Are your record albums, cassette tapes or VHS tapes sitting idly in a dark, dusty closet somewhere?
Did you buy a new car only to find out that it did not come with a cassette player or even an option for one?
Or, are you a member of the “Transition Generation”, those who have witnessed the technology shift from analog to digital?
Maybe you still maintain a turntable, cassette deck or VCR, which you use to listen to your tunes and watch movies just as you have for decades. But it’s more likely that you’ve been staring at those piles of records and tapes and wondering if there’s some easy way to transfer them to the latest technology. You have imagined on more than one occassion how nice it would be to have your music collection or VHS tapes in a format that can play in your car, home stereo, MP3 player, iPod*, portable CD player, computer or DVD player — without having to buy them all over again.
The consumer electronics audio industry has responded with a plethora of affordable transfer devices. BUT, with all of the choices which one is the best for your situation? Well do not fear, Price Delight’s Technical Support Department has provided the following list to help you determine the solution that is right for you.
OPTION 1: RECORD VINYL AND CASSETTE TAPES DIRECTLY TO CD
Lasonic ANQ-800R Entertainment System with Built-In CD Recorder
With this unit you can convert all of your vinyl records and cassette tapes to CD in minutes with just a few simple steps. It records those records and tapes into a digital audio format for high quality sound on a smaller, more modern compact disc. This unit does not require a computer, a stereo or any technical expertise. And the ANQ-800R does not retire to a closet somewhere when you are done recording. It is a complete audio entertainment system in a nostalgic style that includes a 3-speed record player, a cassette tape player and an AM/FM radio.
OPTION 2: RECORD VINYL DIRECTLY TO CD
With any of the following units you can convert all of your vinyl records to CD in minutes with just a few simple steps. They record those records into a digital audio format for high quality sound on a smaller, more modern compact disc. These units do not require a computer, a stereo or any technical expertise. And these models do not retire to a closet somewhere when you are done recording either. Each one includes a 3-speed record player and an AM/FM radio in a modern black finish design.
Victoria GDI- C2CDRW 3-IN-1 Entertainment System with Built-In CD Burner
The Retrowriter offers classic 50’s styling in a compact design.
Teac LP-R400 Stereo System and Turntable with Built-In CD Recorder
Teac’s Entry Level Recorder System
Teac GF-350 Turntable/CD Recorder System with Amplifier
Teac’s Mid-Level Recording System
Teac GF-650 Stereo System and Professional Turntable with Built-In CD Recorder
Teac’s Professional Grade Recording System
OPTION 3: CONVERT VINYLTO MP3 FORMAT
All of the following models are the fastest and easiest way to convert your vinyl records to an MP3 format and transfer them to your computer’s hard drive. From there you can transfer tem to any MP3 player or burn them to a CD using any free MP3 conversion software available on the internet and your computer’s CD burner. Each unit includes software that allows you to clean up the sound of your records. It’s like magic! Before you know it, you’ll be listening to songs you haven’t heard in years in your car, on your iPod* or your MP3 player.
Ion LP2CD USB Turntable with Direct-to-CD Recording
Ion’s flagship unit offers the best of both worlds. A turntable with a built-in CD Burner that can also connect to your computer.
Grace Digital GDI-VW00 VinylWriter Pico Turntable for USB to PC
The perfect compact solution to quickly record your vinyl albums to your PC or MAC.
Grace Digital GDI-VW03 VinylWriter Boca Turntable for USB to PC
The turntable to use as a stand alone record player or to record your vinyl albums to your PC or MAC.
Grace Digital Vinylwriter AVPUSB01S Digital USB to PC Recordable Turntable
Record all your vinyl as MP3 files and import them into your computer music library
ION Audio iPTUSB Portable Digital USB to PC Recordable Turntable with Built-in Speaker
Turn your records into MP3s anywhere.
Ion iTTUSB Digital USB to PC Recordable Turntable
As seen on the History Channel’s Modern Marvels
Ion iTTUSB05 Digital USB to PC Recordable Turntable with Dust Cover
Ion’s entry-level USB turntable, compete with dust cover.
Audio Technica LP-To-Digital Recording System With USB
Audio-Technica makes it easier than ever to transfer your albums to digital files.
