⚡ TIMESTAMPS ⚡ 0:00 Intro 1:16 A DJ's guide to ripping vinyl 1:46 Why you SHOULDN'T rip vinyl 2:42 The one exception.. 4:58 Tools you'll need 14:09 How to do it 15:06 Tips for cleaning up the audio 19:46 Exporting files 21:22 Extra tips for success 22:24 Vinyl Studio software 24:30 Noise reduction 25:15 Compression 25:53 Rumble Filter 26:16 Getting it right the first time 29:12 DJ community chat Take this further - get Digital DJ Lab: djtips.co/lab
Don't forget to clean your records/stylus/needles before you start and a static remover makes a huge difference. Record weights work and rip to highest quality possible (CD quality minimum), you don't wanna rip them again later when you get more harddrive space...
As boring as vinyl-ripping full tracks for DJ sets is, vinyl-ripping to sample for your music productions can actually be a lot of fun. Hooking my SL1200 directly into my MPC Live 2 and going through my vinyl collection to find that cool break of a few bars to flip feels like a pleasant trip through memory lane. Also shopping in 2nd hand stores for vinyl to sample is a lot of fun.
I did record my vinyl as I bought it back in the early 2000s for listening on the go. Only made 192 kbps mp3s though so not really useful for djiing. These days I hunt down CDs where available. This is a fun exercise.
Nice video. A few things I would add especially if you’re going to rip often or rip your entire collection. As someone who ripped their entire collection in the mid 2000s, only to then discover a sound quality issue on all 700 of the ripped audio files, I speak from experience! 1. Clean the record before you rip it to remove dust and dirt. This will minimize pop and crackle 2. Set the pitch slider to 0 3. Use a very good quality turntable and consider having it serviced before you begin ripping. If you rip vinyl and then use DVS to control the digital file the wow and flutter on the ripped audio file will be amplified making it more difficult to keep the record beat matched. If both tracks you’re mixing were ripped from vinyl this effect is doubled. To mitigate this it’s best to use a deck with very low wow and flutter e.g., Technics 1200 / 1210 4. Be very wary of using decks with digital signal output e.g., USB or optical. I learned this the hard way. I used a Stanton deck with a digital coaxial output connected to a digital input on my soundcard to rip my entire collection thinking that an all digital signal would offer superior sound quality, only to then find after I’d ripped my entire collection that the analogue to digital conversion on the record deck was terrible. Now I always use analogue phono out and a decent quality preamp. 5. I use pop and click removal extremely sparingly. Hiss removal is now very sophisticated but I never use it as it will invariably remove more than just the hiss no matter how good it is. If the record is decent quality the recording will be decent too, without the need for any digital clean up. But each to their own, of course. 6. Phil mentioned this in the video but it cannot be emphasized enough just how important it is to save the audio to a lossless audio format. I use AIF as it offers near universal compatibility with all DJ software, modern CDJs, Windows, Mac, and Apple iOS devices, and unlike WAV it has a standardized metadata system. FLAC offers the same audio quality for a smaller file size, however, if file size is a concern. 7. Think very carefully about your metadata and file name convention before you begin. It’s a separate topic in its own right but it’s best to get it right from the outset. As Phil mentioned mp3tag is great. It offers a really easy way to tag audio files with discogs metadata using only the discogs release ID - this can save a ton of time as it means you don’t have to manually enter all the track info and artwork etc. 8. Test your entire workflow a few times before you commit to it. This should include importing the digital files into the DJ software you use or any that you might use in the future, and then listen to them, to make sure you’re entirely happy with the finished result.
@@topbuzz1992 #4: I have the Numark TTUSB (down for the count, as the current cartridge - the Audio Technica AT-VM95C/H - apparently has an issue with the right channel not producing output or producing little output), and have had great sounding audio files come from it.
Like you explained, I only rip if I have a RARE record that absolutely can't be found/purchased elsewhere. I own alot of rare cuts. I absolutely LOVE having digital rips of cuts nobody can find digitally. So...yeah. Gotta rip those rarities. And - of course - having a digital rip is very convenient and an archive of the record before you play and wear it out more. I've made some GREAT rips and every record is different (mastering, loudness, etc.) so - regardless - if you want to play a cut that only exists on vinyl - YOU HAVE TO RIP THE VINYL ;) Simple. Thanks for another proper vid and proper tips and insight.
