If you’re a vinyl enthusiast, you know that there’s nothing quite like the sound of a record spinning on a turntable. But what if you could also enjoy that same sound while using your computer?
That’s where a USB turntable comes in. With this handy device, you can easily transfer your vinyl collection to digital format, or simply listen to your records through your computer’s speakers.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps of setting up and using a USB turntable, so you can start enjoying your vinyl in a whole new way.
How To Use A USB Turntable
First, power on your computer and turntable. Locate a free USB port on your PC and plug the record player’s USB cable into the open port on your computer.
Next, make sure your turntable is properly set up according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Turn on both the turntable and computer, and plug the turntable into the USB port on your computer.
Locate the Speaker Icon in the taskbar on your computer, typically 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 sure that your computer’s internal speakers are selected as the default playback device with a green checkmark next to them. They are often labeled as Realtek High Definition Audio. Ensure that the USB CODEC is NOT selected as the default playback device with a green checkmark. If it is, right-click on the computer’s internal speakers and select “Set as Default Device.”
Once you’ve selected the correct playback device, click on the Recording tab to select the input device. Make sure that the USB Audio CODEC is selected as the default recording device with a green checkmark next to it. If another device is selected, right-click on the USB Audio CODEC and select “Set as Default Device.”
Now that you’ve selected the correct playback and recording devices, right-click on the USB Audio CODEC and select “Properties.” A new window will open. Select the Listen tab and click in the box next to “Listen to this device.” A checkmark will appear. Click Apply and OK.
You’re now set up and ready to listen to your records! Drop the needle on your records and begin listening. While playing your records, you’ll see movement in the recording status bar of the USB Audio CODEC. You can adjust the computer volume as needed and listen to your records while doing other things on your computer.
Each time you unplug the turntable from the USB port of your computer, you may have to reset these parameters. This is normal with computers.
What Is A USB Turntable?
A USB turntable is a device that allows you to convert tracks on vinyl records into a digital format such as CD audio or MP3. It has a built-in phono preamp and analog-to-digital converter, which converts the cartridge’s analog signal to digital PCM and sends it to the computer via USB. Once the signal is received by the computer, software can be used to convert the PCM into the required format such as MP3 or FLAC.
To use a USB turntable, you need to plug it into a free USB port on your computer and select the correct playback and recording devices. You also need to make sure that your computer’s internal speakers are selected as the default playback device with a green checkmark next to them and that the USB Audio CODEC is selected as the default recording device with a green checkmark next to it.
Once you’ve set up your USB turntable, you can drop the needle on your records and listen to them while seeing movement in the recording status bar of the USB Audio CODEC. You can adjust the computer volume as needed and listen to your records while doing other things on your computer. Remember that each time you unplug the turntable from the USB port of your computer, you may have to reset these parameters.
Why Use A USB Turntable?
USB turntables are a great way to convert your vinyl records into a digital format. With the rise of digital music, many people have turned to USB turntables as a way to preserve their vinyl collection and enjoy their favorite records on modern devices. USB turntables are designed specifically to plug into personal computers, which allows users to digitally encode the analog sound data contained on a record. This means that you can easily transfer your vinyl collection to your computer or portable music player without losing any of the quality.
USB turntables offer several advantages over traditional record players. For one, they can contain all the hardware necessary to record and encode the audio data, which means you don’t need any additional equipment to get started. Additionally, some USB turntables can perform the entire encoding process themselves, which allows users to plug the device directly into a compatible portable music player.
Another advantage of USB turntables is that they allow users to clean up their recordings using specialized software. Record players sometimes generate undesirable hisses or pops during playback, but with a USB turntable, you can use software to clean up the recording and ensure that your digital copy sounds as good as possible.
Choosing The Right USB Turntable For Your Needs
When it comes to choosing the right USB turntable for your needs, there are a few key factors to consider. First, you’ll want to make sure that the turntable is capable of playing records at both 33 1/3 RPM and 45 RPM. This will ensure that you can listen to a wide variety of albums without having to worry about buying the correct RPM record for your turntable.
Another important factor to consider is the quality of the turntable itself. While there are many affordable options on the market, it’s important to invest in a turntable that will provide high-quality audio and last for years to come. Look for turntables with sturdy construction and reliable components.
If you’re looking for a turntable that can also function as a regular turntable, consider models with built-in speakers or the ability to connect to external speakers. This will allow you to enjoy your records even when you’re not using your computer.
Finally, consider your budget when choosing a USB turntable. While there are many affordable options available, investing in a higher-end model may provide better sound quality and more features.