Numark TTXUSB Professional Record Turntable with USB
A modern classic with computer connectivity.
TEAC LP-U200 USB Recorder and CD Player with AM/FM Radio
Teac’s USB turntable.
OPTION 4: TRANSFER VINYL DIRECTLY TO IPOD*
Ion LP DOCK USB Turntable with Universal Dock for iPod* Transfer
A Revolutionary new USB turntable that transfers your vinyl collection to your iPod*.
You can also use the included recording software to archive your records to CD or MP3. LP DOCK also has a line-level output for connecting to any home stereo with an AUX input. You can now digitally archive your collection in just a few mouse clicks.
OPTION 5: CONVERT CASSETTE TAPES TO MP3 FORMAT
Ion Tape2PC Audio USB to PC Cassette Tape Archiver
The fastest and easiest way to convert your cassette tapes to an MP3 format and transfer them to your computer’s hard drive. From there you can transfer tem to any MP3 player or burn them to a CD using any free MP3 conversion software available on the internet and your computer’s CD burner. It includes software that allows you to clean up the sound of your tapes. And when you’re finished archiving your cassettes to your computer, TAPE 2 PC can connect to your stereo system using standard RCA cables for convenient cassette listening in your living room, garage, or wherever your stereo system resides.
OPTION 6: TRANSFER VINYL TO AN SD CARD OR A MEMORY STICK
Victoria Classic Retro 1950’s Styling Recorder With AM/FM Radio
Record and play all your records to USB flash drive or SD Card. Listen to the radio, vinyl records, or CD’s through two full-range speakers.
OPTION 7 CONNECT ANY AUDIO DEVICE TO A PC AND COVERT TO MP3
Ion U Record Music Archive System
Connect your turntable or any audio source to your computer to digitize your music. The U Record USB music archive system lets you easily convert your favorite records and tapes to MP3 format using your turntable or tape player and computer. From there you can transfer tem to any MP3 player or burn them to a CD using any free MP3 conversion software available on the internet and your computer’s CD burner. The software automatically imports the music directly to your iTunes library. Included Audacity software reduces clicks, pops, hiss and other noises from worn recordings to restore the full quality of your vinyl or tapes.
OPTION 8: TRANSFER VHS TAPES TO ANY COMPUTER
Ion VCR 2 PC USB to PC VHS Video to Computer Converter
Rediscover your movies and other videos then watch them anywhere. VCR 2 PC is an innovative new VHS player with single-cable USB output. With VCR 2 PC you can save all of your favorite home movies and videos straight to your PC. Once you save your precious memories to your computer, they will be saved forever in pristine digital format. The included EZ VHS Converter software lets you burn your videos to DVD, watch on your PSP, iPod* or laptop computer. Exported MPEG4 video is compatible with select mobile phones and portable multimedia devices. Connect your VHS, VHS-C, or 8MM camcorder to the front panel jacks to backup your camcorder videos. When you’re finished archiving your videos to your computer, VCR 2 PC is the perfect VHS player for any room in the house.
All of these products and much more are now available at www.pricedelight.com
* iPod and iTunes are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries
By: Michael Climo
Posts Tagged ‘Vinyl Records’
Vinyl Records and Cassettes Tapes in a Digital World
November 29th, 2009How To Make Good Analog Music Recordings – some Tips from Moritz Illner
November 14th, 2009Realizing that many independent artists and bands are more than just curious about the re-emerging possibility to offer something more than just a digital file. We thought it would be interesting to do an interview to get some vinyl manufacturing tips.
From our research and communications with several pressing plants, we have discovered that there is a substantial difference between services and costs across the offering table of vinyl manufacturers. But what we have worked out, is, that if given a few concerts, a supportive family, and active myspace page you can manage to sell between 200-300 records, you will be able to break-even on costs with a price per record as little as Euros 2-4 or USD 3-6.
So to learn more about the process of making vinyl records we contacted a vinyl record pressing plant in Germany and asked them a couple of questions. We found a dedicated and service minded team that taught us a lot about the process of producing vinyl records. Moritz Illner answered some of our questions about how to get one’s music out on vinyl.
