Difference between revisions of "Recording an LP with Audio Evolution 4"

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PAGE UNDER CONSTRUCTION - EDITS TO COME
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''Author: Kelly Samel (realstar@shaw.ca)''
  
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== Tutorial for Audio Evolution 4 - Recording a vinyl LP into your computer ==
 
 
 
 
== Tutorial for Audio Evolution 4 - Transferring an LP to digital ==
 
  
  
Line 10: Line 7:
 
good thing. The answer is to digitize your vinyl collection and put the songs on your computer. So here is an explanation of my method for
 
good thing. The answer is to digitize your vinyl collection and put the songs on your computer. So here is an explanation of my method for
 
doing so using Audio Evolution 4.0.23.
 
doing so using Audio Evolution 4.0.23.
 
  
 
== Things You Will Need ==
 
== Things You Will Need ==
Line 19: Line 15:
 
# A stereo RCA to 3.5mm mini jack adaptor<br />
 
# A stereo RCA to 3.5mm mini jack adaptor<br />
 
# An RCA extension audio cable long enough to reach your computer<br />
 
# An RCA extension audio cable long enough to reach your computer<br />
# MorphOS and a copy of AudioEvolution 4<br />
+
# A copy of AudioEvolution 4 software for MorphOS, Amiga OS 4 or AROS<br />
 +
 
 +
 
  
 +
[[File:ae4_turntable.png|alt=Turntable]]
 +
[[File:ae4_phonostage.png|alt=Phono stage]]
 +
[[File:ae4_adaptor.png|alt=3.5mm adaptor]]
 +
[[File:ae4_rcacable.png|alt=rca cable]]
 +
[[File:ae4_receiver.png|alt=Receiver]]
 +
[[File:ae4_audioevolution.png|alt=Audio Evolution 4]]
  
 
== Getting Started ==
 
== Getting Started ==
Line 26: Line 30:
  
 
First thing is to make sure your turntable is connected to your phono stage/amplifier correctly.
 
First thing is to make sure your turntable is connected to your phono stage/amplifier correctly.
Also ensure it is setup correctly with a good stylus and some clean records to play.
+
Also ensure it is setup correctly with a good stylus and some clean records to play. If you are
 
+
using a receiver or integrated amp then you need an RCA audio extension cable plugged into the
If you are using a receiver or integrated amp then you need an RCA audio extension cable plugged
+
TAPE REC OUT jacks on the back of the unit. (this may vary by model) If you have a stand alone
into the TAPE REC OUT jacks on the back of the unit. (this may vary by model) If you have a stand
+
phono preamp then plug your audio cord directly into the output jacks on that. In either case your
alone phono preamp then plug your audio cord directly into the output jacks.
+
audio output cable should then be connected to the 3.5mm mini jack adaptor. Next you need to
 
+
find the line in jack on the back of your computer. This is usually colored blue. Plug the 3.5mm
In either case the audio output cable should then be connected to the 3.5mm mini jack adaptor.
+
mini plug into this port. OK. Everything is now connected to start recording audio into your
 
+
computer.
On the back of your computer you need to find the line-in jack. This is usually colored blue.
 
Plug the 3.5mm mini plug into this port.
 
 
 
OK. Everything is now connected to start recording audio into your computer.
 
  
 +
[[File:ae4_linein.png|alt=LineIn]]
 +
[[File:ae4_taperec.png|alt=TapeRec]]
  
 
== Launching the Software ==
 
== Launching the Software ==
Line 46: Line 48:
 
[[File:ae_soundio.png|alt=Soundio window|right|frame|Make sure you are recording from line in]]
 
[[File:ae_soundio.png|alt=Soundio window|right|frame|Make sure you are recording from line in]]
  
=== Select a screenmode ===
+
=== Select an audio mode  ===
 
Start Audio Evolution 4 software and select an approprate screenmode. When it asks what audio mode
 
Start Audio Evolution 4 software and select an approprate screenmode. When it asks what audio mode
 
you want to use select the appropriate option for your machine. If you have an external soundblaster card
 
you want to use select the appropriate option for your machine. If you have an external soundblaster card
for instance then "EMU10kx HiFi 16 bit stereo++" would be correct. A Pegasos using internal audio would
+
for instance then "EMU10kx HiFi 16 bit stereo++" would be correct. A Pegasos computer using internal audio
need "Pegasos: HiFi 16 bit stereo++". I would suggest 44100 as the sampling rate as this matches CD audio
+
would use "Pegasos: HiFi 16 bit stereo++". I would suggest 44100 as the sampling rate as this matches CD audio
 
quality and will translate well to the MP3 format.
 
quality and will translate well to the MP3 format.
  
