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hapakid
Luna Ho`omalu
USA
1533 Posts |
 Posted - 11/11/2004 : 11:38:08 AM
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I recently tried to digitize some old Hawaiian LPs so I could listen on my computer. Although I still like to listen to records, some of my albums date back to the mid-40s and I don't want to be handling them too much.
My system is to hook my component turntable up to my Mackie PA mixer, then take the output from that to my computer audio input. My problem is that the magnetic cartridge of the turntable and the mixer, even on a channel with a built-in pre-amp, doesn't produce a strong enough signal, barely showing up on the meters with everything turned up all the way. I had all this equipment on hand, and I don't want to buy a pro audio set-up just to transfer some old albums to digital.
Does anyone have any recommendations for some kind of simple pre-amp for the turntable, or a simple system to boost the signal?
Jesse Tinsley
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`Ilio Nui
`Olu`olu
USA
826 Posts |
Posted - 11/11/2004 : 12:34:58 PM
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Jesse,
Are you plugging them into Channel inputs or the Tape Inputs? The tape inputs are the correct ones and need small RCA plugs.
Dave |
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cpatch
Ahonui
USA
2187 Posts |
Posted - 11/11/2004 : 1:42:34 PM
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Actually, neither channel inputs or tape inputs will work...turntables need their own specialized RIAA preamp that applies a custom EQ curve and compensates for the weaker signal. You can either plug the turntable in to a component amp that has turntable inputs (you also need to make sure you ground the turntable) and then run the tape outputs from the amp into your computer (this is what I do) or you can buy a relatively inexpensive turntable preamp and plug that in between your turntable and your mixer. Here's an example of a preamp you can buy for $40:
http://www.americanmusical.com/item--i-ART-DJRPRE.html
(In this case the outputs from the preamp would go into the tape inputs on the mixer or directly to the computer.) |
Craig
My goal is to be able to play as well as people think I can. |
Edited by - cpatch on 11/11/2004 1:54:50 PM |
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hapakid
Luna Ho`omalu
USA
1533 Posts |
Posted - 11/11/2004 : 3:18:13 PM
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Exactamundo Cpatch! Mahalo!
Big Dog: I'm putting the turntable RCA plugs into the "tape in" plugs on my Mackie DFX-6. But still not enough oomph. I'm going to dig out an old receiver and try what Craig suggests.
Jesse Tinsley |
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`Ilio Nui
`Olu`olu
USA
826 Posts |
Posted - 11/11/2004 : 3:28:50 PM
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Jesse,
That was my next suggestion. If you were already able to listen to your LPs then you should be able to use an output. My old Kenwood turntable works just fine plugged into to tape ins on my Mackie 1402.
Craig,
I compensate for the RIAA curve with EQ. I run Turntable>Stereo Neve pre-amps>ProTools. Ground to the rack. I've been restoring vinyl for quite some time and this setup has worked flawlessly.
Dave |
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cpatch
Ahonui
USA
2187 Posts |
Posted - 11/11/2004 : 7:37:18 PM
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| Sorry Dave, I didn't mean to challenge your expertise but you DID neglect to mention the RIAA compensation issue and the need for a stronger preamp in your original post! |
Craig
My goal is to be able to play as well as people think I can. |
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hapakid
Luna Ho`omalu
USA
1533 Posts |
Posted - 11/11/2004 : 8:13:00 PM
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I should have been more clear as well. I used the "tape in" RCA inputs first, then switched to a mic channel with a preamp, but neither got me close to the level or EQ that was pleasing.
I usually scoop the thrift stores for Hawaiian LPs and pickup whatever I find. I have some Haunani Kahalewai, Alfred Apaka and others that I'd like to listen to via the computer. So many great artists from the territorial years have been forgotten or not brought to CD. I even found my great-uncle Joe Keawe's voice, uncredited, singing "Ua Like No A Like" on an album credited to Kane Nui and His Island Boys.
Yesterday I found an unplayed "Sunday Manoa 3" LP (from 1973, but which probably is on CD) for 50 cents. Their versions of "Eleu Mikimiki" and "Nani Ka'ala" are great.
Jesse Tinsley |
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cpatch
Ahonui
USA
2187 Posts |
Posted - 11/11/2004 : 9:53:40 PM
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| Hey Jesse, I've picked up some great old slack key LPs too, although mostly through eBay. But my finds have included early Tradewind LPs by Raymond Kane, Leonard Kwan, Atta Isaacs, and Nelson Waikiki in addition to other stuff by Gabby, Sonny, and Auntie Alice. |
Craig
My goal is to be able to play as well as people think I can. |
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hapakid
Luna Ho`omalu
USA
1533 Posts |
Posted - 11/12/2004 : 06:48:34 AM
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Hunting for vinyl is fun, but when I really want something, I look for the CD. Anything I find locally on vinyl is just a bonus. At thrift stores you have to slog your way through a lot of schmaltzy orchestral "Hawaiian" music that was put out in the 50s and early 60s before you find something authentic.
Among the LPs I hope to find someday is Auntie Alice's record and the Gabby/Atta record "Livin On A-Easy" (not sure how it's spelled).
Jesse Tinsley
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Reid
Ha`aha`a
Andorra
1526 Posts |
Posted - 11/13/2004 : 04:22:05 AM
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Jesse,
No need to hunt in thrift stores. Sarah and I got a *perfect* vinyl of Auntie Alice at Jelly's via phone for the grand total of $7.00. Then mailed to us. Pretty thrifty.
I guess it depends on how much you like the hunt vs. actually getting what you want when you want.
...Reid |
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hapakid
Luna Ho`omalu
USA
1533 Posts |
Posted - 11/13/2004 : 07:20:25 AM
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That's a great deal, Reid. That album easily sells for twice that on Ebay, and you always have to wonder about the condition.
Jesse Tinsley |
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Reid
Ha`aha`a
Andorra
1526 Posts |
Posted - 11/14/2004 : 04:36:04 AM
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Jesse, yes, a great deal. But, best of all was how pristine it was. I digitized it, declicked and depopped and dehissed the residuals, with Audition, and burnt a CD of it. The vinyl is now "in a vault". The album liner notes are a prize, too.
BTW, lots of people have used Jelly's to hunt down what they wanted. Great place, just a phone call away.
...Reid |
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Lawrence
Ha`aha`a
USA
1597 Posts |
Posted - 11/15/2004 : 4:41:54 PM
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One thing I would add to this discussion:
If you digitize FIRST with a "flat" EQ like the method Dr. Dave (Ilio
Nui) recommends you will gain an additional advantage. When you
apply the RIAA curve in the digital domain (like in Audition or
ProTools, etc) you will improve the signal to noise ratio or your
soundcard. The RIAA curve is a substantial high frequency rolloff so
when you apply this in the computer you will be reducing the high
frequency hiss of the record AND your sound card together. Of course
those of us with (snicker, snicker) 24bit 96Khz sound "cards" that
have greater than 120db of signal to noise ratio (nose perched most
highly in the air) will not gain much advantage, but every little bit
helps!
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Mahope Kākou...
...El Lorenzo de Ondas Sonoras |
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