An Example of a "Learning Process" Journal (using the 2 colored box format)

The overall task is to convert some old LP records to digital form and then to burn some new CDs. This appears to break down into 3 distinct components:

1. Connect the turntable to the amplifier and the amplifier to the computer.
2. Locate and use software for transferring the sound from the line in to a wav file.
3. Removing the noise from the wav file.
4. Burning a new CD.

I recall buying a cable about a year ago for connecting the amplifier to a computer. It turns out that the old turntable, rescued from the basement, has a personality. Turning it off doesn't work - the turntable continues to revolve until I unplug it. Still, it appears to spin the record and the cartridge and needle seem okay. I had a little difficulty finding the appropriate line in socket on the back of the computer but I finally had everything working.

Then I realized that I needed special software for creating a wav file from the signal coming in to the line in socket.

I googled "transfer LP to CD" and found this site:

http://www.delback.co.uk/pcaudiofaq.htm

This helped enormously.

It is important to set the recording parameters of Windows xp using

Start -> All Programs -> Accessories -> Entertainment -> Sound Recorder

and then use the Edit menu to select Audio Properties.

Getting all of these settings working properly took me almost two hours since I didn't really understand the significance of many of the options. I am still not certain I have this step under control.

I never did get this working without using an additional piece of software called RIPvinyl, which I obtained from

http://www.wieser-software.com/ripvinyl/index.shtml

This software appears to be the best value according to the zdnet reviews.

RIPvinyl gives me a set of wav files, but because of the condition of some of the records, there is a lot of background noise.

I found a program called WAV clean that removes hiss from WAV files at:

http://www.excla.com/index-E.htm

I have not found another program that does this task at a price I can afford.

I am not yet sure if I need another software package to convert WAV files to some form of condensed file such as MP3. I am also not sure if our CD/DVD players can play other formats. There is so much to learn.

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