Xitel for Vinyl LP transfers?

[MeridianFC]

Has anybody used the Xitel equipment and software for transferring old vinyl lps to the digital domain?

http://www.xitel.com/product_inport.htm

[YanksFC]

Related question -- Anyone got any suggestions on ripping stuff from cassette to a Mac?

[Mad_Bishop]

Has anybody used the Xitel equipment and software for transferring old vinyl lps to the digital domain?

http://www.xitel.com/product_inport.htm
It may be slightly better than running a grounded 1/8" stereo plug into your soundcard, but I can't think that it's that much better. I'm sure it still records via wavemap, so essentially it seems like just a way to introduce RCA input into your computer. Most new, good soundcards will do this (some, like SB Studio even have optical and coax I/O's). If not, a $6 cable from radioshack will do this for you, too.

As far as the software, I prefer to just use Cool Edit Pro or 2K. If may not be as convienient as you have to keep an eye on levels as opposed to some sort of automation, but this sort of thing is better left to humans, anyway.

Run a line in, set your levels on your soundcard and on your software, then run Noise Reduction or filters if you want (I usually don't). It's not hard, but it is a little time consuming.

[MeridianFC]

As far as the software, I prefer to just use Cool Edit Pro or 2K. If may not be as convienient as you have to keep an eye on levels as opposed to some sort of automation, but this sort of thing is better left to humans, anyway.

Run a line in, set your levels on your soundcard and on your software, then run Noise Reduction or filters if you want (I usually don't). It's not hard, but it is a little time consuming.

I see that Adobe bought the company that produced Cool Edit and they're now selling their verision of it. I've found a couple of copies of CE2.1 on eBay but it seems like far more fire power than I need for taking the crackle and pops out of old lps. I guess I could start home recording again since I've been out of the biz for a while and don't currently even own a 4 track. While it seems like CE2.1 can work fine with the set up I've got the impression they leave is one should have a hellavu lot of ram (I'm running 768megs). Mr. Bishop what's your set up like?

I went ahead an ordered the Xitel, mostly to bypass my sound card.

[MeridianFC]

I've been using the Xitel device with the included LPRecorder and LPRipper and it's working a treat. The ease of use and sound quality are very high. I did have a problem listening to the preview of tracks in LPRipper, but I E-mailed the company and I had a reply within 10 minutes!

The only down side to all this is I've discovered my turntable is shot. I'll have to go out and buy a new one. :(

[Crimen y Castigo]

This is highly intriguing. Thanks for the link.

[Mad_Bishop]

I see that Adobe bought the company that produced Cool Edit and they're now selling their verision of it. I've found a couple of copies of CE2.1 on eBay but it seems like far more fire power than I need for taking the crackle and pops out of old lps. I guess I could start home recording again since I've been out of the biz for a while and don't currently even own a 4 track. While it seems like CE2.1 can work fine with the set up I've got the impression they leave is one should have a hellavu lot of ram (I'm running 768megs). Mr. Bishop what's your set up like?

I went ahead an ordered the Xitel, mostly to bypass my sound card.
Sorry, I never saw your reply to this thread!

Glad your set-up is working well for you.

My setup is perhaps a little daunting for most users, simply because I have a small studio setup in my computer room. I run a small 8 channel analog soundboard into my soundcard via 1/8" stereo mini-plug, as well as my midi controlling keyboard. My soundboard has XLR, 1/4" inputs and RCA's so I can mic, use outboard effects or run in components. So I usually just haul in my turntable and an old analog reciever and run a grounded RCA line-in from the board. I then capture in Cool Edit 2K or Goldwave.

Cool Edit Pro is great for home recording but overkill for most people's uses. 2000 is great though. I also run Fruity Loops, Acid Pro, and Pro Tools LE. I do all of this with a PIII 550Mhz PC with 384Mb of RAM. the only thing that taxes my computer is Pro Tools, and Fruity Loops if I have really big loops.

[MeridianFC]

Sorry, I never saw your reply to this thread!

.

No worries.

In my recording days, which was at the advent of flying faders and SSL Total Logic, I was pretty analog oriented. The last session I did, about two years ago, we didn't even use guitar amps (thanks to the Pod!). The world has changed mightly.

I'm very intrigued by the Cool Edit options, as I could get back into recording and clean up some of my messy vinyl. It does seem like some powerful medicine for the home computer. BTW even w/ cool edit, I'd still recommend the Xitel box to bypass the soundcard, unless you have a really good one, which I guess you might.

[Mad_Bishop]

BTW even w/ cool edit, I'd still recommend the Xitel box to bypass the soundcard, unless you have a really good one, which I guess you might.

so does it use the soundcard's wavemappers, or does it use it's own?

[MeridianFC]

so does it use the soundcard's wavemappers, or does it use it's own?

It uses it's own proprietary thing.

[nancyb]

How's it working out? Does it allow you to connect a laptop with maybe not so good a soundcard to the stereo and get good results?

[MeridianFC]

I like it. I am constantly reminded that the quality of recording is only as good as the source. Some of the records I've had for 20+ years have had some rough outings.

It bypasses the soundcard completely. I don't have a lap top but I'm sure it would work it's just a RCA to USB connection.