Hi Everyone,  This is another input for converting old records or audio
tapes to WAV or MP3 files.  I bought a very good turntable from BSW
http://bswusa.com/  for purpose of converting my collection (hoard)
of 78, 45 and 33-1/3 rpm records to WAV files as soon as I had found
software to do so.

BSW offered a device to do exactly that.  They call it the Applied
Research Technologies USBPHONOPLUS.  The small box includes a pre-amp
and connects with RCA cables to the turntable.  The connection to the
computer is via a USB cable from this box.  It can be powered directly
from the computer or from a separate wall transformer, which is
included.

It came with the required conversion software on a CD by AUDACITY and
works great.  Stereo tracks are recorded on two tracks and corrections
etc. can be made in a very simple way. Noise reduction is possible as
well.  You can listen to the recording while the process is taking
place.  Then from a simple drop-down menu the recorded or when required
corrected tracks can be converted to WAV or MP3 files.  The files can
be burned to CD of course.  Other conversion software besides AUDACITY
can be used as well. There are several sites with free software
available from the Internet.

I converted some very old 78 rpm records that were made in Berlin
during the late 'thirties with a commercial record cutting apparatus,
and were on the verge of 'giving up the ghost'.  _That_ made me a hero
in my wife's eyes, at least for the day!  I cannot promise you the
latter as well, but this device is worthwhile getting.  The cost was
$99 US, but I have seen it advertised elsewhere for a bit less.

Albert de Boer