Vinyl revival

[oldertech]

I like the XM radio capabilities, but can't afford to keep it going. So I'm in a project to digitize my old vinyl record collection. Yep, we've established that some of us are old enough to have bought those huge, black vinyl discs in our day. And they sit in the closet gathering dust when there's a USB memory stick hungrily awaiting MP3s to play on my new radio.

I used to baulk at the thought of the amount of time it took to do the conversions, and wasn't satisfied with the pops and clicks, but found this amazing software that lets me clean up the vinyl, remove the hiss, rumble, 60hz hum, surface noise, add the necessary metadata, and create the individual mp3 files for each track that play beautifully in my new Sonic. (Still want enhanced speakers, but that's another thread)
AlpineSoft VinylStudio

AlpineSoft VinylStudio

Check it out. Takes a few tries to get the whole workflow down but once you master it, you will be amazed.

ps (I get no compensation for this announcement, just sharing something that has worked well for me!)

 

[BoG233]

Oldertech make sure you rip them at 340 bit rate at least or the sound will sound muddy . If you are used to listening to vinyl MP3's are going to be a shock at first . That's why say rip to the highest bit rate but still keeping it small enough get a bunch on a 16 gig memory stick

 

[oldertech]

The default setting on the software is at the highest setting, which is labeled as:
VBR 0 (High, around 90MB per album at 44Khz)

But aside from setting numbers, it sounds amazing.

 

[BoG233]

Cool but I was suggesting 320 bit for storage I don't know how big your Library is .

 

[oldertech]

Storage is cheaper than XM!!! And more personalized when it's your own collection.

 

[Gimpster]

I converted about 500 old/rare House & Jungle/Hiphop etc records not long ago, they turned out great. I used a friends old Technics SL-1200 with just a normal Shure playback cartridge. Some of them were pretty ragged out so I had to put the weight in pretty far. My fathers been after me to convert his LP collection too, but just haven't had time yet.

Off-topic, but XM is on my last nerve. My trial ran out 2-3 weeks ago and they're calling me relentlessly. I have told them repeatedly to STOP calling me, but they won't. Thinking about reporting them to the FTC. For this BS alone I'd not subscribe, besides the fact I need another monthly recurring bill like I need a hole in my head.

 

[theenico]

Cool but I was suggesting 320 bit for storage I don't know how big your Library is .

...and the Sonic will not read/play any MP3/WAV file with a transfer rate larger than 320 mbps.

 

[oldertech]

Hmmmmm. I'm not having any problem with playback. But I just did more research. The setting I was using, VBR 0, is an average of 245, well below the 320. Works for me!

Gimpster> did you clean up the vinyl or just let it roll with the clicks and pops? I hear ya about the monthly bills! And, off-off topically, we just canceled Dish in favor of TV antenna signals.


Scott

 

[Gimpster]

I cleaned the vinyl, but I didn't go out of my way to avoid pops and click (part of the fun!). A lot of my records unfortunately were warped, so that was my main issue ... keeping the needle on the track.

A lot of them got left in a hot car during a move

I feel you on the cancelling dish! We cancelled ours not long ago and just use antenna or Netflix/Amazon now. Between TV, XM, cellph ... its amazing how much it can add up. Soon as my Verizon contract is up I'm really thinking about switching to prepaid cell.

 

[MGDavis]

Soon as my Verizon contract is up I'm really thinking about switching to prepaid cell.

I'm making a wi-fi phone out of my iPod Touch. Cant get any service in the building I teach in, so its only any good to me on the road, or out and about. If I cant find wi-fi and im not in the car (onstar), I dont need to talk to anybody nohow!

 

[Sonic Boomer]

I'm making a wi-fi phone out of my iPod Touch. Cant get any service in the building I teach in, so its only any good to me on the road, or out and about. If I cant find wi-fi and im not in the car (onstar), I dont need to talk to anybody nohow!

What does the OnStar phone service cost?
I know they have the initial 300 minutes for ~$11, but how much does it cost to keep it going after that.