Ripping Music vs Recording Music
As promised, I said I would cover the possibility of recording vinyl records that can be converted into MP3 files for use in your favorite music player. Ripping a CD is straightforward and easy. Windows built-in Media Player Legacy will auto-rip your files, eject your disk, and wait for the next one.
Vinyl Records are another step in difficulty. The only easy way is to play the record and use the Windows Built-in Recorder or a much better choice is to use Audacity which not only allows you to record but to trim, mix, align, and add effects to your music.
Methods
You can record your music using Audacity with a USB-based Record Player. There are several good to great models available depending on your needs. The Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB Direct-Drive Turntable is an excellent choice. 
- Connect the turntable to the USB port of your PC
- Install Audacity – a free recording software
- Set up Audacity by going to Edit > Preferences > Devices
- Click the Record button in Audacity
- Edit your recording by trimming unwanted parts, applying noise reductions, and labeling the tracks
- Export – Once you are happy with each recording go to File > Export > Export as MP3
Another method is to record directly to your PC using the “line-in-port” normally light blue on the back of your computer. Using your standard record player and amplifier you can hook up a mini-plug from your amplifier output to your “Line-in-port” and use the steps above to record using the Audacity software. No additional equipment is required if you have the required cable conversions. You will need either a male RCA jack to the Mini Jack:
If your amp has the mini-jack output you only need a male-to-male mini-jack cable.
Summary
While many of your albums can be repurchased in a CD version or a single track can be purchased online, that is not always the case. I have several bootleg recordings handed down from my father of backstage “Rat Pack” banter as well as some rare bootleg recordings like the Orange vinyl “Yellow Matter Custard” album released in 1972. I find it very rewarding to use my records to help build my music database. Besides that, some 45s are nearly impossible to get anywhere, and having them on hand ready to add to your library is the perfect way to have them available whenever you want. Because of the analog recording required, make sure you have some time on your hands and above all, enjoy.
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Ten years ago we ripped a few dozen vinyl disks this way. Audacity is basically simple, but it does have a learning curve. It’s worth spending a little time with YouTube to get up to speed, especially if you need to make adjustments like nose reduction. But don’t be deterred. This IS doable.
You are correct, if you want to use all the bells and whistles available, a little guidance is in order. However, out of the box for straight recording trimming is a no brainer.
Hello @Jim,
Where is the screengrab for the Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB Direct-Drive Turntable, Silver (Analog & USB) at the top of your Blog post from.
No matter where I search, the costs for the Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB is nowhere near $65, most sellers are selling for not much less than $300 (so hardly ‘reasonably priced’).
–Yogesh
Yogesh, that is an excellent question. I always put the link to the item along with the screen grab and obviously it is no longer available at that price. I checked and the screen grab was taken on Nov. 13 and might have been a Black Friday price, but I don’t remember it stating so. The closest I have found today is the: Record Player Belt-Drive Turntable with Bluetooth Output Connectivity Support 2 Speeds (33&45RPM) RCA Output Line Vinyl Record Player with Magnetic Cartridge Built-in Phono Pre-amp For $99.99 obviously not direct drive. I wish I had a better answer for you and would have bought it myself if I didn’t already have the Technics SL1200 from 1976. It cost me about $350 back then. Again, my apologies I take most of my screen grabs from Amazon In my research today I did see a used one for $136. Good luck I hope you find a deal.
(Ed note: The link to that product was added by me since there was no link in the article.)
Richard