Re: Recording old vinal records onto CD's

: I have some old 331/3 vinal records that I would like to re-record onto CD's with my Mac. Could you advise me how to get started (e.g., sound card, software, etc.). I have an iMac and and older PowerMac with a G3 upgrade.
: Thanks, Ron Merriman

You'll need these things:

1. Good turntable & cartridge combo. Thorens or Dual are good turntables if you don't have one already, Ortofon, Stanton's 881ES, Grado and either the Shure V-15 type III or V-15 Type V are great cartridge choices.. Get a good record cleaning kit too.

2. GOOD phono preamp -- not those $19.95 cheapies from Radio Shack!!! Expect to pay $99.99 up if you do not have one.

3. You CAN use the audio input of you iMac if you want. OR you can get any of a number of pro-audio sound cards. The iMac's inputs have low enough signal to noise but the distortion is too high for jazz or classical PLUS the bass has a bump in its response. For rock the iMac's inputs are OK.

4. Adapter cable to go from the preamp to whatever your input card is.

5. GOOD sound restoraation software. I recommend any of the following -- Adaptec Toast 4.0, Adaptec Jam, sonicWorx, Arboretum Ray Gun, Logic Audio Platinum or CEDAR. I use both Logic Audio and CEDAR.

6. Good CD burner. Lots of 'em are out there.

Record the CD into the iMac, run the declick software, burn a CD, sit back and enjoy!