Line 62: Line 64:
 
Now is also a good time to save your preferences. (menu item: File->Save preferences)
 
Now is also a good time to save your preferences. (menu item: File->Save preferences)
  
[[File:ae4_welcome.png|alt=Welcome window]]
+
[[File:ae4_welcome.png|alt=Welcome window|none|frame|Start a new project]]
 
 
  
 
== Preparing to Record ==
 
== Preparing to Record ==
Line 74: Line 75:
  
 
=== Testing the input ===
 
=== Testing the input ===
Now press the red record icon to open the recording panel. Click the check gadget next to the Left and Right
+
Now press the red record icon to open the recording panel. Click the check box next to the Left and Right
input levels. Now put an LP on your turntable and start playing the record. You should be able to see how
+
input levels to begin monitoring the input. Now put an LP on your turntable and start playing the record.
much input you are getting into the Left and Right channels. If you see the colored meters moving then
+
You should be able to see the colored level meters moving back and forth. This indicates the strength of
you are recieving audio from your turntable and are nearly ready to record.
+
the audio signals your computer is receiving. If the meters are moving then the audio from your turntable
 +
is coming in fine and you are nearly ready to record.
  
 
[[File:ae4_record.png|alt=Record window]]
 
[[File:ae4_record.png|alt=Record window]]
Line 87: Line 89:
 
loudest parts of the recording just peaking into the red area. This will give you a good balance of volume and
 
loudest parts of the recording just peaking into the red area. This will give you a good balance of volume and
 
preserve the dynamic range of the recording. Do not record with the signal constantly going into the red as
 
preserve the dynamic range of the recording. Do not record with the signal constantly going into the red as
you will be effectively clipping off and losing a lot of audio data that you want to preserve.
+
you will be effectively clipping off and losing a lot of audio information that you want to preserve.
  
  
Line 98: Line 100:
 
lower the tonearm down at the lead in groove and start sending audio data to the software. Once you reach the
 
lower the tonearm down at the lead in groove and start sending audio data to the software. Once you reach the
 
end of the LP side you can press the stop gadget to stop recording and save your sample. When the requestor
 
end of the LP side you can press the stop gadget to stop recording and save your sample. When the requestor
asks if you want to keep the sample select 'okay' and give it a filename.
+
asks if you want to keep the sample select 'okay' and give it an appropriate filename.
  
 
== Editing the audio waveform ==
 
== Editing the audio waveform ==
Line 109: Line 111:
 
=== Viewing and playing back the audio waveform ===
 
=== Viewing and playing back the audio waveform ===
 
After recording you will see a visual representation of the audio you
 
After recording you will see a visual representation of the audio you
just recorded in the timeline display. First its a good idea to expand
+
just recorded in the timeline display.  
the track display until you can see the track we are working on better.
+
 
 +
 
 +
[[File:ae4_timeline.png|600px]]
 +
 
 +
 
 +
First its a good idea to expand the track display until you can see the track
 +
we are working on better.
 +
 
 +
[[File:ae4_expandtrack.png|alt=Expand track icons|none|frame|Expand tracks]]
 +
 
 +
 
 
Also adjust the zoom level so that you can see the silent gaps between the
 
Also adjust the zoom level so that you can see the silent gaps between the
songs better. Generally a zoom level of 8 or so is ideal. The scroll bar at the
+
songs better. Generally a zoom level of 8 or so is ideal.  
bottom of the window is used to scroll left/right through the audio data
+
 
currently displayed.
+
[[File:ae4_zoom.png|alt=Zoom bar|none|frame|Zoom level]]
 +
 
 +
 
 +
The scroll bar at the bottom of the window is used to scroll left/right
 +
through the audio data currently displayed.
 +
 
 +
[[File:ae4_scrollbar.png|alt=ScrollBar|none|frame|Scroll bar]]
 +
 
 +
 
 +
You can listen to any part of the waveform by clicking on the play icon
 +
within the control window or by pressing the space bar. Pressing the
 +
stop icon or space bar again will halt playback.
  
You can listen to any part of the waveform by first clicking the time ruler
+
[[File:ae4_play.png|alt=Play icon|none|frame|Play]]
at the top of the track listing to set a starting position. Give it a listen by
 
pressing the play key on the control window or pressing the space bar.
 
