Are you a music lover who wants to digitize your vinyl collection? Or maybe you’re a DJ who wants to record your mixes?
Whatever your reason, connecting your turntable to your PC is easier than you might think. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process step-by-step, so you can start enjoying your vinyl on your computer in no time.
Whether you’re a tech-savvy audiophile or a complete beginner, we’ve got you covered. So grab your favorite record and let’s get started!
How To Connect Turntable To PC
Before we get started, you’ll need a few things:
• A turntable with stereo audio output or inbuilt stereo audio cable (usually red and white)
• A PC with an audio IN port (sometimes called line IN)
• An amplifier or receiver, preferably with a phono IN port and stereo audio OUT port (usually labelled REC)
• A stereo audio cable to connect your turntable to the amp/receiver
• A stereo audio to 3.5mm stereo cable or a stereo audio cable with 3.5mm stereo converter to connect your amp/receiver to your PC or Mac
If your turntable doesn’t have an inbuilt preamp, you’ll also need to purchase a preamplifier.
Now that you have everything you need, let’s get started:
1. Connect your turntable to your amplifier or receiver using the stereo audio cable. If your amplifier or receiver doesn’t have a phono IN port, connect the turntable to the preamplifier first, then connect the preamplifier to the amplifier or receiver.
2. Connect your amplifier or receiver to your PC using the stereo audio to 3.5mm stereo cable or the stereo audio cable with 3.5mm stereo converter. Make sure the 3.5mm end is able to record in stereo by checking the pin – if it has two black lines, it will record in stereo.
3. Select the appropriate input source (1/8″ or USB) in the program preferences on your PC.
4. Test play your record and adjust input volume if necessary. Make sure the input levels do not reach “red”.
5. Click “Record” and once you are finished hit “Stop”. If using Audacity go to the “File” menu and select “Export to MP3”. If using Garageband go to the “File” menu and select “Save As”. The default file type is AAC.
That’s it! You’re now ready to enjoy your vinyl collection on your PC.
Gathering The Necessary Equipment
Before you can connect your turntable to your PC, you’ll need to gather a few necessary items. Firstly, you’ll need a turntable with stereo audio output or an inbuilt stereo audio cable, usually colored red and white. Secondly, you’ll need a PC with an audio IN port, sometimes referred to as a line IN. Thirdly, you’ll need an amplifier or receiver, preferably with a phono IN port and stereo audio OUT port labeled REC. Fourthly, you’ll need a stereo audio cable to connect your turntable to the amp/receiver. Lastly, you’ll need a stereo audio to 3.5mm stereo cable or a stereo audio cable with 3.5mm stereo converter to connect your amp/receiver to your PC or Mac.
It’s important to note that if your turntable doesn’t have an inbuilt preamp, you’ll also need to purchase a preamplifier before proceeding with the connection process.
Once you have all the necessary equipment, you can proceed with connecting your turntable to your PC following the steps outlined above. With these simple steps, you can enjoy your vinyl collection on your PC without any hassle.
Setting Up Your Turntable
Before connecting your turntable to your PC, it’s important to make sure it’s properly set up. If your turntable has an inbuilt preamp, you can skip this step. However, if it doesn’t, you’ll need to connect it to a preamplifier before connecting it to your amplifier or receiver.
1. Start by placing your turntable on a stable surface and ensuring it’s level. Uneven surfaces can cause the tonearm to skip or drag across the record, damaging both the record and the stylus.
2. Next, connect the turntable to the preamplifier using a stereo audio cable. Connect one end of the cable to the turntable’s stereo audio output or inbuilt stereo audio cable (usually red and white) and the other end to the preamplifier’s phono IN port.
3. Connect the preamplifier to the amplifier or receiver using another stereo audio cable. Connect one end of the cable to the preamplifier’s stereo audio OUT port (usually labelled REC) and the other end to the amplifier or receiver’s stereo audio IN port.
4. Power on your turntable, preamplifier, amplifier or receiver, and PC.
5. Select the appropriate input source (1/8″ or USB) in the program preferences on your PC.
6. Test play your record and adjust input volume if necessary. Make sure the input levels do not reach “red”.
7. Click “Record” and once you are finished hit “Stop”. If using Audacity go to the “File” menu and select “Export to MP3”. If using Garageband go to the “File” menu and select “Save As”. The default file type is AAC.
By following these steps, you’ll be able to properly set up your turntable for optimal sound quality when connecting it to your PC.
Choosing The Right Software
Choosing the right software is an important step in connecting your turntable to your PC. There are several software options available, but two popular choices are Audacity and Garageband.
Audacity is a free, open-source audio editing software that is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux. It is a great option for beginners as it is easy to use and has a simple interface. Audacity allows you to record and edit audio files, and it also has features like noise reduction and equalization.
Garageband is a digital audio workstation that is only available for Mac users. It comes pre-installed on all Mac computers and is a great option for those who want more advanced features. Garageband allows you to record and edit audio files, and it also has a variety of virtual instruments and effects that you can use to enhance your recordings.
When choosing which software to use, consider your level of experience and what features you need. If you’re just starting out, Audacity may be the best option for you. If you’re looking for more advanced features or are a Mac user, Garageband may be the better choice.
