converting LPs/cassettes to cd/mp3 format

I found a free program called WavePad Sound Editor on the web that converted a cassette to cd. I do not have all the bugs worked out, but I successfully made a pretty decent sounding cd. I have been unable to listen to the recording or separate the recording into separate songs. It is one big 45 minute file (the length of the cassette).

Does anyone out there use a program that has worked well? The version I used was free - will be editing problem be solved if I purchase the full version?

Any recommendations/suggestions would be very much appreciated.

You should be able to copy/paste each song into a new file, no? (Don't "Cut" until you know what you're doing; just keep the one long file until you've created each individual song as outlined below).

You should be able to see where each song ends/begins by the waveform -- or listen to it and see where they begin/end. Try highlighting and copying one, open a new file, and pasting. Should work. Do that for each song, and save them by title. (You'll have better results if you can import as WAV rather than MP3 -- you can always convert to MP3 later after editing)

If there's too much space at the beginning or end, Cut it out.
If there's a "DC Offset" option, apply it to each song (it centers the waveform).
Then, if there's a "Normalize" option, apply that to each song to adjust the waveform and normalize volumes.

Then if there are any fade in/out options, highlight the beginning of the song and hit fade-in, then the end to fade-out. Don't highlight into the actual song, but

Practice makes perfect -- good luck!

The program I described in my first post was the problem. I have something now called DAK, which is awesome. It could not be simpler to use, it comes with terrific instructions, and the software and accompanying mixer are a snap to use. I highly recommend it - well worth the $69.

WOW, that looks awesome! I'm gonna get one, too - thanks!!

Geoff-

It really is fantastic. I normally do not get so pumped about a product. If you have any questions, feel free to PM me. I cannot get over how easy it is to use.

Goombah

Excuse what is probably a dumb question... you hook up one line to a computer. OK, I understand that. Is there another line that you have to hookup to a turntable or cassette player?

Not a dumb question, SC. I'm not using proper technical terms, but they provide you with one red/white plug with a 1/4" plug on the other end. One end goes from the turntable/cassette player into the mixer. You need to buy one more identical cord (if your stereo doesn't have one) from another port in the mixer to your computer. It took me a week to figure out that I needed this extra cord because I was running things out of a boom box.




They include a slew of directions, including a talking tutorial. It's an EASY setup. Well worth the time and money.

I bought this package two weeks ago. They give you access to download the software immediately. I was converting the first night with just the software. The mixer was sent via UPS and rec'd 3 days later. I converted a bunch of cassette stuff onto my iPod. We have some old family history on cassettes that I plan to convert and you can fix poor noise, "popping" of records, etc.

I've been doing it the "hard way" for years for cassettes, which works fine, but this'll save SO much time! Plus the ability to convert LPs will be GREAT because I have so many limited edition/rare vinyl that probably will never be released on CD or MP3. Only potential problem is, I hope I'll be able to use the earphone jack on the "retro" LP/CD/Cassette/Radio combo unit I have with good enough results (it doesn't have RCA outputs for some reason)... but it should work okay.

SC, the site doesn't leave any info out -- there's probably too much info that makes it look daunting lol -- but it shows you right there how to hook up and use basically everything...

You can record the music in one batch without having to babysit each song and then edit very easily afterward.

I'm not 100% sure what you're referring to, Geoff, but there is a headphone jack on the mixer they provide. Plus you can hear everything through your computer speakers and then set your recording levels accordingly.

I mean, my record player unit doesn't have audio out jacks, just the earphone jack, and I hope it'll be good enough...

I gotcha. Unless you are seeking absolute perfection with this, I think you will be pleased with the sound. I have only worked with cassettes to this point, but I don't expect any major hiccups with the turntable. I will test it out this week and let you know how the records turn out.

A couple of years ago my daughter bought me a turntable that connects to my computer through a USB port - ION is the name of the turntable and it downloads to iTunes. It is very good, but a bit tedious. You have to "click" a selection after each track, but it's great for skipping songs you don't want. As a flower child of the 60s-70s, I have tons of LPs. I've downloaded many, but I have many more to do....when I have time; like my whole Linda Rondstadt collection, or Dan Fogelberg, Seals and Crofts, Bonnie Raitt, early Dylan, and on and on.

So Geoff, did you end up buying this product? I have had it for about 2 months and have no complaints.