio Shack is not ideal for semi-professional projects, but in this case it is an option worth considering.

Cy
 
Upgrading your gear is cool!

I have [2] 300 cd changers [Sony], and when linked together, they'll play "Random Play/No Delay". When the first unit is playing, the next unit shuffles, and vice-versa. That's a really cool way to listen to music. Also, these CD changers have no problem with CDRs.

Whatever you decide, good luck.

Upgrading your gear is cool!
 
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