Setting Up Your USB Turntable
To set up your USB turntable, you’ll need to follow a few simple steps. First, make sure your computer and turntable are both powered on. Locate a free USB port on your PC and plug the record player’s USB cable into the open port on your computer.
Next, ensure that your turntable is properly set up according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Turn on both the turntable and computer, and plug the turntable into the USB port on your computer.
Once your turntable is connected to your computer, you’ll need to select the correct playback and recording devices. Locate the Speaker Icon in the taskbar on your computer, typically 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 sure that your computer’s internal speakers are selected as the default playback device with a green checkmark next to them. They are often labeled as Realtek High Definition Audio. Ensure that the USB CODEC is NOT selected as the default playback device with a green checkmark. If it is, right-click on the computer’s internal speakers and select “Set as Default Device.”
Once you’ve selected the correct playback device, click on the Recording tab to select the input device. Make sure that the USB Audio CODEC is selected as the default recording device with a green checkmark next to it. If another device is selected, right-click on the USB Audio CODEC and select “Set as Default Device.”
Now that you’ve selected the correct playback and recording devices, right-click on the USB Audio CODEC and select “Properties.” A new window will open. Select the Listen tab and click in the box next to “Listen to this device.” A checkmark will appear. Click Apply and OK.
You’re now set up and ready to listen to your records! Drop the needle on your records and begin listening. While playing your records, you’ll see movement in the recording status bar of the USB Audio CODEC. You can adjust the computer volume as needed and listen to your records while doing other things on your computer.
It’s important to note that each time you unplug the turntable from the USB port of your computer, you may have to reset these parameters. This is normal with computers. By following these simple steps, you’ll be able to enjoy all of your favorite vinyl records through your computer’s speakers!
Connecting Your USB Turntable To Your Computer
To connect your USB turntable to your computer, first, make sure that your turntable is properly set up according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Once you’ve done that, power on both your computer and turntable.
Next, locate a free USB port on your PC and plug the record player’s USB cable into the open port on your computer. Once you’ve done that, locate the Speaker Icon in the taskbar on your computer, typically 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 sure that your computer’s internal speakers are selected as the default playback device with a green checkmark next to them. They are often labeled as Realtek High Definition Audio.
Ensure that the USB CODEC is NOT selected as the default playback device with a green checkmark. If it is, right-click on the computer’s internal speakers and select “Set as Default Device.”
Once you’ve selected the correct playback device, click on the Recording tab to select the input device. Make sure that the USB Audio CODEC is selected as the default recording device with a green checkmark next to it. If another device is selected, right-click on the USB Audio CODEC and select “Set as Default Device.”
Now that you’ve selected the correct playback and recording devices, right-click on the USB Audio CODEC and select “Properties.” A new window will open. Select the Listen tab and click in the box next to “Listen to this device.” A checkmark will appear. Click Apply and OK.
You’re now set up and ready to listen to your records! Drop the needle on your records and begin listening. While playing your records, you’ll see movement in the recording status bar of the USB Audio CODEC. You can adjust the computer volume as needed and listen to your records while doing other things on your computer.
Remember that each time you unplug the turntable from the USB port of your computer, you may have to reset these parameters. This is normal with computers.
Recording Your Vinyl Collection
Now that you have your USB turntable set up and playing your records, you may want to start digitizing your vinyl collection. The process of recording your vinyl collection is relatively simple, but it does require some additional steps.
First, you’ll need to open a recording program on your computer. There are many options available, but some popular choices include Audacity and Garageband. Once you’ve opened the program, select the appropriate input source in the program preferences. This will typically be either the 1/8″ audio input or USB input.
Next, test play your record and make sure the input levels do not reach “red.” If they do, adjust the input volume as necessary. Once you’re ready to start recording, click “Record” in the program and begin playing your record. When you’re finished recording, click “Stop” to end the recording.
If you’re using Audacity, go to the “File” menu and select “Export to MP3” to save your recording as an MP3 file. If you’re using Garageband, go to the “File” menu and select “Save As.” The default file type is AAC.
It’s important to note that the quality of your recordings will depend on several factors, including the quality of your turntable, phono stage, and analogue-to-digital converter. If you’re serious about audio quality and have an extensive vinyl collection, it may be worth investing in a higher-quality USB turntable or separate USB converter for your non-USB turntable.
In conclusion, digitizing your vinyl collection with a USB turntable is a great way to preserve and enjoy your records in a digital format. With a few simple steps, you can easily record your vinyl collection and enjoy it on your computer or portable devices.
