Picture the warmth and nostalgia of your favorite vinyl records, the depth, the character. But vinyl is delicate: scratches, wear, and environmental factors can gradually degrade your collection. Digitization bridges the analog and digital worlds, letting you:
- Preserve: Create a permanent, lossless backup of your prized records.
- Portabilize: Enjoy your vinyl on your phone, in the car, or on a streaming device.
- Personalize: Craft custom digital mixtapes from your collection.
The UD006 Turntable features a built-in phono preamp and USB output for easy connection to your computer. In this guide, we’ll show you step-by-step how to record, edit, and export your vinyl for modern use.
What You’ll Need
Core Hardware:
UD006 Turntable with RCA and USB cables;
A stable, level surface to prevent skipping.
Digital Hub:
Computer (PC or Mac) with available USB port
Software:
Audacity: Free, open-source audio recording and editing software
Optional alternatives: Adobe Audition, Ocenaudio
Extras (Recommended):
Clean, static-free record and carbon fiber brush;
New stylus for best sound quality.
Connecting Your UD006 to Your PC
Step 1: Prepare the Turntable
Set UD006 to "Phono" mode if using its internal preamp.
Place and clean the record before recording.
Step 2: Make Physical Connections
Connect RCA cables to the preamp if separate.
Plug the USB cable into your computer.
Step 3: Configure Computer Sound Settings
Windows: Sound Settings > select UD006 as Input/Recording device
Mac: System Preferences > Sound > Input > select UD006
Capturing the Sound with Audacity
Step 1: Setup and Levels
Open Audacity and select UD006 as recording device.
Set project sample rate: 44.1kHz (CD quality) or 96kHz (high-res).
Do a test recording; adjust input slider so peaks are around -6 to -3 dB.
Step 2: Hit Record and Drop the Needle
Click Record in Audacity and gently place the tonearm on the lead-in groove.
Step 3: Capture the Entire Side
Record the full side continuously.
Stop recording first, then lift the tonearm.
Polishing Your Raw Recording
Step 1: Trimming Silence
Delete long silence at beginning and end using selection tool.
Step 2: Splitting Tracks
Zoom in, locate silent gaps between songs.
Use Track > Split to separate tracks; label each song with Label Track feature.
Step 3: Noise Reduction
Capture a few seconds of silence as noise profile.
Effect > Noise Reduction > Get Noise Profile.
Apply moderate settings (e.g., 12 dB reduction, 6 sensitivity) to entire track.
Creating Your Digital Files
Choosing Your Format:
Archiving: WAV or FLAC (lossless)
Everyday Use: MP3 (320 kbps recommended)
Exporting Individual Tracks:
File > Export > Export Multiple
Split files based on Labels to create separate tracks automatically
For CD Archiving:
Export tracks as 44.1kHz, 16-bit WAV
Use built-in CD burning software (Windows Media Player, iTunes)
Troubleshooting Common USB Recording Issues
- No Sound / Device Not Detected: Check USB connections, restart Audacity/computer, verify sound input settings
- Distorted / Clipping Audio: Lower input volume, redo level test
- Background Hiss / Hum: Check cables, keep turntable away from power sources, use Noise Reduction lightly
- Thin / Tinny Sound: Ensure UD006 preamp is set to Phono, computer input set to UD006
Digitizing your vinyl gives your collection new life, preserving cherished records, making them portable, and allowing you to share your music effortlessly. With the UD006 Turntable, a little care, and Audacity, your analog classics can thrive in the digital age.