Thomas: What is the history of Duophonic? Who is behind the company, and what is your position in the company?
Moritz: Duophonic was founded in 2002. We started as a reseller of CD-Pressings and did small runs on our own CD Duplicator. Me as the technical chief and David did all the controlling and project management. We both, David Jahnke and me were great Vinyl fans so we discovered a way to combine our hobby and our job. Step by step we bought more and more Studio equipment especially old vinyl- cutting rags…
Thomas: When did your start focusing on vinyl, and why?
Moritz: I was always fascinated of the miracle to conserve the stereo-sound information in a little groove. In the mid 90ties when I finished my sound engineer training, this was far more exotic then nowadays. But I always bought vinyl instead of CDs so the way a good record has to sound gets very familiar to me over the years. Then a few months after launching Duophonic we found the curious guy near our hometown how had constructed a vinyl recorder. We bought one machine and started doing small runs for Djs and Producers in the end of 2002 with our own vinyl cutting ‘lathe.
Thomas: There are different ways of vinyl production, what are the main ways? And, what way of production does your company offer?
You can cut records directly in vinyl as a one-off or small run production. This is only interesting for DJ or home use, not for sale, because its not cheap (round 40 euros at duophonic).
If you run a label or band and you want to sell your LPs or singles you have to press your records. Then you can choose two different ways of cutting your Master. DMM -cutting; there you cut the groove into a copper plate. The second is lacquer cutting, the groove is cut into a lacquer coated aluminium plate, and it’s the most popular way. The pressing process itself is nearly the same. Duophonic has a Neumann VMS 70 Lacquer cutting Lathe and we are very happy with its sound.
Thomas: Should artists use different cutting/pressing methods for different types of music (electronic, indie, rock, punk)? If so, why?
Moritz: The most records you can buy nowadays are lacquer cuts, because there are only a few DMM lathes left and the only advantage cutting into copper is the longer playing time. If you want to have loud records for example electronic 45er Maxis it’s better on lacquer, because DMM can’t cut so deep. This is important because your playback stylus have to move very fast if the record is loud and therefore he needs a proper guidance. If you have a lot of stereo information in your music than you need a deep cut too. For example if you have massive panned guitars on a punk rock single.
The big advantage of Dmm cutting is the longer playing time per side. The maximum on our VMS 70 is 24- 25 min per side. With DMM you have up to 30 min. But a record with a playing time like a CD couldn’t sound good anyway.
Thomas: How long would it take me to get 200 new pressed 12″ records delivered to my home in Norway if I gave you an audiotape today?
Moritz: It takes around 14 working days. But I would advice to make 300 pieces because all the paperwork and the pressing get much cheaper then.
Thomas: There is little doubt about the current vinyl revival, which is occurring in the midst of an industry going through major structural changes. Have you seen development in the demand pattern for vinyl during recent years?
Moritz: Not having the big major customers, we’re not affected by this “Madonna makes vinyl again” phenomenon. What we see the last years is much more diversity in genres and scenes the last years. All “electronic dance music” is decreasing because of mp3 DJ software. All other independent stuff is increasing especially 7inches (punk, garage, ect.) and Metal LPs, obscure small runs of everything between art and music..
The editions gone down, the average is around 300. But the packaging and the records itself becomes more individual and sumptuous. Things like engraving or double grooves on the record, or silkscreen printed covers are very hot at the moment. There are fewer labels but much more bands that want to sell their product on concerts and so on. They need more help getting a real professional finished product, so we as a company do a lot of consulting work depending artwork specification, sound mastering and so on. For Duophonic the change in music industry is not bad at all .
Thomas: Where do you see vinyl in 10 years? (Still going strong?)
Moritz: Hopefully! Don1t know, but as a niche product it will survive I think.
Thomas: What are your all-time top five records?
Moritz: Hard question, after typing 12, deleting 10, typing 13, deleting 3, typing 5, deleting 12. Here’s the list:
Die Goldenen Zitronen – Economy class – LP
Beck – Odelay – LP
Trio – Trio – LP
Fugazi – Self titled – EP
Tortoise – Millions Now Living Will Never Die – LP
By: Thomas Stenumgaard