There are still a few rare, but outstanding classic disco tracks which you cannot get on digital - or at least I've searched and failed: - Jeanie Tracy 'Time Bomb', DJ Lelewel 'Magic Atto II' spring to mind. So - yes, this is still needed. Funnily enough, it was easier to make HQ copies in the mid 2000s, with WaveLab and desktop computer linked to my Technichs deck with a device from ArtAccessories. However, the software providers seem to have made this a lot harder... Thanks for the tutorial - clearly explained as always.
Very useful…thank you. I have plenty of Detroit Techno and presses from around the world that are not available in digital format. I also made the mistake of ripping loads of vinyl to 128/160kbps back in 05/06.
@@Chris...S I actually - before I found the CD (on my fourth copy, counting the original vinyl, first run CD and the 2 CD/1 DVD issues) - ripped my 45 of “End Of The Line” by the Traveling Wilburys, and discovered that the US 45 is slightly sped up when compared to both the CD and music video. I altered the speed of the 45 to match the video perfectly, and saved that version to my 2TB external HDD.
Couldn't MP3 for the tracks below, so I ended up with having to rip the tracks from my 12" Vinyl. It's definitely a pain in the bass to master the levels properly to timbre match proper MP3s. Doo Wop & da Bounce Squad- Bounce Master Half Pint - Stop & Grind Vicious Bass - Shake that Thang
All my favorite music I try to acquire on vinyl. I rip it via a Focusrite 4i4 and Vinyl Studio at 24/96. Almost without fail they wind up being the best sounding files I can find
I'm a vinyl DJ but I use online resources for BPM and key info (like Tunebat). Tunebat only has that data for songs on Spotify unless you upload your own files. From that process I have estimated about 2.5% of vinyl I use don't have digital tracks available and need to be ripped.
New records nowadays are turning out to be really really expensive. Sometimes companies would provide a download code with their vinyl. I wish more would do that, but I rip the new vinyl I purchase only. Purchasing both vinyl and digital versions of songs can be a wallet killer.
I started out in the late 90s by buying a Tascam CD recorder. I used it to record my mixes. I also used it to record most of the new vinyl that I bought and to make a cd copy of exclusive releases so that I could play them when doing gigs with early Pioneer CDJs.
I really appreciate this video…thank you so much…how does it not have more likes??! I’d add 10,000 likes if I could, thanks again sir! I’m subscribed or life!
@@digitaldjtips nope check your video. 12 minutes and 22 seconds.. Those are crosshead screws. The RCA outputs are off camera to the right of the product label you can partially see.
Thank you for leading with the advice to NOT rip your vinyl unless you have to. Way too many channels out here getting tons of ad revenue telling kids to buy a bunch of gear so they can rip the new Taylor Swift vinyl.
We are phasing out all monetisation on CZcams and elsewhere - we do not rely on it as we're 99% paid for by our students already, and we don't base any decisions on this channel on trying to sell people things, except our DJ courses if they're as good fit!
i use the usb plug in to rip on my CDJ-xz in wav format and then covert to Mp3 in itunes at 312bps. works great. clean records first in degritter machine and rarely need to use audacity.
The original heavy rubber mats that came with the Sl 1200 are good to use instead of slip mats when ripping I’ve found,, but yes I agree, ripping vinyl is very time consuming.. Like you I have only ripped white label/bootlegged tracks that can’t be found in digital format
Mixed in key Platinum Notes had a correction facility I think now incorporated into MIK to correct clipping and noise volumes for digital files - would that add anything over Audacity or Vinyl Studio?
Hi I’ve ripped a few rare old hardhouse and trance records that I just can’t find MP3s of. Set up is: Sl1210 with Concorde > pioneer mixer > record box > audacity. I’m finding the high frequency noise to be abit over powering and sometimes just completely ruins the rip. Why is this? Could it be the cartridge? Great video btw 👏
I actually tried finding some - yeah, I expect full bore laughter on this - Polka music online of some Dearborn Records singles I have…and nothing popped up. Why polka? Because I want a super wide assortment of genres for my “Music Buffet” program. I have also found 2/3rd’s of my 12 inch singles online as well.
Is it true that turntable with both phono and line outputs have slightly less quality due to the extra signal path from the turntable to the recording device?? Also it's a good idea to put a rubber/cork turntable mat instead of a slipmat to minimise HUM. 😊
1. depends on the design. For instance, on my Pro-ject turntable, I believe if you switch from Line to Phono it turns off all electrical stuff on the output so it becomes just like a turntable with no Line output. 2. That won't affect any hum, but different types of mat can affect vibration and static in different ways, so it's worth experimenting.