Configuring Your Audio Settings
To ensure that your turntable is properly set up and ready to use with your PC, you’ll need to configure your audio settings. Here’s how:
1. Turn on your turntable and PC and plug the turntable into the USB port on your computer.
2. Locate the Speaker Icon in the task bar on your computer. It’s usually located at the bottom right of the screen.
3. Right-click on the Speaker Icon and select “Playback devices.”
4. The Sound window will open up on the Playback tab, allowing you to select the playback device. Make sure the green check mark is next to your computer’s internal speakers, indicating they are selected as the default playback device. They are often labeled as Realtek High Definition Audio.
5. Make sure the USB CODEC is NOT selected as the default playback device with the green check mark. If it is, right-click on the computer’s internal speakers and select “Set as Default Device.”
6. Once the computer’s internal speakers are set as the default playback device, click on the Recording tab to select the input device.
7. Make sure the green check mark is next to the USB Audio CODEC, indicating it is selected as the default recording device.
8. Make sure nothing but the USB Audio CODEC is selected with the green check mark. If another device is selected, right-click on the USB Audio CODEC and select “Set as Default Device.”
9. Now that you’ve selected the correct playback and recording devices, you may right-click on the USB Audio CODEC and select “Properties.”
10. A new window will open. Select the Listen tab.
11. Click in the box next to “Listen to this device.” A check will appear.
12. Click Apply and OK.
You’re now set up and ready to listen to your records! While playing your records, you’ll see movement in the recording status bar of the USB Audio CODEC. You may adjust the computer volume as needed and listen to your records while doing other things on your computer.
Note that each time you unplug the turntable from the USB port of your computer, you may have to reset these parameters. Feel free to bookmark this page for future reference in case you need to do so again in future.
Recording Your Vinyl To Your PC
Recording your vinyl to your PC is a great way to enjoy your vinyl collection without having to worry about damaging your records. With the right equipment and software, you can easily convert your vinyl records into digital audio files that you can listen to on your computer or mobile device.
To get started, you’ll need a turntable with stereo audio output or inbuilt stereo audio cable, a PC with an audio IN port, an amplifier or receiver with a phono IN port and stereo audio OUT port, a stereo audio cable to connect your turntable to the amp/receiver, and a stereo audio to 3.5mm stereo cable or a stereo audio cable with 3.5mm stereo converter to connect your amp/receiver to your PC or Mac.
Once you have all the necessary equipment, connect your turntable to your amplifier or receiver using the stereo audio cable. If your amplifier or receiver doesn’t have a phono IN port, connect the turntable to the preamplifier first, then connect the preamplifier to the amplifier or receiver.
Next, connect your amplifier or receiver to your PC using the stereo audio to 3.5mm stereo cable or the stereo audio cable with 3.5mm stereo converter. Make sure the 3.5mm end is able to record in stereo by checking the pin – if it has two black lines, it will record in stereo.
In order to record your vinyl to your PC, you’ll need to select the appropriate input source in the program preferences on your PC. Test play your record and adjust input volume if necessary. Make sure the input levels do not reach “red”.
Once you’re ready to record, click “Record” and once you are finished hit “Stop”. If using Audacity go to the “File” menu and select “Export to MP3”. If using Garageband go to the “File” menu and select “Save As”. The default file type is AAC.
By following these simple steps, you can easily convert your vinyl records into digital audio files that you can enjoy on any device. Whether you’re looking to preserve your vinyl collection or simply want to enjoy it in a new way, recording your vinyl to your PC is a great option.
Editing And Enhancing Your Recordings
Now that you have successfully connected your turntable to your PC and recorded your vinyl collection, it’s time to edit and enhance your recordings. One of the most popular free, open-source audio editing software is Audacity, which is easy to use and very versatile.
Here are some tips for editing and enhancing your recordings:
1. Remove unwanted noise: Vinyl records are susceptible to noise, such as pops, clicks, and hiss. Audacity has a built-in tool called “Noise Reduction” that can help remove unwanted noise from your recordings. Simply select a portion of the recording that contains only the noise, then go to “Effect” > “Noise Reduction” > “Get Noise Profile”. Next, select the entire recording and go back to “Effect” > “Noise Reduction” and adjust the settings until you’re happy with the result.
2. Adjust the EQ: Depending on the quality of your recordings, you may want to adjust the EQ to enhance certain frequencies. Audacity has a built-in EQ tool that allows you to adjust the bass, midrange, and treble frequencies.
3. Add effects: Audacity has a wide range of built-in effects that can be used to enhance your recordings. For example, you can add reverb or delay to give your recordings a more spacious sound. You can also use effects like compression or limiting to even out the volume levels.
4. Normalize the volume: If your recordings have varying volume levels, you can use the “Normalize” function in Audacity to even them out. This will make sure that all of your recordings have a consistent volume level.
5. Export your recordings: Once you’re happy with your edits and enhancements, it’s time to export your recordings. In Audacity, go to “File” > “Export” and choose a file format (such as MP3 or WAV) and a location to save your file.
By following these tips, you can turn your vinyl collection into high-quality digital recordings that you can enjoy on your PC or any other digital device.
