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Capturing 78 records on iMac computer
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BobC View Drop Down
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    Posted: 18 Jan 2013 at 12:02pm
Hi. I'm new to this site and would like some advice on transferring my collection of Jazz 78 rpm records onto my iMac computer while maintaining (or even improving) reproduction quality.  I would be using a Rega RP78 turntable with RB78 MM cartridge. Obviously, I am interested in buying a phono stage preamp and am undecided between the Jazz Club or the Revelation M (I don't really understand the difference). I am only interested in 78s not other vinyl so, any views and recommendations to help me decide?

I realise that I could achieve the equalisation on the computer as there is a wide range of audio editing software available (from free upwards in price) but I would prefer to do this before making the recording and use the editing software to clean up surface noise, clicks, etc. With a preamp I retain the option of connecting it up to my sound system as well.

My main question concerns what is available to convert the analogue signal to digital so that the phono stage can be connected to the iMac using the USB connection (new iMacs don't have any other audio input)? There are a number of convertors on the market (at a wide range of prices) but I wondered if anyone has any experience of these and recommendations.  Or, indeed, other, better solutions to achieving what I want.

Looking forward to reading your views.  Cheers, Bob
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morris_minor View Drop Down
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Points: 6197 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote morris_minor Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18 Jan 2013 at 12:23pm
Hi Bob, and welcome . . 

Pro-audio gear is the way to go here (IMO) . . . 

I use a cigarette-packet-sized device from M-Audio - the Transit USB - as an ADC, but this is no longer available unfortunately. Something similar is a Behringer UCA202, or a UFO202 which has a built in phono amp. Have a look here.

Obviously the built in phono amp of the UFO202 won't come anywhere near the quality of the GSP amps, and if you used a Jazz Club or Revelation M you have the luxury of switchable EQ.

BTW the Revelation is based on the Reflex, and the Jazz Club on the older - but still stonking! - Era Gold V.

I hope this helps.
Bob

Majestic DAC/pre-amp
Accession MC/Enigma, Accession MM, Reflex M, Elevator EXP, Era Gold V
Solo ULDE, Novo, Lautus USB and digital, Libran balanced, CuSat50
2 x Proprius + Spatia/Spatia Links
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morris_minor View Drop Down
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Points: 6197 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote morris_minor Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18 Jan 2013 at 12:29pm
I forgot to add - I use ClickRepair to do what it says on the box. And very effective it is too. Though TBH I've never tried it with 78s . . . 
Bob

Majestic DAC/pre-amp
Accession MC/Enigma, Accession MM, Reflex M, Elevator EXP, Era Gold V
Solo ULDE, Novo, Lautus USB and digital, Libran balanced, CuSat50
2 x Proprius + Spatia/Spatia Links
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Points: 23 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote BobC Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18 Jan 2013 at 1:21pm
Hi.  Thanks for your very helpful and speedy reply. I am keen to try one of the Graham Slee phono stage preamps (on personal recommendation) to achieve the best quality I can at a price I can afford.  I am aware of a number of products available similar to the Behringer but, although I haven't tried that specific brand, they do not really do what I am looking for.

I understand that the Revelation M is based on the Reflex and the Jazz Club on the Era Gold V. Unfortunately, as I don't know either of these I am still confused. My basic question is: what is there about the Revelation M that makes it superior to the Jazz Club for what I want to do and is it £150 worth of better.

I share your positive views of ClickRepair and other software by the same developer.  I have experimented with a number of other audio editing software packages but always return to ClickRepair. Thanks once again. Bob
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morris_minor View Drop Down
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Points: 6197 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote morris_minor Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18 Jan 2013 at 2:08pm
Ah, well, for playing and recording 78s the Jazz Club (Era Gold V) would actually be more than adequate IMO. When you get into the depth, detail and imaging available from good LPs the Revelation (Reflex) will score over the Jazz Club. So I guess the question is, will you use the phono stage for LPs at some point?

The UCA202 audio interface is probably on a par with my M-Audio one - they're aimed at the same market - and I don't think you'd need anything more expensive.
Bob

Majestic DAC/pre-amp
Accession MC/Enigma, Accession MM, Reflex M, Elevator EXP, Era Gold V
Solo ULDE, Novo, Lautus USB and digital, Libran balanced, CuSat50
2 x Proprius + Spatia/Spatia Links
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tg [RIP] View Drop Down
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Points: 1866 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote tg [RIP] Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18 Jan 2013 at 2:13pm

BobC,

I am not familiar with what software is available for Mac OS, although Clickrepair is certainly OK being written in java.  I think there are a number of freeware audio editors for the Mac that might prove sufficient for recording and minor editing.  It is probably worth while recording in 24/88.2 or 24/96 and processing in 32 bit float and only downsampling after processing (if the requirement is to produce Redbook standard files).

Worth a read for coverage of some of the technical aspects is the series on tnt-audio.

WRT input interfaces, I might suggest the Terratec unit listed here on the strength of being pretty happy with the results of an older version of the product used under Windows.

It offers the ability to control the input level in hardware as well as having a phono stage of its own.

I have used mine with a Reflex/Exp combination to input direct via a buffered attenuator (the older version I have does not offer input level control in hardware).

Despite it allowing phono input, my own experiments leave me in no doubt that better results are achieved using the Reflex/Exp for phono duties and using the line-in inputs. 

My feeling would be that the improvements in the Revelation over the Jazz club might be more noticeable when recording in stereo and that for your purposes the Jazz club might be ample.

This last is my feeling only and I am willing to be corrected by anyone better informed.

HTH

Tony G



Edited by tg - 18 Jan 2013 at 2:20pm
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BobC View Drop Down
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Points: 23 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote BobC Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18 Jan 2013 at 3:05pm
Hi Tony. More helpful information for me. I think you have pretty much confirmed for me that the Jazz Club would do a good job of achieving what I want to do with 78s as I do not need to reproduce other records.

You are also correct that there are a number of audio editing softwares packages available for the Mac (although Java is slightly problematic as it is not supported by Apple - easily surmountable, though). One of the most commonly used seems to be Audacity which has lots of good features and allows the construction of equalisation curves but is rather severe when it comes to dealing with noise reduction on 78s.  So, I am clear what I am going to do once I have got my recording into the computer.

What I am stil unclear about is why the convertor that you suggest (and the Behering suggested by the previous member) require their own phono stage. Surely this would be dealt with by the Revelation or Jazz Club? Doesn't this reduce the quality of the output from the Graham Slee equipment? I would have thought I am looking for a high quality audio to digital convertor without its own phono stage.  Or, am I just showing my ignorance? Thanks for the help Tony.  Regards, Bob
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