On Wed, 3 Dec 2003 11:34:34 -0000, "Andy Jacob"
wrote:

The first problem is that the Singulator program doesn't appear to
split the tracks so that a new WAV file is begun at the starts of a
new track. That's if it detects the gap between tracks at all. I've
tried adjusting the settings but it seems a very hit-or-miss affair. I
end up having to cut and paste bits of WAV files myself.

Rule #1 when transferring LPs: don't attempt to split the tracks as
you record. Just record the entire side as a single large WAV file.
Automatic detection of track boundaries WILL fail sometimes. (And I
say this as the vendor of a program which attempts to do it). As you
have found, if you try splitting as you record, you just end up having
to stitch bits back together again, which can be very tedious.

Next, do any tidying up/restoration if you wish. There are a plethora
of programs out there you can try. I have written up some notes at
www.delback.co.uk/lp-cdr.htm that you might find helpful.

Only as a final step should you split the big WAV file into separate
files for each track, using a program that allows you to adjust
incorrectly placed split points, such as CD Wave (www.cdwave.com) or
my own program Wave Repair (www.waverepair.com)

The second problem is that, even though my LPs are not in bad
condition, I do get the occasional skip. Consequently I can't really
leave the PC to record one side of an album by itself.

I guess this seems to go in the face of my advice above. That said,
you really should try to get the turntable sorted so that it doesn't
skip. The most common causes of skipping are a too low tracking force
and/or incorrectly set anti-skating. Set the tracking force at or
close to the maximum recommended for your cartridge. Anti-skating may
need to be set by trial and error. Other possible reasons for skipping
could be faulty arm bearings or incorrect cartridge alignment.

I have to sit
around monitoring it and then jumping in if I spot a problem.

What do you do if there is a skip? If you restart the recording,
doesn't it just skip again in the same place?

Get the skipping sorted first. Apart from anything else, a turntable
that skips now and then will be producing sub-standard sound quality
during the times when it's not skipping.

Oh - and finally, for the CD player in the car to read the new CDs I
have to burn them at the very slowest speed so that again means more
time.

Playability of CDRs is a combination of burner, media, burn speed and
playback device. Best bet would be to try out different brands/types
of CDR media to see if any of them play OK in the car when burned at
higher speeds. Last time I saw any statistics, it was generally found
that error rates stay pretty constant up to around 8x-12x burn speed,
but above that they begin to climb.