Amanda,
Here's a good suggestion. Abstract the relevant comments in this thread and
print them out (or whatever) to show your supervisor(s) what the pros and
semi-pros on this list of audio preservationists are saying about what
should be done.
clark
On Thu, Jun 4, 2015 at 12:53 AM, Paul Stamler <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> On 6/3/2015 2:46 PM, Amanda Morrow wrote:
>
>> If I may ask a question about the analog, I really want these to be high
>> quality files but since this is pretty new to me I am a little lost on the
>> lingo and the processes. Could someone please explain to me about the
>> analog chain/realm so I can have a better idea of what I need to do?
>>
>
> What you need is a high-quality disc playing system. That consists of (in
> addition to a record cleaning machine):
>
> A good-quality turntable, in good repair, that offers good isolation from
> external vibrations;
>
> A good-quality phono cartridge, which tracks records well without causing
> wear;
>
> A good-quality phono preamplifier, which provides thw correct load for the
> cartridge (usually 47,000 ohms (also referred to as 47k) in parallel with a
> certain amount of capacitance -- that will vary with the cartridge), boosts
> the level, and accurately applies the proper de-emphasis curve (for LPs
> this is usually, but not always, the RIAA curve), without introducing undue
> levels of noise;
>
> A high-quality analog-to-digital interface.
>
> You mentioned that you have on hand:
>
> Thorens TD 190-2 turntable
> Behringer Xenyx 802 Premium 8-Input 2-Bus Mixer with Xenyx Mic Preamps and
> British EQs
> Behringer UCA202 Audio Interface
>
> The Thorens was a more-than-decent turntable with good isolation; however,
> it's been discontinued for a long time, and yours may or may not be in good
> condition. And you didn't mention whether it has a phono cartridge mounted
> in it.
>
> The Behringer mixer's mic preamps were designed for microphones, not phono
> cartridges; they won't provide the proper load for a phono cartridge and
> won't apply the RIAA curve (or any other standard phono de-emphasis curve).
> And no, you can't dsimulate it with "British EQ", which is designed for
> live sound reinforcement or recording live performances, not the
> reproduction of LP signals.
>
> The Behringer audio interface is a bargain-basement product designed for
> amateur recordists. Its performance is almost certainly not as good as
> modern professional interfaces. I'd look at Lynx products for your audio
> interfacing. If your computer will accept it (a lot of recent machines
> won't), you could look on eBay for a CardDeluxe audio interface card.
>
> This isn't my field, but you need to talk with a good intellectual
> property lawyer about the copyright issues. They're a lot knottier than
> you've been led to believe. I attended a conference at the U. of Wisoncin a
> couple of years ago, about archiving ethnic recordings, and we spent
> *hours* talking about the copyright issues involved in providing access for
> patrons, making safeties, etc.. Matthew Barton, on this list, may be able
> to refer you to good sources.
>
>
> Peace,
> Paul
>
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