I ripped some 90s house tracks for the first time early this year but none of them could be analyzed for BPM properly with VDJ. I used Technics SL 1200MK2 decks with Quartz Locks that I disabled because the motor fights to correct itself when I nudged the record backward or forward. I'm still able to adjust speed so that the strobe dots would stay in place. But the BPM on aif file still drifts off. It's a minor issue because I can adjust manually when mixing, I'm just a little annoyed of the imperfection because it is electronic music after all. I need to try ripping the same tracks on unmodified decks and/or a stand alone digital recorder instead of recording with my computer?
No it is ultimately down to the analogue nature of the vinyl format. Luckily it is easy enough to correct beatgrids even on tracks where the BPM sways just a little.
I have an S11 an 2 CrSS12 can I rip to my computer with my current set up? I also have a separate Audio Tec at-lp120x usb that I can attach to my laptop hosting audacity. do I need any of the other devices that you said or can I use these as is?
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⚡ TIMESTAMPS ⚡
0:00 Intro
1:16 A DJ's guide to ripping vinyl
1:46 Why you SHOULDN'T rip vinyl
2:42 The one exception..
4:58 Tools you'll need
14:09 How to do it
15:06 Tips for cleaning up the audio
19:46 Exporting files
21:22 Extra tips for success
22:24 Vinyl Studio software
24:30 Noise reduction
25:15 Compression
25:53 Rumble Filter
26:16 Getting it right the first time
29:12 DJ community chat
Take this further - get Digital DJ Lab: djtips.co/lab
Don't forget to clean your records/stylus/needles before you start and a static remover makes a huge difference. Record weights work and rip to highest quality possible (CD quality minimum), you don't wanna rip them again later when you get more harddrive space...
As boring as vinyl-ripping full tracks for DJ sets is, vinyl-ripping to sample for your music productions can actually be a lot of fun. Hooking my SL1200 directly into my MPC Live 2 and going through my vinyl collection to find that cool break of a few bars to flip feels like a pleasant trip through memory lane. Also shopping in 2nd hand stores for vinyl to sample is a lot of fun.
Good point!I Agree completely. Something about vinyl has the capacity to make us happy
I did record my vinyl as I bought it back in the early 2000s for listening on the go. Only made 192 kbps mp3s though so not really useful for djiing.
These days I hunt down CDs where available. This is a fun exercise.
It is fun doing crate digging for old music! And Armin van Buuren says he'll happily play 192 MP3s. Just sayin'
Nice video. A few things I would add especially if you’re going to rip often or rip your entire collection. As someone who ripped their entire collection in the mid 2000s, only to then discover a sound quality issue on all 700 of the ripped audio files, I speak from experience!
1. Clean the record before you rip it to remove dust and dirt. This will minimize pop and crackle
2. Set the pitch slider to 0
3. Use a very good quality turntable and consider having it serviced before you begin ripping. If you rip vinyl and then use DVS to control the digital file the wow and flutter on the ripped audio file will be amplified making it more difficult to keep the record beat matched. If both tracks you’re mixing were ripped from vinyl this effect is doubled. To mitigate this it’s best to use a deck with very low wow and flutter e.g., Technics 1200 / 1210
4. Be very wary of using decks with digital signal output e.g., USB or optical. I learned this the hard way. I used a Stanton deck with a digital coaxial output connected to a digital input on my soundcard to rip my entire collection thinking that an all digital signal would offer superior sound quality, only to then find after I’d ripped my entire collection that the analogue to digital conversion on the record deck was terrible. Now I always use analogue phono out and a decent quality preamp.
5. I use pop and click removal extremely sparingly. Hiss removal is now very sophisticated but I never use it as it will invariably remove more than just the hiss no matter how good it is. If the record is decent quality the recording will be decent too, without the need for any digital clean up. But each to their own, of course.
6. Phil mentioned this in the video but it cannot be emphasized enough just how important it is to save the audio to a lossless audio format. I use AIF as it offers near universal compatibility with all DJ software, modern CDJs, Windows, Mac, and Apple iOS devices, and unlike WAV it has a standardized metadata system. FLAC offers the same audio quality for a smaller file size, however, if file size is a concern.
7. Think very carefully about your metadata and file name convention before you begin. It’s a separate topic in its own right but it’s best to get it right from the outset. As Phil mentioned mp3tag is great. It offers a really easy way to tag audio files with discogs metadata using only the discogs release ID - this can save a ton of time as it means you don’t have to manually enter all the track info and artwork etc.