  
You can also click and drag the green time marker around for fine
+
 
adjustment of your current playing position.
+
Set your starting playback position by clicking the timing ruler
 +
just above the waveform display. You can also click and drag the green
 +
time marker for fine adjustment of your current playing position.
 +
 
 +
[[File:ae4_timemarker.png|alt=Time marker|none|frame|Marker]]
  
 
=== Trimming lead in and lead out===
 
=== Trimming lead in and lead out===
  
First thing we need to do is trim off the empty junk at the beginning and
+
[[File:ae4_split.png|alt=Split file tool|frame|left|Split mode]]
end of our LP side. So we need to find out where the first song starts
+
 
visually and by listening. We then want to seperate this lead-in area from
+
[[File:ae4_grabmove.png|alt=Grab move tool|frame|left|Grab / move mode]]
the actual start of the first song. We will use the split tool to achieve this
+
 
 +
First thing we need to do is trim off the empty lead in area at the beginning
 +
of our LP side. So we need to find out where the first song starts by
 +
looking at the waveform visually and by listening. We then want to seperate
 +
this lead-in area from the actual start of the first song. We will use the split
 +
tool to achieve this
  
Put the editor into split mode by selecting the gadget first. Now as
+
Put the editor into split mode by clicking on the split icon. Now as
you hover the mouse pointer over the waveform you will see a dotted
+
you hover the mouse pointer over the waveform display you will
line that demonstrates where a split can be made. Line up the dotted
+
see a dotted line that demonstrates where a split can be made.  
line just before the start of audio and click once. Now change the
 
edit mode back to grab/move before continuing. Now you may notice
 
that we have two seperate pieces of audio data sitting next to each
 
other at the split point. Lets remove the junk data at the beginning.
 
Simply click the junk data to select it and then press the delete key
 
or right click to bring up the Actions menu and select Remove. Presto
 
it's gone and we are left with only the part we want to keep.
 
  
Scroll to the end of the LP side and using a similar process remove
+
Line up the dotted line just before the start of the first song and click once.
the junk data at the end of the LP. So to recap listen for when the
+
Change the edit mode back to grab/move before continuing just so you
audio data ends. Select split tool and click once where you want to
+
don't accidentally make more splits by clicking on the waveform again.
split the data. Then switch back to grab/move mode and remove the
 
left over part.
 
  
=== Seperating the audio tracks ===
+
[[File:ae4_splitmarker.png|alt=Split marker dotted line]]
At this point we are have the complete audio that we want to keep
 
with the lead in and lead out trimmed off. Next we want to split
 
the one large waveform into seperate song tracks. This is easily
 
achieved by finding the silent parts between each song track
 
visually and listening and then making a split just a little
 
before the start of each song.
 
  
  
=== Saving the audio tracks ===
+
Now you may notice that we have two pieces of audio data sitting next to each
 +
other at the split point. Each section of audio data is labeled. One section to the
 +
left and one section to the right of where the split point was made. You can
 +
select the section containing the empty lead in by clicking on it once. Pressing the delete key on your
 +
keyboard or right clicking and selecting "Remove" from the popup menu will delete the section.
 +
Presto it's gone and we are left with only the part we wanted to keep. You can now scroll to the
 +
end of the audio data and using a similar process remove the empty lead out section at the end of the LP.
 +
 
 +
=== Breaking up the audio tracks ===
 +
At this point we have the complete audio from our first LP side with the lead in and lead out
 +
trimmed off. Next we want to split this one big waveform into individual song tracks. This is
 +
easily achieved by finding the silent gaps between each song both visually and by listening
 +
and then making a split just before the start of each song. You should end up with several
 +
split sections beside each other, one for each song.
  
Now you can proceed to select each song by clicking on the sample
+
[[File:ae4_splittrack.png|alt=Split tracks example]]
data once and then right clicking and selecting the 'Save To Disk'
 
option for each track. Give the tracks meaningful names like this.
 
  
Congratulations you have now recorded, trimmed and saved out all
+
=== Saving the audio tracks ===
of the songs from one side of an LP. Now you can repeat this prodedure
 
for Side B.
 
  
 +
Now that all of the songs have been split up into individual audio sections we can
 +
go ahead and start to save them out to disk as AIFF samples. Select the song you want to save
 +
out by clicking directly on the section containing it and then right click and select "Save To Disk" from
 +
the popup menu. Do this for each song and give the tracks meaningful file names.  Congratulations you
 +
have now recorded, trimmed and saved out all of the songs from one side of an LP. Now you can repeat
 +
this prodedure for Side B.
  
