Turning Recordings into Digital Files

[JazzAt52ndStreet]

In my ever lasting quest to make cheap recordings onto CD's, here's my new idea.

There is a single input plug on my computer, is there a program I can buy that will convert what I record from a mic into a computer file and then making it possible to burn onto a CD-R or just for storage in my computer?

Thanks-
52nd

P.S I'm running Windows 2000

[Squaredancecalling Steve]

That's exactly the process I'm about to begin! For some or perhaps most of my 4-6,000 dance records! I'm converting from using records, which have long been the standard in square dance music, to digital mp3 and wav files, which are rapidly becoming the new standard. I'm using a custom program designed for callers (Digital Music Magician), but the music conversion and library part is WinAmp (free download for the basic version). I've already tried one, successfully, patching in from my record player to a port (not the mic, I think). It can be done. It has to be in real time, and if you want to edit it you'll need more time and probably another program. But it is being done!

[moneyp]

I will defer to the musicians with more experience handling audio files than I, but you shouldn't have to pay for a basic MP3 converter. My favorite is Goldwave (www.goldwave.com), developed by some folks out of Canada. There's a free downloadable version that should handle all your conversion needs, and a full version that is unlockable with a payment ($50 when I paid for it). It's excellent. Easy to use, lots of functionality, does a remarkable job of getting rid of background noise and hiss, making it ideal for converting files from vinyl. I love it.

[Squaredancecalling Steve]

Actually I think WinAmp might be the player, and the file I made was with CoolEdit, which is like GoldWave.