Recording Vinyl

[P.A.R.T.Y]

So, I`ve decided to rip a bunch of records to wav. I`ve got a decent soundcard (m-audio ftp) technics 1200 MK3D w/trackmasterII, and a Denon mixer (DN-X300) I`m also using good, balanced 1/4 inch cables to the soundcard and recording to SF7 at the peak level without clipping.

Questions:
1. Should record at 24bit and convert to 16bit or leave them at 24bit?
2. What about minor clipping; once in awhile it might bounce on the red in SF, so what of it?

Thank you.

[mapleleaf4ever]

I'd use something like an Ortofon Nightclub for the Cartridge as the sound-quality is amazing on them.

If you record at 24-bit you can always convert them to 16 later. Keep the 24-bit originals in an archive. Also don't let them go above 0dB.

I recently ripped a large chunk of my collection and kept mine at 16-bit and didn't let them bounce into the red. They turned out great.

[P.A.R.T.Y]

Thanks, that`s good advice.
I made the stupid mistake of ripping most of the tracks with the aux input feeding the tracks back onto themselves. Now, I have to go an re-do the whole thing again. At least this time, I`ll have them in superb quality. Right now, I`m recording at -.1 db; once in awhile the tracks will red line, but that`s rare, so I don`t think it should affect the sound quality.

[mapleleaf4ever]

hehe i forgot to switch my Mixer to Phono after unhooking Torq. ripped a good couple hours worth before i realized the problem.

damn those small errors.

[ebbomega]

You know, I've heard if you're ever doing digital effects or mastering, it's actually a good idea to use 32bit (even if your sound card only supports 24bit) and convert it down to 16bit (CD quality) when everything is said and done.

[dabbler]

minor clipping is not an issue. I usually clip all the songs that I purchase/record/produce as it actually makes them sound fatter. (as long as the song is produced well, you can clip peaks for less than 10 miliseconds and it's not audible to the human ear)

[Wood]

yeah i'd be hesitant to use the trackmaster for ripping, afaik they're optimised for club use. ideally you want something with a flatter signal. although i'm not one to talk, i rip vinyl with a shure m447. perhaps why all my vinyl rips sound like ass.