== Converting to MP3 files ==
+
=== Converting to MP3 files ===
  
 
So next thing you are asking is how am I going to make these into
 
So next thing you are asking is how am I going to make these into
MP3 files. I suggest the freeware program TheMpegEncGUI. You can
+
MP3 files. I suggest the freeware program CodeAudio (formerly named:TheMpegEncGUI)
specify a list of input files where you can select the AIFF audio
+
in conjunction with the lame mp3 encoder. You can specify a list of input files where you can
files that you previously saved to disk and then you can batch
+
select the AIFF files that you previously saved to disk and then you can batch encode the lot
encode the lot of them in one fell step. I suggest using joint
+
of them in one fell swoop. I suggest using joint stereo 256Kbps and high quality (-h) mode
stereo 256Kbps encoding for good quality MP3 playback.
+
for good quality MP3 playback.
 +
 
 +
== Links ==
 +
Audio Evolution 4 http://www.audio-evolution.com <br/>
 +
Onyx Soft Code Audio http://www.onyxsoft.se/codeaudio.html <br/>
 +
Lame MP3 encoder http://aminet.net/mus/misc/lame-morphos.lha

Latest revision as of 22:11, 13 April 2012

Author: Kelly Samel (realstar@shaw.ca)

Tutorial for Audio Evolution 4 - Recording a vinyl LP into your computer

If your like me you have a nice collection of vinyl LPs that you like to listen to but sometimes the portability of having mp3 files is also a good thing. The answer is to digitize your vinyl collection and put the songs on your computer. So here is an explanation of my method for doing so using Audio Evolution 4.0.23.

Things You Will Need

  1. A turntable
  2. A stand alone phono preamp or amplifier/receiver with phono inputs
  3. A stereo RCA to 3.5mm mini jack adaptor
  4. An RCA extension audio cable long enough to reach your computer
  5. A copy of AudioEvolution 4 software for MorphOS, Amiga OS 4 or AROS


Turntable Phono stage 3.5mm adaptor rca cable Receiver Audio Evolution 4

Getting Started

First thing is to make sure your turntable is connected to your phono stage/amplifier correctly. Also ensure it is setup correctly with a good stylus and some clean records to play. If you are using a receiver or integrated amp then you need an RCA audio extension cable plugged into the TAPE REC OUT jacks on the back of the unit. (this may vary by model) If you have a stand alone phono preamp then plug your audio cord directly into the output jacks on that. In either case your audio output cable should then be connected to the 3.5mm mini jack adaptor. Next you need to find the line in jack on the back of your computer. This is usually colored blue. Plug the 3.5mm mini plug into this port. OK. Everything is now connected to start recording audio into your computer.

LineIn TapeRec

Launching the Software

Select Audio Mode
Select an audio mode
Soundio window
Make sure you are recording from line in

Select an audio mode

Start Audio Evolution 4 software and select an approprate screenmode. When it asks what audio mode you want to use select the appropriate option for your machine. If you have an external soundblaster card for instance then "EMU10kx HiFi 16 bit stereo++" would be correct. A Pegasos computer using internal audio would use "Pegasos: HiFi 16 bit stereo++". I would suggest 44100 as the sampling rate as this matches CD audio quality and will translate well to the MP3 format.

Start a new project

Now select Start a new project and give your project a name in the filerequestor. Keep in mind that your project location is where all recorded audio samples will reside so make sure you have at least a couple GB of free space.

Set audio card input source

Under (menu item: Options->Soundcard in/out) make sure input is set to line in. Now is also a good time to save your preferences. (menu item: File->Save preferences)

Welcome window
Start a new project

Preparing to Record

Find the control window

Next step is to find the Control window. This is often hidden beneath the Time Line Display window when you first start the application so use the depth gadgets to reveal it.

Control window

Testing the input

Now press the red record icon to open the recording panel. Click the check box next to the Left and Right input levels to begin monitoring the input. Now put an LP on your turntable and start playing the record. You should be able to see the colored level meters moving back and forth. This indicates the strength of the audio signals your computer is receiving. If the meters are moving then the audio from your turntable is coming in fine and you are nearly ready to record.