8. Test your entire workflow a few times before you commit to it. This should include importing the digital files into the DJ software you use or any that you might use in the future, and then listen to them, to make sure you’re entirely happy with the finished result.
100% spot on. I can't stress how important step 1 is. It makes your editing so much quicker removing any remaining large pops.
Thanks for sharing! I know what it feels like ripping a whole collection only to realise you've made a fundamental error
@@topbuzz1992 #4: I have the Numark TTUSB (down for the count, as the current cartridge - the Audio Technica AT-VM95C/H - apparently has an issue with the right channel not producing output or producing little output), and have had great sounding audio files come from it.
Like you explained, I only rip if I have a RARE record that absolutely can't be found/purchased elsewhere. I own alot of rare cuts. I absolutely LOVE having digital rips of cuts nobody can find digitally. So...yeah. Gotta rip those rarities. And - of course - having a digital rip is very convenient and an archive of the record before you play and wear it out more. I've made some GREAT rips and every record is different (mastering, loudness, etc.) so - regardless - if you want to play a cut that only exists on vinyl - YOU HAVE TO RIP THE VINYL ;) Simple. Thanks for another proper vid and proper tips and insight.
Sounds like you're ripping for all the right reasons. Glad you enjoyed the video.
There are still a few rare, but outstanding classic disco tracks which you cannot get on digital - or at least I've searched and failed: - Jeanie Tracy 'Time Bomb', DJ Lelewel 'Magic Atto II' spring to mind. So - yes, this is still needed. Funnily enough, it was easier to make HQ copies in the mid 2000s, with WaveLab and desktop computer linked to my Technichs deck with a device from ArtAccessories. However, the software providers seem to have made this a lot harder... Thanks for the tutorial - clearly explained as always.
I remember that ARTCessories box, I had one!
@@digitaldjtips An absolute gem!
Very useful…thank you. I have plenty of Detroit Techno and presses from around the world that are not available in digital format. I also made the mistake of ripping loads of vinyl to 128/160kbps back in 05/06.
Feel your pain!
The one thing Phil missed is if your turntable has pitch. Ensure it is set to 0.
Of course, thanks for adding this.
I'll rip my vinyl at whatever pitch/rpm suits my requirements best.
@@Chris...S I actually - before I found the CD (on my fourth copy, counting the original vinyl, first run CD and the 2 CD/1 DVD issues) - ripped my 45 of “End Of The Line” by the Traveling Wilburys, and discovered that the US 45 is slightly sped up when compared to both the CD and music video. I altered the speed of the 45 to match the video perfectly, and saved that version to my 2TB external HDD.
Couldn't MP3 for the tracks below, so I ended up with having to rip the tracks from my 12" Vinyl. It's definitely a pain in the bass to master the levels properly to timbre match proper MP3s.
Doo Wop & da Bounce Squad- Bounce Master
Half Pint - Stop & Grind
Vicious Bass - Shake that Thang
All my favorite music I try to acquire on vinyl. I rip it via a Focusrite 4i4 and Vinyl Studio at 24/96. Almost without fail they wind up being the best sounding files I can find
Thanks for sharing, and well done for taking that care over your rips! Do you do any extra processing in VinylStudio?
I'm a vinyl DJ but I use online resources for BPM and key info (like Tunebat). Tunebat only has that data for songs on Spotify unless you upload your own files. From that process I have estimated about 2.5% of vinyl I use don't have digital tracks available and need to be ripped.
Thanks for putting a percentage on that!
I also use the rubber mat instead of a slip mat to rip so to not get any accidental slip or drag.
Good idea if you have one still (no idea where mine went)
New records nowadays are turning out to be really really expensive. Sometimes companies would provide a download code with their vinyl. I wish more would do that, but I rip the new vinyl I purchase only. Purchasing both vinyl and digital versions of songs can be a wallet killer.
I was referring to buying a digital version of old vinyl you've had for years, rather than bothering ripping it.
I started out in the late 90s by buying a Tascam CD recorder. I used it to record my mixes. I also used it to record most of the new vinyl that I bought and to make a cd copy of exclusive releases so that I could play them when doing gigs with early Pioneer CDJs.
Sounds like fun! Bet you still love ripping music - it's addictive 🤣
I really appreciate this video…thank you so much…how does it not have more likes??! I’d add 10,000 likes if I could, thanks again sir! I’m subscribed or life!
Glad it helped!
at 12:20 the two 'outputs' the camera cuts to and focuses on whislt your fingers tap the pack are two screws for the dust cover.
