Are you looking for a way to enjoy your vinyl records through your computer speakers?
Maybe you want to multitask while listening to your favorite albums, or perhaps you don’t have a separate speaker system for your turntable.
Whatever the reason, playing your turntable through your computer is easier than you might think.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of setting up your turntable to play through your computer speakers, whether you’re using a Windows or Mac operating system.
So sit back, relax, and get ready to enjoy your vinyl collection in a whole new way.
How To Play Turntable Through Computer
First, let’s start with the basics. You’ll need a few things to get started:
– A turntable with stereo audio output or an inbuilt stereo audio cable
– A computer with an audio IN port (sometimes called line IN)
– An amplifier or receiver, preferably with a phono IN port and stereo audio OUT port
– 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 a 3.5mm stereo converter to connect your amp/receiver to your computer
Once you have all of these items, you’re ready to begin.
For Windows users, start by powering on your turntable and computer and plugging the turntable into the USB port on your computer. Then, locate the Speaker Icon in the task bar on your computer and right-click on it. Select “Playback devices” and make sure the green check mark is next to your computer’s internal speakers, indicating they are selected as the default playback device.
Next, click on the Recording tab to select the input device and make sure the green check mark is next to the USB Audio CODEC, indicating it is selected as the default recording device.
Now that you have the correct playback and recording devices selected, right-click on the USB Audio CODEC and select “Properties.” A new window will open, and you should select the Listen tab. Click in the box next to “Listen to this device,” and a check will appear. Click Apply and OK, and you’re ready to listen to your records through your computer speakers.
For Mac users, start by powering on your turntable and computer and using a USB cable to attach the turntable to your Mac. Then, open the Dock and locate the System Preferences icon. Click on the Sound icon to see the Sound window, and choose the Input tab. Select the USB Audio CODEC as the Sound Input Device, then click on the Output tab and choose Speakers. Set the built-in Mac’s speakers as the Sound Output Device.
Open your preferred recording software and find the monitoring option (its exact location may vary depending on the program). Consider resetting all of these configurations each time you unplug your turntable from your computer.
Why Play Turntable Through Computer?
There are several reasons why you might want to play your turntable through your computer. First, it allows you to use your computer speakers as the output device, which can be more convenient than using a separate amplifier or receiver. Additionally, playing your turntable through your computer allows you to record your vinyl collection to digital format, which can be useful for creating backup copies or for listening to your music on-the-go.
Another advantage of playing your turntable through your computer is that it allows you to use software tools to enhance the sound quality of your recordings. For example, you can use equalization (EQ) settings to adjust the bass and treble levels of your recordings, or apply noise reduction filters to remove pops, clicks, and other unwanted background noise.
Finally, playing your turntable through your computer can be a great way to share your music with others. You can easily connect your computer to a set of external speakers or a home theater system to enjoy your vinyl collection with friends and family. Overall, playing your turntable through your computer is a simple and effective way to enjoy your music collection in a new and exciting way.
What You Need To Play Turntable Through Computer
To play your turntable through your computer, you’ll need a few essential items. First, you’ll need a turntable with either a stereo audio output or an inbuilt stereo audio cable. You’ll also need a computer with an audio IN port, which is sometimes called line IN.
Additionally, you’ll need an amplifier or receiver, preferably with a phono IN port and stereo audio OUT port. If your amp doesn’t have a phono IN port, you may need to purchase a phono preamp or a turntable with an inbuilt preamp.
You’ll also need a stereo audio cable to connect your turntable to the amp/receiver. If your turntable has an inbuilt cable, you won’t need one of these. Finally, you’ll need a stereo audio to 3.5mm stereo cable or a stereo audio cable with a 3.5mm stereo converter to connect your amp/receiver to your computer.
Once you have all of these items, you can start setting up your turntable to play through your computer speakers. The process may vary depending on whether you’re using a Windows or Mac operating system, but the basic steps involve connecting your turntable to your computer and selecting the correct playback and recording devices.
Setting Up Turntable For Windows Operating System
To set up your turntable for a Windows operating system, begin by having your turntable properly set up. Make sure to check past blog posts for setup information for your specific Audio-Technica turntable. Once your turntable is set up, turn it on and power on your computer.
Plug the turntable into the USB port on your computer and locate the Speaker Icon in the task bar on your computer. It is often located at the bottom right of the screen. Right-click on the Speaker Icon and select “Playback devices.”
The Sound window will open up on the Playback tab, allowing you to select the playback device. Make certain 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.
Make certain 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.”
Once the computer’s internal speakers are set as the default playback device, click on the Recording tab to select the input device. Make certain the green check mark is next to the USB Audio CODEC, indicating it is selected as the default recording device.
Make certain 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.”
Now that you have selected the correct playback and recording devices, you may right-click on the USB Audio CODEC and select “Properties.” A new window will open, and you should select the Listen tab. Click in the box next to “Listen to this device,” and a check will appear.
Click Apply and OK, and you are now set up and ready to listen to your records through your computer speakers. You may drop the needle on your records and begin listening. While playing your records, you will 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.
