I have a Audio Technica LP120-USB turntable, which seems to be a "USB Device" that does not allow level adjustment, which even the cheapest tapedecks had in the days of cassettes. What is the use of that? The one attempt I made to convert to mp3 files resulted in very low level, very treble-ly files that were unlistenable. Maddeningly, in searching the internet I haven't found one USB turntable whose specs tell me whether this seemingly important feature is part of their capabilities. I'm (trying to) use VinylStudio on a Mac.
Can anyone point me to turntables (or other components) that will allow me to make high quality mp3s, or preferable FLAC, files from my vinyl? Bonus points if the turntables are still available new on the market and if they are not in the four figure range...
Thanks!
They are all rubbish. Something like the NAD PP 4 with a conventional turntable (maybe second hand) is the way to go.
The NAD controls the level via a knob on the front.
Ahh! Wonder why that never turned up in any of my searches? Looks like just the thing. I appreciate your response!
I don't think NAD have made a great job of marketing it 🤷�♂️
What happens if you adjust the volume in Sound Settings -> Device properties?
Nothing useful - it's a sham and VinylStudio bypasses it.
Quote from: jveezer on April 14, 2024, 06:44:52 PMAhh! Wonder why that never turned up in any of my searches? Looks like just the thing. I appreciate your response!
I can recommend the IFI phono preamp also. It supports both moving magnet and moving coil cartridges and has a highly useful rumble filter. I use it with a MusicHall MF 7.1 tt. Sounds wonderful. That cartridge and preamp combination beat my Grado gold/Creek preamp by a lot...
Quote from: LtMandella on May 08, 2024, 07:00:49 AMI can recommend the IFI phono preamp also.
Hi. If you imply the Zen Phone, an affordable thing to start with, I suppose noisy things (unless its balanced output is used) will do the bad thing.
The OP should use an controllable input ADC IYKWIM.
not phone. phono preamp with RIAA eq.
Quote from: Lewis on May 08, 2024, 10:28:21 AMHi. If you imply the Zen Phone, an affordable thing to start with, I suppose noisy things (unless its balanced output is used) will do the bad thing.
The OP should use an controllable input ADC IYKWIM.
Not noisy with my cartridge, amps, and speakers.
I do use an Ultrasonic cleaning for all my LPs...
You will all no doubt be pleased to hear that I have banned Lewis. We don't need that here.
I know this is an old post, but it started me thinking, so hoping it's ok to revisit.
The recommended NAD phono pre-amp is great (it was how I started out with Vinyl Studio) but included the USB out port you need to use Vinyl Studio. More specifically it is an ADC, analogue to digital converter as well. The IFI phono pre-amp is great (I have one now as the NAD died, and believe it's better as a phono pre-amp) - BUT it doesn't do the ADC thing as far as I can see :)
When the NAD died, I ended up getting a FocusRite Scarlett USB Audio device and using it to do the ADC part. Works well and very happy with the outcome, but wondering what else is out there to cover this requirement. The USB output turntables seem dodgy as noted (are they all rubbish?) and I've only seen a couple of devices like the NAD (Thorens make one, as do Rega). Any others people are aware of and recommend? Any reason why the ADC function in the many USB audio devices out there, is not a good option? Thanks!
Quote from: Careyw on August 24, 2025, 10:59:57 AMI've only seen a couple of devices like the NAD (Thorens make one, as do Rega). Any others people are aware of and recommend? Any reason why the ADC function in the many USB audio devices out there, is not a good option? Thanks!
I'm using a Korg DS-DAC-R and getting good results. It will record up DSD128. It has it's own software for recording, but it's not exactly easy tp use until you get it figured out. Probably just use VS instead.
It has a headphone out on the front with a separate volume control. If you want speaker then you will have to hook up an amp for that. What I like about this is the headphone volume can be controlled separate from the speaker volume. It sells for $330 on Amazon.
https://www.korg.com/us/products/audio/ds_dac_10r/
https://www.amazon.com/Korg-DSDAC10R-SOFTWARE-ANALOG-CONVERTER/dp/B017TZ0KYO/ref
If you really want to go high end then the RME ADI-2/4 Pro SE can be used for a cost of $1999.
https://www.rme-usa.com/adi-2-4-pro-se.html
.
Check out these links for more ideas.
https://forums.stevehoffman.tv/threads/what-can-i-use-to-record-my-lps.1219632/#post-37368813
https://forums.stevehoffman.tv/threads/your-vinyl-transfer-workflow-sharing-best-needledrop-practices.250442/
.
:) thanks
The drivers however are a resource hog on Windows 10. If I open a browser while ripping to DSD, I can get glitches (I7-12 core with 32 gig ram).
The DAC does make excellent DSD rips and the headphone amp sounds fine also. Just wish the proprietary KORG windows drivers were less of a hog.
If I had to do it again, I would buy and external ADC like the musicians use for recording...
Quote from: LtMandella on August 25, 2025, 04:39:27 AMThe drivers however are a resource hog on Windows 10. If I open a browser while ripping to DSD, I can get glitches (I7-12 core with 32 gig ram).
Respectively I've had a different experience.
I'm not having a problem with it eating up ram, the most I saw just now while recording DSD1128 was 146 MB.
I can't say for sure I've had Firefox open in the past 3 years while recording, but I've not noticed any skips.
Also on Windows 10 and 32MB ram and I7-8 core. It's running my surveillance software "Blue Iris" 24/7. After a reboot I have 202 processes running.
How much ram is yours using and number of processes?
.
I had 32gig ram in the machine so I doubt the glitches were due to a ram issue. I think processing power or some windows sound vs. KORG driver issue, or maybe even USB bandwidth issue.
Does seem like most- or all - of these issues could be avoided when proprietary driver is not needed.
For example, this is a brand new ADC, with digital phono EQ built in, and review was awesome:
https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/minidsp-adept-adc-phono-preamp-review.65333/
I have a KORG and it doesn't glitch, so I don't know what's going on there.
Oh I don't believe it is anything to do with vinylstudio. I do run the I7 machine overclocked, that could be a contributing factor...
I use a standard turntable plugged into a Parasound Zphono USB device. It is very well made, has a front level control that works on the USB output. It has both line and phono inputs, selectable RIAA equalization, selectable rumble filter, and selectable Mono output. It is AC powered so it doesn't load your USB port. No special drivers, just plug it in and it is recognized (future proof). It only digitizes to 44.1k and 48k I believe.