USB turntables!!

[lastminute]

Anyone here used a usb turntable to transfer their pile of 45's to digital...if so, what unit did you use and was it any good?
...was the power from the usb enough to drive the turntable without any slowing down?

Thanks

Gerry (with loads of sixties records)

 

[DTR]

Not sure if you're serious, but the USB doesn't power the turntable. The turntable is mains powered and the USB is just to connect to a computer.

What sort of quality are you after? Admittedly I've not used a USB table but I've always seen them as a bit of a gimmick and I don't trust a built in preamp.

 

[AndyT]

I really can't see the point of any of these dedicated decks or cassette players etc sold as making transfer to PC easy. It's already easy. All you need is your existing deck and a cable to connect it to the line-in socket on your soundcard. Use open-source free software such as Audacity to split tracks and clean up audio; transcode if you must, and off you go!

If your record deck is a decent one, you'll need a pre-amp - or better, just connect to your usual amp and use the tape-out connections.

 

[gus3049]

Have to agree that every USB deck I've seen is a waste of time. Quality is going to be very much sub MP3 which for anyone with ears is almost beyond bearing.

As said, plug your tape out into the computer and use Audacity - PC or Mac can run it.

 

[brianhabby]

I've not used a USB deck but once tried a similar device for video - it went back to the shop within a day of trying it - total junk and put me right off that sort of device for good.

As others have said, just connect your regular deck to the line-in on your computer, via a pre-amp if necessary, and away you go.

regards

Brian

 

[myturn]

Whether a USB turntable is of sufficient quality really doesn't make any difference when you are recording into a PC soundcard, which itself is hardly going to give you "hi-fi" standard.

So if it's simply to transfer LP's to digital medium a USB turntable is perfectly adequate (in terms of quality).

 

[gus3049]

Whether a USB turntable is of sufficient quality really doesn't make any difference when you are recording into a PC soundcard, which itself is hardly going to give you "hi-fi" standard.

So if it's simply to transfer LP's to digital medium a USB turntable is perfectly adequate (in terms of quality).

Hate to disagree but I can hear a clear difference between the different sources on my Mac. The ones I have recorded from record are clearly superior to those that were transferred straight in as anything up to AAC.

Ok, this is listening either on the Quad Electrostatics or to Beyer phones but there is still a large difference.

 

[nanscombe]

It may be a tad more expensive but, assuming you have it ... ITunes?

You could see if they are available, price it out, and buy them in batches if you wanted.

Better quality (presumably), which you can preview online, and saves you the bother of ripping them?

You may even be able to offset the cost by selling the vinyl copies if you wanted to.


I can't quantify the quality of the iTunes versions but then I'm not an audiophile. It may well be acceptable to most people.

 

[gus3049]

I can't quantify the quality of the iTunes versions but then I'm not an audiophile. It may well be acceptable to most people.

And thereby hangs a tale!

iTunes is OK for casual listening. Judging by the fact that most people seem to listen on iPods and the like with In-ear phones these days, the quality angle doesn't seem to be a major hurdle I guess. Its only when I listen through the main system that it all falls apart, phasey treble, woolly bass and a lack of the sense of actually being there that is the hallmark of great hi-fi.

Whatever, its still a better idea to feed them straight in rather than wasting more cash on a USB turntable. As you have the singles and, I assume a record player, it really is simple to record yourself. Apple, though I luvvem, are rich enough without you adding to their pile.

 

[lastminute]

Thankyou everyone....for all the interesting comments... I will continue to use itunes for the time being...I don't have a record player, but I may look out for one!

Gerry

 

[cutting42]

Compressed audio is like Junk food. It fills you up, it tastes acceptable (lots of flavour enhancers like sugar and salt etc) is cheap and convenient.

Full range uncomressed audio such as CD, Vinyl and FLAC/ALAC is like top home cooking with real ingredients, each separately distinguishable and delicious. A bit more effort and a bit more money but ultimately much better for you

 

[bugbear]

Thankyou everyone....for all the interesting comments... I will continue to use itunes for the time being...I don't have a record player, but I may look out for one!

Gerry

You've got a load of vinyl, but no player ?!

BugBear (Roksan Xerces)

 

[cutting42]

You've got a load of vinyl, but no player ?!

BugBear (Roksan Xerces)

Cool! Here is my Xerxes

 

[Racers]

Hi, Chaps

I would post a pic of mine but I can't find a good one (Xerxes Artemes 10X5)

We should start a club!

Pete

 

[gregmcateer]

I tried it, as well as picture transfer to digital - both complete waste of time and money.
If really want to preserve the old stuff, bite the bullet and pay a studio with the proper equipment.
Greg

 

[bugbear]

I tried it, as well as picture transfer to digital - both complete waste of time and money.
If really want to preserve the old stuff, bite the bullet and pay a studio with the proper equipment.
Greg

What constitutes the "proper equipment", other than a record deck, (phone/pre) amp and a decent A/D converter ?

BugBear