Digitising LPs - a question for Graham

Long time with no input to this thread, I have now moved it to the more recently created digital audio forum under the appropriate heading. 

Continuing on from the last couple of posts, one of the interfaces (2 versions actually) I use are from Terratec and provide a phono specific input and a software plugin to apply the RIAA eq post recording.

At a period earlier this year, I made a number of recordings using this input method with "acceptable" results, it did seem that the output of the Denon DL-110 I was using with it was suited to its input requirements and clipping was not an issue. Higher output cartridges were problematic.
This was prior to my modification of the buffer, which, until now, I have not tried in its intended application.
I have now had opportunity to try the buffered approach on 9 LPs and am rather more happy with the results.
Using the Reflex into the buffer which then feeds an M-Audio Firewire Audiophile 24/96.

On one compilation album showing marked level variation from one track to another, I found I was able to switch attenuation up or down between tracks, while recording, with no switching noise and level the whole album rather effectively.
Admittedly not on the first take.

I have virtually settled on using Sound Forge Audio Studio for recording, it has a number of features I find useful, it can use ASIO drivers, VST plug-ins and set metadata on .wav files to carry useful recording information.
It's handling of metadata is not as complete as dBpoweramp Reference edition, which is also a part of my collection of "must have" audio software.
The recording interface is simple and powerful with many options, the most useful feature being the ability to hold the peak level which will turn red on clipping and stay that way until reset, making it much simpler to run through an album to set level without having to watch it like a hawk.
It also allows very simple compression or expansion of the timeline to view levels of a whole recording in one view or spread a very short interval along the line to aid in delicate cuting or glitch removal.
As part of a video editing package (the HD Platinum Suite), the price is most acceptable for the functionality afforded.

Revisiting the earlier recordings made using the Terratec phono in and comparing them to these made with the buffered arrangement, shows that the Terratec phono applied quite a deal of level reduction in order to achieve its result, in comparison to what was possible using this arrangement.
IOW I was able to record to a higher peak level without clipping and keep the average signal within the recommended range.
Naturally the Reflex provides a much better result with greater dynamics being evident, along with the greater refinement one might expect from a much more accomplished phono stage.
The ADC should be fairly similar as both the Terratec and the M-Audio use the Envy 24 chip and IIRC AKM hard codecs.

A few screenshots illustrating some of the above:

A few more thoughts on this recent exercise when I gather it together.

• Need a FLAT CURVE output and you provided some basic mods to effect same to the GENERA
• Then there is the matter of IMPEDENCE matching/adequate Dynamics
• Next is the issue of Attenuation of  either at the Phono or ADC but at PHONO preferred.
• There is also a debate as to whether the RIAA equalisatio should be added after ADC process.
• There is a debate that the ADC and phono Equalisation/RIAA should be One Unit with a good stepeed attennuator.
• Ther is a Software isse as 'Audacity' is free but with limitations andpoor instructions mong other
• There are other issues but the thread of Forum discussion is split across a number of opics on the Forum.

Regards and enjoy the rain indoors with music.