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#1

General Discussion / Re: Skipping Stylus

Last post by wallewek - April 13, 2026, 04:41:48 PM

I know some people have been successful at using a sewing needle to fix a repeat or skip, but that would require a microscope for sure.

I tried that, going to some length. 

• I got an old turntable and stripped it down to just that platter and base,
• got an old cheap inkjet printer to use the carriage to hold the needle,
• tried sewing needles but believe it or not they're not sharp enough, so I found specimen mounting pins that were
• set up my binocular dissection microscope (which I use for inspecting styluses etc.) to provide a good view of the record track.
• tried using the whole jig to fix a damaged spot well enought for a stylus to ride through it

The upshot was that I cannot control the end of the needle precisely enough to stay in the track and make the change.  I still think it's possible, but only with a micro-manipulator "waldo" to position the needle.  So for now I've given up and set the whole thing aside.  FWIW, the matchstick approach works best for me, except that I use little bamboo sticks shaved down.

#2

General Discussion / Re: Recording level (Meter not...

Last post by Paul Sanders (AlpineSoft) - April 10, 2026, 12:47:02 AM

I don't, no.  Maybe someone else can comment.

#3

General Discussion / Re: Recording level (Meter not...

Last post by JcTcom - April 09, 2026, 11:20:21 PM

That's fine.

It's not really an issue.  I was just wondering if it was normal behaviour or not.

As previously mentioned the recordings are still louder than listening from the actual turntable.

It's probably in fact a bonus to be able to leave the level @ 100% 90% of the time and not worry about clipping.

It's just the other 10% where it clips once or twice 3/4 of the way through a side and then have to start over lol

Thanks for responding though.

btw do you know of anyone else that uses a Creative Labs X5 for this?  Is it considered a good solution?

Carl

#4

General Discussion / Re: Recording level (Meter not...

Last post by Paul Sanders (AlpineSoft) - April 09, 2026, 11:10:35 PM

OK, that makes sense.  You're probably going to have to live with this.

#5

General Discussion / Re: Recording level (Meter not...

Last post by JcTcom - April 09, 2026, 09:15:50 PM

Not sure what you mean?

I am connected to the amp

1. to monitor the recording and
2. to play back from whether from the Turntable directly (Without having to unplug from the creative and then back again) or from the CL X5 Via the computer.

Plus is it really "in" the recording chain?  It is at the end for output, the recording does not actually go through the Amp.

I also use the CL X5 in "Direct mode" when recording I believe this bypasses any possible interference from any other component as it is direct from the Turntable to the CL X5 to the PC.

Carl

#6

General Discussion / Re: Recording level (Meter not...

Last post by Paul Sanders (AlpineSoft) - April 09, 2026, 09:01:41 PM

Hi,

It's entirely hardware dependent.  You might like to post this question on Creative's forum (I assume they have one).

Out of curiosity, why do you have your amp in the recording chain (not that I would expect this to affect anything)?

#7

General Discussion / Re: Skipping Stylus

Last post by JcTcom - April 09, 2026, 06:03:18 PM

This topic is a bit old but in case anyone is still watching.

I use a combination of a Squeaky Clean Vinyl

https://squeakycleanvinyl.com/

It looks like he has everything listed as out of stock currently but he 3d prints them so it is probably worth sending him an e-mail to discuss?

Connected to a small wet / dry vacuum and a Vevor Ultrasonic Cleaner which compared to what is out there is a great deal.

Here is a link to the Vevor Ultrasonic Cleaner:
https://www.vevor.ca/ultrasonic-cleaner-c_11064/vevor-6l-ultrasonic-vinyl-record-cleaning-machine-stainless-steel-w-drying-rack-p_010265133877

The vevor even comes with a really nice drying rack.  It might not be as automatic as some of the more expensive (over priced) ones out there but for a fraction of the price I will live with the lack of automation. 

Carl.

#8

General Discussion / Recording level (Meter not act...

Last post by JcTcom - April 09, 2026, 04:59:11 PM

Hi all.

Just wondering if it is normal to have the recording level set to 100% and most of my albums never seem to reach more than 70db (Even 50db for a lot of them)?

My audio setup is as follows:

AT LP120X USB From Line Level out to
Creative Labs X5 Line level in to
Yamaha A2A RCA Stereo in

Of course the X5 is also connected to the PC via USB.

It is not that it is doing a bad job and it is still louder than listening to the LP direct via Phono but I am just wonder if it is normal to most of the time leave the recording level @ 100%?

I have had a few exceptions where I have had to turn it down to 95% but those are rare.

Thanks.

Carl.

#9

General Discussion / Re: Managing the recordings li...

Last post by Paul Sanders (AlpineSoft) - April 08, 2026, 10:34:00 PM

> So, there is no way to multi-select and change tags or statuses on a bunch of them, right?

You can do this in the Batch tab.  You will find that (and other things) under the Actions button.

Filter by date [range] sounds like a good idea, duly noted.

#10

Technical Support / Re: Interpreting the waveform ...

Last post by Paul Sanders (AlpineSoft) - April 08, 2026, 10:30:39 PM

> is there any way to easily temporarily "revert" to downloaded timings to see how my manually edited tracks line up with them?

Yes, you can use Undo (and Redo).

We recommend using the Alt key trick for side 2.

I wouldn't worry about positioning the track break markers to the nearest millisecond.  It really doesn't matter, just get it so it sounds good.