How to safeguard your collection through digitisation.

We all love and savour our vinyl collections however it’s important to be aware that records are vulnerable to wear. Preserving and digitising your collection will safeguard the longevity of your precious rare editions and well-worn favourites. Whether you’re a seasoned vinyl connoisseur or just dipping your toes into the world of turntables, this guide will help you preserve and convert your cherished vinyl into digital form.

Why digitise your records?

Preservation involves protecting the physical condition of your records, while digitisation transforms their audio into digital files like MP3, FLAC, or WAV. People undergo this process for a series of reasons. Preservation allows you to access your music anywhere – with digital copies, your collection becomes portable. It also provides a back-up for the music in your collection, which is particularly important for rare records that can’t be found on streaming services.

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Preserving and cleaning your vinyl

Preserving

Before digitising, it’s essential to safeguard the condition of your records. Proper storage can stave off wear and keep your records in pristine shape.

Store records vertically: Stacking them horizontally warps them over time. Instead, stand them upright on a sturdy shelf.
Cover in sleeves: Use plastic inner sleeves to fend off scratches, and plastic outer sleeves to protect from dust and moisture.
Tame the climate: Vinyl is sensitive to extreme temperatures and humidity. Store your records in a cool, dry environment with steady humidity levels.

Cleaning

Clean records not only sound better but also live longer.

Sweep with an anti-static brush: Gently dust your records before and after each spin.
Deep cleanse: For more stubborn dirt, use a record cleaning solution or invest in a vacuum cleaning system to draw out debris from the grooves.
Swap the stylus regularly: Your stylus (needle) wears out after roughly 1,000 hours of playback. Replace it in time to avoid carving damage into your records.

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How digitisation works with different types of turntables

When it comes to digitising records, different types of turntables will require different approaches and processes.

USB Turntables (e.g. Denon DP-450USB)
Some turntables, like the Denon DP-450USB, boast a built-in USB port where you can simply insert a USB stick and capture the audio directly from your vinyl. This is ideal for beginners since it bypasses complex setups.

Pros: Simple, quick setup.
Cons: May lack the highest fidelity when compared to more advanced setups.

USB Turntables with Direct Computer Connection (e.g. Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB)
Turntables like the Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB allow you to tether them directly to your computer via a USB cable. From there, you can record and fine-tune the audio using recording software on your computer.

Pros: Higher audio quality than standalone USB recording.
Cons: Requires setting up recording software.

Traditional Turntables with Preamp and Audio Interface

If you’re using a turntable without a USB output, you can digitise your records by routing it through an audio interface via a preamp. Some turntables, like the Rega Planar 2, require a separate preamp unless they have one built-in.

If your turntable lacks a preamp, you’ll need to introduce one into the chain. From there, your audio interface (like the Focusrite Scarlett) converts the analogue signal into a digital one.

Pros: Best sound quality and flexibility.
Cons: More complex, suited for audiophiles and advanced users.

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Cartridges for digitisation

The cartridge is the component of the turntable that houses the stylus, often referred to as the needle and tracks the grooves of your vinyl. For archiving and digitising, some cartridges excel at capturing finer detail than others.

A highly recommended option is the Ortofon 2M Blue cartridge. It offers superb clarity and detail, making it an excellent choice for archiving. Other options like the Audio-Technica VM540ML and Nagaoka MP-110 also deliver crisp sound, perfect for accurate digital conversions.

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Recording Software (DAWs)

After your turntable is set up, you’ll need software to capture the sound. This is where Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) come into play.

Audacity

For those starting out or looking for a free option, Audacity is an excellent choice. It’s a DAW available on Windows, macOS, and Linux, with the ability to record live from your vinyl, clean up pops, clicks, and noise and export your recordings into MP3, FLAC, WAV formats, alongside other DAW tools.

If you’re seeking advanced features, consider premium DAWs like Adobe Audition, Ableton Live, or Logic Pro. These offer more robust tools for editing, mastering, and polishing your recordings but come with a steeper learning curve and price tag.

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Steps for digitising your records

Here’s a step-by-step streamlined process for capturing your vinyl digitally:

1. Assemble your set-up (your turntable and audio interface, if necessary).
2. For a USB turntable, simply connect it to your computer or insert a USB stick if your turntable allows. For a traditional turntable, route the audio through an audio interface and preamp before connecting to your computer.
3. Open your chosen DAW (like Audacity) and ensure it’s set to the proper input source (USB or audio interface).
4. Play the vinyl.
5. Let the record play and start recording. As the turntable plays, your software will record and digitise the audio in real time.
7. Edit and export the files.
8. After recording, you can trim noise, adjust volume levels, and divide tracks (for albums). When satisfied, export the audio in your chosen format.

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File formats for digital audio

Choosing the right file format ensures a balance between sound quality and file size.

MP3: Compressed, lightweight, but lower quality. Ideal for casual listening.
FLAC: Lossless format that retains excellent sound quality while compressing files. Perfect for archiving.
WAV: Uncompressed and pristine, but large in file size. The best for preserving every audio detail.

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Final tips for optimal success

Use premium cables: inferior cables can introduce unwanted noise or distort the signal.
Record at a high bit rate: to ensure optimal audio quality, aim to record at 24-bit/96kHz or higher if your gear supports it.
Back up your digital files: once digitised, make sure to store your audio files on an external drive or in the cloud to guard against data loss.

Read more: A guide to turntable upgrades