Converting your tunes to mp3

If you subscribe to internet forums, sell records on ebay or have an mp3 player you need to know how to produce sound files from your records.

The most obvious method of getting music from vinyl to mp3 is to plug a turntable into your PC and play records!

It really is that easy, there is a bit of (free) software to use and the odd lead to plug in but nothing too difficult. You can record tunes onto your PC and save them as .wav files (for making into CD's) or mp3 files (for ebay, internet forums, ipods, other players and mp3 CDs)

The USB turntable I use is the ION iTTUSB model, it comes with just 3 leads; a mains lead (plug this into the wall socket then); a USB lead - which plugs into a USB port on your PC; and a twin audio lead that you can plug into the auxiliary socket on your hi-fi to use the turntable as a normal deck. The software comes with it and is simple to install and use, you can get quite expert at recording from vinyl with just a little practice. I've no idea what it cost as it was a prezzie from my wife (aww!)

You can even get these turntables with an ipod docking station now so you don't need to record on to your PC first! Costs vary according to features, I've seen them advertised at £60 but worry whether this is a scam. I'd expect to pay around £100 for a basic model.

Click the picture above or here to visit Firebox.com and see the full range with in depth instructions.