recording lps in the mac

hello, i'm new here, don't know if someone asked this before but i have a new imac 20 inch, and was wondering how i can record my old lps to my computer ??? thanks a bunch !!

*Moved thread to proper forum*

This link might help you.

http://urlgreyhot.com/personal/weblog/better_vinyl_to_mp3_conversion_mac_os_x

Here is a list of apps to try to record the sound once you have your vinyl turntable connected to your imac as shown in the above link:

Audio Hijac Pro
Audacity
Felt Tip Sound Studio
Bias Peak LE
Amadeus II
The Audio Ripper
Wiretap
Sound Studio
AudioX

I would think you could use Garageband.
I used the app that came with Toast. It's simple to use and you can manually or automatically tell it when to start stop and chop up the album sides into songs.

I use a turntable connected to a phono pre-amp, which in turn is fed into my iMac via an Edirol UA1-EX usb interface.
I use Audio Hijack Pro for software and occasionally use Bias Soundsoap if I have some bad static or clicks and pops.

Toast comes with a app called Spin Doctor. Haven't used it myself, but it detects gaps in the album and splits the mp3s into tracks. Haven't used it myself but someone at work says, between Spin Doctor and Audacity, he gets everything done nicely.

He says SpinDoctor has problems with live albums, lack of gaps

You should never split live albums on vinyl. It entirely ruins the album.
I have a vinyl Ted Nugent Double Live Goinzo and a remastered CD. I hate the cd - gaps where they aren't needed.

I use GarageBand with an M-Audio USB box. Works great!

I would use some kind of audio interface if I were you. If you don't have one then it would have to be an extra expense, nonetheless you will get much better quality/control doing it that way. Especially if you get an interface that can do a higher sample rate.

I wouldn't add a mixer to the chain, the more stages the signal has to go through on its way to the DAW (digital audio workstation) the more noise/worst sounding it will be.

Just my 2 cents, hope it helps

Respect.
Prof. Fresh.

Replying to the answer directly above, I agree. The Edirol I use costs £70 and is worth every penny, as you can record right up to 96000/24 bit if you wish.
It makes a file of around 2 gig for one album mind you!

There's a much simpler approach to ripping vinyl and includes all necessary hardware and software with a minimal cost I'd look into a USB turntable.

http://www.thinkgeek.com/electronics/mp3/90a0/