Keep in mind that each time you unplug your turntable from the USB port of your computer, you may have to reset these parameters. This is just part of working with computers. Feel free to bookmark this page to refer back to it at any point.
Setting Up Turntable For Mac Operating System
If you’re using a Mac operating system, the process for setting up your turntable to play through your computer is a bit different. Here’s what you need to do:
1. Begin by having your turntable properly set up. Check previous blog posts or the manufacturer’s instructions for setup information specific to your Audio-Technica turntable.
2. Power on your turntable and computer, and plug the turntable into a USB port on your Mac.
3. Open the Dock and locate the System Preferences icon. Click on it to open the System Preferences window.
4. In the System Preferences window, click on the Sound (Speaker) icon.
5. The Sound window will open. Click on the Input tab.
6. Select USB Audio CODEC as the Sound Input Device.
7. Click on the Output tab.
8. Select Speakers to set your computer speakers as the Sound Output Device. Do not set the Sound Output Device to USB Audio CODEC.
9. Open your preferred recording software and find the monitoring option (its exact location may vary depending on the program).
10. To listen to your records through your computer speakers, place your cursor over the Recording and Playback Level Meters and click to select the monitoring function.
11. You should now be able to hear your records play through your computer speakers without having to actually record them.
12. Adjust the computer volume as needed and listen to your records while doing other things on your computer.
13. Remember that each time you unplug the turntable from the USB port of your Mac, you may have to reset one or more preferences.
14. If you need further assistance or have any questions, feel free to contact the Audio Solutions Department for help.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with the correct setup, there may be some issues that can arise when playing your turntable through your computer. Here are some common issues and their potential solutions:
1. USB Turntable not recognized by computer: If your computer is not recognizing your USB turntable, try disconnecting the USB cable and restarting your computer. Make sure that the USB device driver software is successfully installed. On Windows, connecting your computer to the turntable with the USB cable for the first time or using a USB port other than the one you used previously may automatically install the USB device driver software once again. On Mac, connect the turntable to the computer and turn it on. Click “About This Mac” on the Apple menu, then click “Overview” – “System Report”. Click “USB” under “Hardware” and make sure that your turntable is displayed.
2. Poor quality recordings: Poor quality recordings can be caused by a number of factors, including poor quality equipment or cables, lack of sufficient USB bandwidth, or high project rates. To address these issues, check the project rate at the bottom left of your recording software screen and set it to either 44,100 or 48,000 Hz. Check your USB cable for tightness at both ends and try using a different cable instead. Always use a spare USB port, not a hub. Limit USB bandwidth whilst recording by using other USB devices sparingly.
3. Recording freezing or having dropouts: If you experience recordings freezing or having dropouts, it could be due to insufficient computer resources or problems with your inbuilt sound device. Check for any system warnings about Universal Serial Bus Controllers and update sound device drivers if necessary.
4. No sound coming from speakers: If you’re not hearing any sound coming from your speakers, check that all cables are securely connected and that the correct playback devices are selected in your recording software settings. Also, make sure that your amplifier or receiver is turned on and set to the correct input source.
By following these troubleshooting tips, you should be able to get your turntable playing through your computer in no time!
Tips For Optimizing Sound Quality
Now that you have successfully set up your turntable to play through your computer, it’s time to optimize the sound quality. Here are some tips to help you get the best possible sound:
1. Use a good record brush: A good record brush can remove dust and static electricity from records, reducing pops, clicks, and other surface noise. Brushes made from soft carbon fiber can remove loose dust, fibers, hair, and other particles that tend to settle on any flat surface in our homes. Modern brushes also have a conductive metal piece in the handle that helps draw off static electricity, which also produces audible noise. When your records aren’t on the platter, keep them scratch-free and safe from dust and static by substituting good record sleeves for the abrasive paper sleeves they often are shipped in.
2. Ensure your turntable is level: Ensuring your turntable is level is one of the most basic steps of setup. You can try doing it by eye, but a bubble level is much better. Just place the level on your platter and move the turntable so that it’s horizontal. If it doesn’t have adjustable feet, use coins or even a pad of post-it notes (!) to get it right.
3. Use stable and rigid support for your electronics: Stable and rigid support for your electronics is something you ignore at your peril. It doesn’t mean you have to go out and buy a specifically treated desk or else your speakers will sound like you got them out of a bin, but it shouldn’t be buckling under the weight of your computer or tipping on wonky legs as you type. And keep it as clear as possible. You don’t want books covering your speakers or newspapers heating up on your DAC. Try to organize your desk around your audio set-up, rather than the other way round.
4. Adjust input volume: Test play your record and make sure the input levels do not reach “red,” adjust input volume if necessary.
5. Use high-quality cables: Using high-quality cables can make a big difference in sound quality. Look for cables made from high-quality materials and with good shielding to reduce interference.
By following these tips, you can optimize the sound quality of your turntable when playing through your computer and enjoy high-quality audio playback from your vinyl collection.
