Gadgets & Gizmos

We all love vinyl records but they are not the most practical media for listening to music, particularly when on the move. On this page I'm going to look at what gadgets & gizmos are useful for converting tunes from vinyl to other media and also for listening to tunes.

As a bit of a geek, I've been doing this for a while. It used to be a case of getting a music centre next to your PC, installing a sound card, connecting loads of leads and then finding and configuring software. Now it couldn't be easier.

Have a look at the gadgets below to see what's possible and what's right for you. Click the links or pictures to find out more and get the gizmos.

USB Turntable

The most obvious method of getting music on to your PC is to plug a turntable into it and play records!

It is actually that easy, there is a bit of software to use but nothing too difficult. You can record tunes onto your PC and save them as .wav files (for CD's) or mp3 files (for ipods and other players and mp3 CDs)

You can even get these turntables with an ipod docking station so you don't need to record on to your PC first! They cost from £79.99 upwards.

Click the picture on the right or here to visit Firebox.com and see the full range with in depth instructions.

Portable USB Turntable:

The same principle as shown above only smaller and portable!

This runs off mains or batteries so is just the thing to take out when record hunting.

If you want to look really clever; go out with one of these and a laptop and you can convert other peoples records into mp3's wherever you are.

Click the picture on the right or here to visit Firebox.com and see more information and in depth instructions.

USB Cassette Deck:

If you are as old as me you will have a pile of C90 cassettes with tunes on that you really don't want to bin, possibly even live tapes from Wigan Casino, Stafford or other clubs.

This clever box works the same as the turntable; you plug it into your computer and away you go! Tapes onto CD before they become knackered. It has two CD decks so you can do some editing if you want.

Convert from tape to .wav or mp3 and then put the tunes on CD or your ipod thingy.

Click the picture on the right or here to visit Firebox.com and see more information and in depth instructions.

USB Music Ripper:

If you want to use the equipment (turntable and cassette deck etc) that you already own then this is the box for you.

Connect the box to a USB port on your computer, then connect your turntable or whatever to the box; hey presto! record to your computer.

This is a cheaper option too at £39.95

Click the picture on the right or here to visit Firebox.com and see more information and in depth instructions.

ipod Nano 8gb (3rd gen):

So you need something to play all these mp3's on whilst you are out and about.

Simply the most stylish mp3 player and the easiest to use - the ipod Nano 8gb.

Easy to use and easy to get tunes from your PC onto it as you want them.

Click the picture on the right or here to visit ibitstore.com and see more information.

USB Podcast Kit:

OK, you can convert your tunes from vinyl onto your PC so why not show off your DJ skills to the world by creating a podcast of your set and putting it on your website?

This kit has everything you need and the gubbins to connect it all together; microphone, mixer, headphoes, and a USB connector to connect to your PC.

Use your decks connected to the mixer or record your voice and insert it in between your already recorded tracks. It really isn't too difficult, with just a bit of practice you could put together your own radio show!

Click the picture on the right or here to visit Firebox.com and see more information and in depth instructions.