[linux-audio-user] [OT] recording fom turntable (ripping LPs)

[Daniel James]

> you need to reverse the RIAA curve to get
> back the original signal.

Audacity has a built in 'equalization' effect with presets for several 
disc cutting curves, including RIAA. I'm not sure how you would use 
it to reverse the curve though - it looks like it was designed to add 
vinyl/shellac equalisation to digital recordings, rather than remove 
it from analogue ones recorded without a correcting pre-amp.

The alternative for early recordings is to use an old-school pre-amp 
with analogue settings for the different curves used before RIAA 
became standard, such as a Leak Varislope:

http://home.mira.net/~kiewavly/Leak/VarislopeII_front_a.jpg

You need two for stereo, and because most Leak stuff is 'collectable' 
they are often sold for high prices. They weren't exactly cheap back 
in the 1950's though.

I sold my mono Varislope, and these days I use a Musical Fidelity 
X-LPS for everything, because I now have a modern pickup cartridge 
designed for 78s (an Ortofon) as well as another for 33/45s. The 
sound of the 78s probably isn't  

http://emedia.leeward.hawaii.edu/frary/x-lp_review.htm

These units are discontinued now, and you can pick them up quite 
cheaply from 'end of line' hi-fi dealers - mine cost £100. They go 
for more on eBay than the brand new price, so watch out for that!

Cheers

Daniel