Transferring LP records to CD via CEP

[downonthestreet]

Now that I've got my head around the basics with CEP, it's hard to stay away from the computer!

Getting obsessive...I want to transfer some of my old records to CD. Just want to check with experienced users on how to best do this, any tricks/tips etc to maximise sound quality on CD. Will enumerate for ease of reply.

1. I assume in the first instance, I just need to record from the turntable via the Phono Line Outs on the hifi amp into the soundcard?

2. I assume I need to set peak levels just short of clipping for best end results?

3. Is it best to record the entire record initially into CEP, or do it song by song (erk)?

4. If the entire record, is there any quick and easy way of separating the tracks into individual songs when burning to CD?

5. Prior to mixdown, should I go into Edit and normalise?

6. What about NR and removing pops and crackles? Any tips on the best way to tackle this?

7. Any other processing recommended prior to mixdown?

Would be grateful for any advice from those who are full bottle on using CEP for this purpose.

Cheers

 

[Shepherd]

I'm by no means an expert, but I've been doing this for a while with CEP. There are probably refinements and adjustments that will make this process even better, but my "quick and dirty" transfers are fine for my standards.

1. I assume in the first instance, I just need to record from the turntable via the Phono Line Outs on the hifi amp into the soundcard?

You could also plug directly into the sound card if you have a phono pre-amp. I'm assuming you don't, and it's built into the hi-fi. The less "stuff" you have between the turntable and the sound card, the better.

2. I assume I need to set peak levels just short of clipping for best end results?

Yep!

3. Is it best to record the entire record initially into CEP, or do it song by song (erk)?

I dump whole albums, then use the Cue function to separate them into tracks (see 4).

4. If the entire record, is there any quick and easy way of separating the tracks into individual songs when burning to CD?

Highlight a range (one song) that you want to set as a single track, then hit F8. If you have the Cue List open (View menu), you'll see a cue range has been created. Once you've done this for each song, select all the cues and hit the "batch" button at the bottom of the Cue List window. You'll be able to process everything as separate files in one operation.

5. Prior to mixdown, should I go into Edit and normalise?

I do. Again, this is my "quick and dirty" method. Dickering with the settings until you have absolutely perfect levels heading in WITHOUT normalizing would be better. If you're normalizing, make sure you take out any heavy pops that you intend to take out first -- they'll screw up your "upper threshhold" if they're the loudest thing in the recording.

6. What about NR and removing pops and crackles? Any tips on the best way to tackle this?

Not sure what NR is. Under the Effects menu, there's actually a click-and-pop remover, which does a darn good job of cleaning up "filthy" discs. But you pay the price in fidelity. If it sounds good enough to listen to on the turntable, you can live with a few clicks and pops here and there. If there's just one noticeable pop, it's usually tight enough that you can just cut it out without affecting the sound too much. If you manually edit out a couple of major pops, normalize afterwards, because they'll mess up your maximum level.

7. Any other processing recommended prior to mixdown?

Less is more. I'd rather have a "true" sound than something that sounds like it's been altered. Right now, I just file my CD burns in paper envelopes in the same sleeve as the LPs, and if I want to "listen" to the LP, I pop the CD into the player to save wear. I still love the look and feel of the LPs, but this lets me play them more often.

Have fun!

- Matt

 

[Havoc]

Assuming you are talking about 33rpm and 45rpm, not 78rpm.

First, you need to clean your LP!!! The cleaner you get it, the better. Then you have to set up your TT as good as you can. Certainly get the tracking force correct. Now up to your questions:

1: you need a RIAA pre-amp. This can be standalone or in the hifi amp. In the latter case, use the tape out connection to your soundcard. Before you record anything, do check for hum! Just record 60" with the TT running and the stylus half-way over the LP. The in CEP do an frequency analysis (use the scan) and check for 50/60 Hz and harmonics. See if you can get them as low as possible with rerouting the cables, using different cables etc. To much hum can be audible and/or mess up the NR.

2: levels are difficult to set. If you can record at 24bit use that and leave a bit more headroom. Some large clicks can push your pre-amp into saturation and that can take time to recover. If you have very good vinyl, leave less margin. Also some soundcards distort before they clip (SB had some problems with that on certain types)

3/4: I record the entire LP, don't risk to drop the needle somewhere in the middle. Cutting up automaticaly can be done, but is not reliable. I cut them by hand, saving each in a different file and treat each as a separate item.

5: Don't know what you are going to mix down on a recorded LP. If you mean before burning, then yes. The last steps are generaly: normalising followed by downconversion to 16/44.1 (for CD).

6: this is a chapter by its own. It is really different for each LP depending on content, wear, type of defects etc. It takes time to get the experience and you can not rely much on automated tools to get the best of it.

7: Normally nothing else is needed. Unless you are trying to save something from an LP in really bad shape and the noise is so horrid you need to filter a bit off the highs. A lot here depends if you want to get an "as good as possible" copy of the original or if you want a "pleasant listening" copy.

Other things to consider: use CEP at the 32bit float setting if you plan to do more than just burning to CD. Once you start on normalising, NR and more, it is worth it.

 

[crispycutz]

6. What about NR and removing pops and crackles? Any tips on the best way to tackle this?

Highlight a section where there is no music...just "air"
(that nostalgic LP effect being added in to songs digitally )

And click Edit>Effects>Noise Reduction..

You want to click "Get profile from selection"..

Save the profile (I think, it may stay there) and apply to the whole track.

You can set the "amount" or "intensity" of the filter, by sliding the bar from Green(no NR) to Red (Full NR)..

I n preview you can test to taste...I usually throw it around yellow/orange

60-80% ish..

 

[downonthestreet]

Thanks for the detailed responses, guys - much appreciated.

 

[crispycutz]

hey your here...uppin so you see it...