Foo - Help: How can I rip analog audio (RCA) to a USB Port on my laptop?

I used to rip analog audio content (RCA) into MP3 format by using the audio input on the back of my desktop combined with Roxio software. Now I have a laptop and all I have is USB inputs.

- What are my options?

- I found this device, what software would I use?

http://www.altoedge.com/usbaudio/input.html

or this:

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4943982&CatId=5157

Any help appreciated, I know I'm old school, I have lots of old audio tapes I still listen to.

Check out this site. I got the mixer to transfer vinyl to digital:

http://www.dak.com/

The UCA202 would be the unit to use. Your pc most likely has an available driver in your i386 folder. It most likely comes with a cd-rom with any driver you will/may need. I do this as part of my business. If you transfer vinyl, (I understand that you are working with tapes,) to digital, you'll need an amplifier between turntable and the decoder. I picked up an amp (1.5 watts per channel) from Radio Shack for $50 bucks, I think, I can't remember the exact cost. In any case, the unit from altoedge.com would be the best choice. You'll have to record each side of the tape as two files, then import them into an app that allows you to flag the songs in the file so they can be accessed directly on a cd player, just as a store bought disc works. I use SONY's ACID Music Studio to perform this action. It runs about $70, and if you plan to do alot of transfers, it may be worth the price. It was for me because I offer these transfers as a client product, but there may be free programs on the web. Take a look at sourceforge.net. Which ever program you end up using, it will need to record directly from your on board sound card. Let me know if you need any tips. Like I said, I've been doing this for about 7 years.

This should help you with the recording and editing process. (http://sourceforge.net/projects/audacity/) You'll need to play with it a bit to get to know how it works.

This should help you with the recording and editing process. (http://sourceforge.net/projects/audacity/) You'll need to play with it a bit to get to know how it works.

So that software and the hardware is all I need? If I like the software, then I paypal the writer some cash? How much is appropriate?

So that software and the hardware is all I need? If I like the software, then I paypal the writer some cash? How much is appropriate?

It's free, but if you want to donate, that's up to you. If you feel like you want to pay for it, I would get ACID Music Studio. (http://www.sonycreativesoftware.com/musicstudio) It runs $54.95. You may find a lot more to do with it than what you are starting off with doing. I use it to compose and edit soundtracks for DVD slide shows and small videos.

I would send $20 for the Audacity program, just because I appreciate what audio software is good for and can do. $20 may be more than most want to let go of. I'd go with the ACID Music Studio program, mainly because I have used Audicity and Music Studio and like the SONY app more.

Yes, that hardware would be sufficient. I'd buy it, if I were looking for the same.

One other point, use gold plated RCA cords for a better 'take.'

I used to use cooledit, which was bought and renamed by adobe, but I switched to audacity when I didn't want to pay adobe (again) for a version that would keep up w/ windows. I'm still trying to figure audacity out, but I've definitely got it to do the main functions I've been looking for.

I wonder about a soundcard for my desktop w/ RCA jacks. I'm sure they must be out there.

Cool, thanks for all the help!

Numark USB turntable, comes with meh software, has RCA inputs. Wife has been slowly converting her vinyl to digital. One of the best gifts I ever got her. I think it was $150 when I got it; think I've seen the same or similar lately for around $100.