Record window

Setting correct gain

If the L/R levels appear too low you may have to increase the gain setting. I found a gain setting around 15 to be good for most of my recordings. The correct value will vary a little depending on your equipment and the record you are playing. You want to keep the level meters in the upper green area with only the very loudest parts of the recording just peaking into the red area. This will give you a good balance of volume and preserve the dynamic range of the recording. Do not record with the signal constantly going into the red as you will be effectively clipping off and losing a lot of audio information that you want to preserve.


Recording the Audio

Time to record

If everything checks out up to this point then get your tonearm cued up at the beginning of the A side of the record and press the red 'rec' gadget. Now you will notice your hard drive LED flashing as well as the virtual HD LED in the recording window. This means that audio is being saved onto to your hard drive. You can now lower the tonearm down at the lead in groove and start sending audio data to the software. Once you reach the end of the LP side you can press the stop gadget to stop recording and save your sample. When the requestor asks if you want to keep the sample select 'okay' and give it an appropriate filename.

Editing the audio waveform

Getting ready to edit

At this point we will begin to break up the large audio stream into the individual music tracks that make up the album side. You need to close the recording panel to continue. The rest of the work will mostly be done in the Time Line Display.

Viewing and playing back the audio waveform

After recording you will see a visual representation of the audio you just recorded in the timeline display.


Ae4 timeline.png


First its a good idea to expand the track display until you can see the track we are working on better.

Expand track icons
Expand tracks


Also adjust the zoom level so that you can see the silent gaps between the songs better. Generally a zoom level of 8 or so is ideal.

Zoom bar
Zoom level


The scroll bar at the bottom of the window is used to scroll left/right through the audio data currently displayed.

ScrollBar
Scroll bar


You can listen to any part of the waveform by clicking on the play icon within the control window or by pressing the space bar. Pressing the stop icon or space bar again will halt playback.

Play icon
Play


Set your starting playback position by clicking the timing ruler just above the waveform display. You can also click and drag the green time marker for fine adjustment of your current playing position.

Time marker
Marker

Trimming lead in and lead out

Split file tool
Split mode
Grab move tool
Grab / move mode

First thing we need to do is trim off the empty lead in area at the beginning of our LP side. So we need to find out where the first song starts by looking at the waveform visually and by listening. We then want to seperate this lead-in area from the actual start of the first song. We will use the split tool to achieve this

Put the editor into split mode by clicking on the split icon. Now as you hover the mouse pointer over the waveform display you will see a dotted line that demonstrates where a split can be made.

Line up the dotted line just before the start of the first song and click once. Change the edit mode back to grab/move before continuing just so you don't accidentally make more splits by clicking on the waveform again.

Split marker dotted line


Now you may notice that we have two pieces of audio data sitting next to each other at the split point. Each section of audio data is labeled. One section to the left and one section to the right of where the split point was made. You can select the section containing the empty lead in by clicking on it once. Pressing the delete key on your keyboard or right clicking and selecting "Remove" from the popup menu will delete the section. Presto it's gone and we are left with only the part we wanted to keep. You can now scroll to the end of the audio data and using a similar process remove the empty lead out section at the end of the LP.

Breaking up the audio tracks

At this point we have the complete audio from our first LP side with the lead in and lead out trimmed off. Next we want to split this one big waveform into individual song tracks. This is easily achieved by finding the silent gaps between each song both visually and by listening and then making a split just before the start of each song. You should end up with several split sections beside each other, one for each song.

Split tracks example

Saving the audio tracks

Now that all of the songs have been split up into individual audio sections we can go ahead and start to save them out to disk as AIFF samples. Select the song you want to save out by clicking directly on the section containing it and then right click and select "Save To Disk" from the popup menu. Do this for each song and give the tracks meaningful file names. Congratulations you have now recorded, trimmed and saved out all of the songs from one side of an LP. Now you can repeat this prodedure for Side B.

Converting to MP3 files

So next thing you are asking is how am I going to make these into MP3 files. I suggest the freeware program CodeAudio (formerly named:TheMpegEncGUI) in conjunction with the lame mp3 encoder. You can specify a list of input files where you can select the AIFF files that you previously saved to disk and then you can batch encode the lot of them in one fell swoop. I suggest using joint stereo 256Kbps and high quality (-h) mode for good quality MP3 playback.

Links

Audio Evolution 4 http://www.audio-evolution.com
Onyx Soft Code Audio http://www.onyxsoft.se/codeaudio.html
Lame MP3 encoder http://aminet.net/mus/misc/lame-morphos.lha