Audio Conversion, Analog to Digital

Many people that enjoy music that is out of print or have other forms of audio in obsolete formats can with current technology convert analog forms of audio to digital forms with relative ease. The techniques and technology for this has come quite a ways since it first appeared in the late 1990's with the advent of record able compact discs. Often times crude methods could be thrown together to convert an older medium to a digital one, with sub standard results. Now, with more powerful computers, different types of digital mediums, and several specialized programs, anyone can convert analog audio to digital.

The most popular of all older mediums is vinyl records. Many people do also have cassettes, eight track tapes, and reel-to-reel tape. All of the above mediums can be transferred over to digital formats. All that is needed is a computer, connecting cables and a sound recorder program of some type. The easiest to use is a desktop computer becasue a line in jack is needed. Almost every desktop sound card has one. Laptop users who don't have a line in can work around that with many new USB equipped turntables that are on the market. However, that only covers vinyl records.

In the subject of audio conversion, there are many options available. Finished products can include audio compact discs, mp3 audio files, audio dvd's and well as data cd/dvd's of recorded files, which is good for archiving. Transfer can range from simple analog to digital with no adjustments or a complete restoration of the material. There are many different softwares suited to any users needs from free to well over several hundred dollars. Each depends entirely on what the user needs to accomplish their desired transfer.

The place to begin is with the medium you wish to transfer. Many newer turntables can be connected to the sound card with a transfer cable or a USB connection. The newer models have a pre amp built in specifically for line in uses. Cassette decks often have line out RCA jacks on the back, which can be used. Some eight track tape decks have line out's and some do not. To work around that, if the model has a headphone jack, that can be used. For that, you need a transfer cable with a 1/8-inch headphone jack on each end and an adapter for 1/8 inch to 1/4 inch headphone jack. Most of this information also applies to most reel-to-reel decks as well. For a turntable with RCA cables, you will need a cable with a 1/8-headphone jack one end and RCA jacks on the other. Also, you will need two RCA to RCA connectors to link the two cables.

Now that we have the hardware end of this set up, you need software. There are many available. Download.com has many freeware and shareware programs that can meet the needs of that average user with little or no cost. My personal preference is Magix Audio Cleaning Lab 10 that I have been using since 2006. The program is a little dated but is very stable and easy to use. Also, is a relatively inexpensive purchase compared to the newer versions. It's a perfect fit for anyone who needs a do it all sound program that's not very hardware intensive. It can record as well as provide restoration and re mastering tools. The program also features several wizards for begging users as well as more advanced do it yourself type features. It can also export in Wav, Mp3, Ogg, and Audio CD eliminating the need for several different programs.

In my up coming articles, I will share my experiences and techniques for audio transfer from simple Analog to CD as well as several more advanced techniques to get the most of out your older mediums. I will also cover how to create finished products such as mp3 audio archives, mix cd's, album and 45 transfers, as well as restoration techniques. Until then, dig up those old tapes and records and get ready to give them a new digital life!