2 x RCAs
@@digitaldjtips nope check your video. 12 minutes and 22 seconds.. Those are crosshead screws. The RCA outputs are off camera to the right of the product label you can partially see.
@@robbiegrant4977the red and white plugs under the turntable? Those are what he’s pointing at.
Thank you for leading with the advice to NOT rip your vinyl unless you have to. Way too many channels out here getting tons of ad revenue telling kids to buy a bunch of gear so they can rip the new Taylor Swift vinyl.
We are phasing out all monetisation on CZcams and elsewhere - we do not rely on it as we're 99% paid for by our students already, and we don't base any decisions on this channel on trying to sell people things, except our DJ courses if they're as good fit!
i use the usb plug in to rip on my CDJ-xz in wav format and then covert to Mp3 in itunes at 312bps. works great. clean records first in degritter machine and rarely need to use audacity.
Thanks for sharing your procedure
The original heavy rubber mats that came with the Sl 1200 are good to use instead of slip mats when ripping I’ve found,, but yes I agree, ripping vinyl is very time consuming..
Like you I have only ripped white label/bootlegged tracks that can’t be found in digital format
A wise move.
Mixed in key Platinum Notes had a correction facility I think now incorporated into MIK to correct clipping and noise volumes for digital files - would that add anything over Audacity or Vinyl Studio?
It could be worth running through PN too, as always, trust your ears
Hi I’ve ripped a few rare old hardhouse and trance records that I just can’t find MP3s of.
Set up is:
Sl1210 with Concorde > pioneer mixer > record box > audacity.
I’m finding the high frequency noise to be abit over powering and sometimes just completely ruins the rip. Why is this?
Could it be the cartridge?
Great video btw 👏
Probably the setup of the turntable, get the tracking, anti skate, tone arm height etc all perfect
I actually tried finding some - yeah, I expect full bore laughter on this - Polka music online of some Dearborn Records singles I have…and nothing popped up. Why polka? Because I want a super wide assortment of genres for my “Music Buffet” program. I have also found 2/3rd’s of my 12 inch singles online as well.
Nothing wrong with that George!
@@digitaldjtips thanks.
As a DJ, my advice on ripping vinyl is to use the least amount of "DJ" equipment possible to record vinyl.
Is it true that turntable with both phono and line outputs have slightly less quality due to the extra signal path from the turntable to the recording device??
Also it's a good idea to put a rubber/cork turntable mat instead of a slipmat to minimise HUM.
😊
1. depends on the design. For instance, on my Pro-ject turntable, I believe if you switch from Line to Phono it turns off all electrical stuff on the output so it becomes just like a turntable with no Line output.
2. That won't affect any hum, but different types of mat can affect vibration and static in different ways, so it's worth experimenting.
@@digitaldjtips thanks for the reply..
I ripped some 90s house tracks for the first time early this year but none of them could be analyzed for BPM properly with VDJ. I used Technics SL 1200MK2 decks with Quartz Locks that I disabled because the motor fights to correct itself when I nudged the record backward or forward. I'm still able to adjust speed so that the strobe dots would stay in place. But the BPM on aif file still drifts off.
It's a minor issue because I can adjust manually when mixing, I'm just a little annoyed of the imperfection because it is electronic music after all. I need to try ripping the same tracks on unmodified decks and/or a stand alone digital recorder instead of recording with my computer?
No it is ultimately down to the analogue nature of the vinyl format. Luckily it is easy enough to correct beatgrids even on tracks where the BPM sways just a little.
@@digitaldjtips Nice tip. Thank you, DDJT!
35:39 I literally have a record with a hole that badly offset lol
Me too, several!
I have an S11 an 2 CrSS12 can I rip to my computer with my current set up? I also have a separate Audio Tec at-lp120x usb that I can attach to my laptop hosting audacity. do I need any of the other devices that you said or can I use these as is?
You can do it with your existing turntables and mixer, as your mixer has a built-in audio interface.
Perfect thank you very much!@@digitaldjtips
Most songs I want aren’t available to download.
There's a great reason!
You’re not supposed to RIP vinyl, you’re supposed to scratch it
We'd go for both
@@digitaldjtips right on.. I was only joking 🍻
I agree, DON’T!!!
LOL generally, yes.
Personally think, spending loads of money for vinyls and not ripping them just to pay more for mp3 would be insane
Depends how much time you have I guess
@@digitaldjtips time for listening music ?? Plenty 😁