I have digitized hundeds of songs from vinyl using a three step process:

After connecting an Edirol UA-1A Audio Capture device (RCA-USB) via either the headphone jack, or, speaker line –

1) Record using Magix Audio Lab and save as individual files. I would advise recording MORE than you need. You can always trim later.

2) Clean up the beginning and end of each track with Sound Forge (7.0). (OK, I know how people feel about Sony software….) This is the surgical part of the process. I find the first note, then, slice off the previous sound. I might also use the Fade In function to cover any tight spots. Then, find the end of the song, or, as much of the prerecorded fade that I want. Next, trim the extra sound. Finally, I always use the Fade Out function to take the last couple of seconds to zero. Save file. Sound Forge will let you edit WAVs for “free”, NOT mp3s.

3) I then re-import into Magix Audio Lab for “cleaning”. Needless to say, the better the vinyl/tape, the better the (now) WAV. Audio Lab will allow you to use a wizard, or, manual for cleanup. The more cleaning you need and use, the more you might want to also use the EQ function. This will restore some of the lustre that went away with the scratchpops. Finally, export to a “Completed” folder.

After that……import/convert your WAVs to mp3.

I have been able to make some rather damaged recordings sound fresh. However, some that might seem less damaged couldn’t be completely cleaned up. ‘Tis a bit of a black art.

Editing, once you get the hang of it, is an easy process. The time consuming aspect is the real-time transfer from vinyl/tape.

Granted these are not downloaded freebie programs, but, the overall process might be the same as your recommendations.