Aha!

[pyat]

I've just realized I can record all my LPs and tapes to MP3 format if I get an adaptor and plug it into the microphone jack. I can even do it on the Portable Mousehold, so I don't have to move the record player upstairs.

*is genius!*

Soon, I'll be able to listen to Golden Avatar while driving! Hmm. All those years wasted, drooling over USB turntables...

EDIT: Wait - would it need to be plugged into the line-in port on the sound card? Cause the Aspire One doesn't have a line-in, just the mic jack. The Fortress Computer in the basement may need to serve instead - it'll just need a longer cable.

Comments

[dronon.livejournal.com]

A line-in port is preferable, yes. The microphone jack might work, but you'd have to be very, very careful with the volume and recording level controls to avoid distortion. My computer's got an odd soundcard in which line-in and microphone use the same plug, and the computer guesses which one it's supposed to be. (Making me go into volume control to purposefully mute one of them so it gets it right.)

There's also software around for removing vinyl clicks and pops, although sometimes there's a problem distinguishing particularly sharp percussion, or applause.

[zorinlynx.livejournal.com]

With a tape deck, you can generally just plug the line out into the line in on the computer.

Since turntables just connect the cartridge directly to the output cables, you need a preamp. Most receivers with a "phono" input have a built in preamp; you plug the turntable into the receiver and the line out (or tape out) on the receiver into the computer. Some (rare) turntables have built in preamps and can be connected to a line in directly.

So either way you need a line in. Mic inputs are mono only, and only work for mics.

[zorinlynx.livejournal.com]

>Cause the Aspire One doesn't have a line-in, just the mic jack.

I find this amusing because my Macbook Pro has the opposite problem; only a line-in and no mic jack. So the only microphones you can use with it are USB mics (and headsets).

Though I prefer it that way; a USB headset is an alternate audio device so Skype can talk to it directly instead of overriding system audio. Whee!

[momentrabbit.livejournal.com]

Sure, give it a try. Nothing to lose.

The situation is this: most turntables put out a sub-line signal, requiring a pre-amp before the 'line in' jack on an amplifier. Most mic jacks 'expect' a sub-line signal - that's why you often find the '20 db boost' option in the advanced properties for mic jacks, to goose the signal up further. So, you *might* get away with plugging a turntable's unamplified signal through a dual phono F to 1/8" stereo M jack adapter.

Or, y'know.. go crazy. (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882698003) n.n

[madmanofprague.livejournal.com]

We converted a bunch of obscure LPs and singles that way a few years ago–before every band throughout Time had a Myspace page...