Recreating stereo for digitalised Vinyl

[aMUSEd]

I've been using one of these to convert some of my old albums that don't have CD versions into digital files so I don't wear them out.

http://www.project-audio.com/main.php?p ... es&lang=en

it's very effective but while it does record in stereo what it can't do is recreate the stereo 100% so both channels sound almost the same which is a bit flat. It would be impossible for me to remix the digital tracks to recreate them exactly but I wondered if there was a way to make them sound a bit less mono at least?

[dreamkeeper]

So I've been thinking about your question for some time... and still don't quite understand your problem. That pre-amp should give you an uncompromised stereo image, it seems from the description. I can only think of the following reasons, if it doesn't:

a) the pre-amp is broken
b) the cartridge of your turntable is crap or broken
c) something in the setup causes the stereo image to collapse
d) the recording simply doesn't have the stereo image you expect

... or I've misunderstood you completely.

[aMUSEd]

d) the recording simply doesn't have the stereo image you expect

Maybe that's it then. So far I've just been converting classical stuff so maybe it doesn't have the dynamic stereo images of more modern music?

[dreamkeeper]

Could very well be the case.

If you're still unsatisfied with the stereo image, there are a few things you could try - although it will alter the original sound. If it's not totally mono, turning up the side channel with a M/S tool a bit might help.

A heavier approach would be applying a very short, wide and bright reverb to give it some more space. With appropriate settings this may work well for classic.

Certainly I'd stay away from fake-stereo processors, as this might destroy the original sound - but that's just me...

[Hovmod]

d) the recording simply doesn't have the stereo image you expect

Maybe that's it then. So far I've just been converting classical stuff so maybe it doesn't have the dynamic stereo images of more modern music?

I use DG and Harmonia Mundi classical CDs to compare stereo image when I install and set up new cartridges on my turntable.
Most classical music is recorded with one stereo microphone setup, so the stereo image is often very much more "real" than anything recorded with close (single) mics and placed in the stereo image manually by some sound guy.

Buy the same quality recording on vinyl and CD and compare for yourself.

edit: Trying to fix a crappy recording is probably not a good idea, and shouldn't be necessary.

[Hovmod]

Have you tried recording the line output through a high quality ADC? That should give you a clue as to whether your pickup is good and/or properly set up.