A DJ's Guide To Ripping Vinyl

Sometimes there's no alternative but to rip vinyl in order to get copies of tracks you want to play. Here's how to do it properly..

⚡ 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

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[digitaldjtips]

⚡ 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

[Drrolfski]

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.

[topbuzz]

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.

[daveyk]

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.

[robbiegrant]

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.

[mixit]

I also use the rubber mat instead of a slip mat to rip so to not get any accidental slip or drag.

[mixit]

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.

[djvilvodka]

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.

[b.k.]

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

[ceemichel]

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.

[adriantippetts]

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.

[djgcue]

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

[winstonsmith]

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?

[jackmercer]

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?

[johncrish]

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.

[georgeprice]

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.

[Itwillalwaysbewithyou]

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 👏

[rdenir]

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

[len]

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?

[randyj]

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.