Turntable Recording Buying a turntable record player, what features are useful?
I've always wanted a record player, but I've never had one before and I'm not sure what things are good to have on it. Any advice would be great.
A lot to consider when buying a turntable... I'll try to cover what I can. Not sure what type of system you want to use a turntable with... what level of sound quality would suffice.... what you're willing to spend... I really couldn't make any kind of specific recommendation without knowing...
There are semi-automatic, automatic and manual turntables. The semi-automatic or automatic will lift the stylus and usually power off the turntable at the end of a record. This can prevent excessive stylus wear if you fall asleep listening to a record or something... You don't have to get up right away when a record ends... Most of the automatic turntables on the market now are either cheapo or more expensive than a manual turntable of the same quality though. Some prefer to buy a manual table for better sound quality at the same price. There are also automatic changers that play stacks of records. I wouldn't recommend them due to record wear and poor sound quality, but you may run accross changers if you're looking on the used market or at one of those Crosley all-in-one record players.
The quality of the cartridge that comes on a turntable is also a consideration. Most of the more inexpensive tables come with a cheap cartridge having a conical shaped stylus (needle). The conical stylus doesn't trace the grooves as well as an elliptical or even fancier shaped stylus would. The high frequencies will sound "dull" and there will be more tracking distortion ("static" type of sound at times). If the specs don't say what the stylus shape is, you can bet it's conical.
Many turntables being sold today feature a built-in phono preamp. This is so the table can be pluggeed into a system having no dedicated "phono" input. A table with a built-in phono preamp can be plugged into any line-level input like "CD", "tape", "aux", etc... or the audio portion of any audio/video input. If you have an input marked "phono" on your system, you don't need a table with a built-in preamp. Also, you can use a table having no preamp with any system if you buy a separate phono preamp. A decent one costs around $60.00 US.
Then, there are the USB turntables that can easily be connected to any computer if you'd like to transfer your records to a digital format. You really don't need a USB table to do this if the sound card on your computer has a "line-in" jack. A microphone jack won't work well (mono). Most laptops have no line-in jack and a USB table can come in handy there. If you don't need the feature, don't pay for a USB table. Spend the same money for a table with better specs and a better cartridge, preferably with an elliptical stylus shape.
If you're looking for a record player, meaning a turntable that's part of a self-contained system with it's own amp and speakers... That's another story altogether. Seems the Crosley units are about the only thing out there now and the quality is not good at all. I would probably recommend finding a vintage system that still works somewhere. Would probably perform better and last longer than one of those Crosley things... It helps to know a few things when buying a used record player though. I could probably help further if you're interested in going that route.
If you edit your question to narrow down what you're looking for a bit... and include what you might be willing to spend... I could provide some links to some models that might fit your needs and tell you something about their strengths and weaknesses.
Bring those vinyl classics in to the digital age with the Crosley Tech USB Recording Turntable! Featuring a USB/SD card reader and encoding possibilities, you can get your dusty records out of the garage and backed up on to your computer for years of enjoyment! Simply pop in your USB or SD card and press record. It's that easy! When it's time to relax, you can listen to your favorite 33 1/3, 45, and 78 RPM records in a 7'', 10'', or 12'' size. For more modern listening, the Tech Turntable is portable audio ready and features an AM/FM radio and a CD player. Dynamic full range stereo speakers and a headphone jack allow you to enjoy your music individually, or share it with you friends. Ensure you have your favorite tunes for years to come with the Crosley Tech USB Recording Turntable!
Preserve your records the right way with the Crosley Troubadour USB Recording Turntable! Featuring a USB/SD card reader and encoding possibilities, you can get your dusty records out of the garage and backed up on to your computer for years of enjoyment! Simply pop in your USB or SD card and press record. It's that easy! When it's time to relax, you can listen to your favorite 33 1/3, 45, and 78 RPM records in a 7'', 10'', or 12'' size. For more modern listening, The Troubadour is portable audio ready, and features a side mounted cassette deck, an AM/FM radio, and a CD player. Featuring a wooden cabinet with a beautiful oak or paprika stain, this record player is sure to be a classy addition to any home entertainment center! Ensure you have your favorite tunes for years to come with the Crosley Troubadour USB Recording Turntable!
Blast into the vinyl preservation revolution with the CR6007A Tech Turntable. Simply plug in a USB or SD card to transfer music from your records giving you the flexibility to put the digital tunes on CDs or your MP3 player. The tech turntables playback feature can also be used to listen to prerecorded MP3 files. Return to the days of platform heels and The Beatles Abbey Road album as you admire the woodstyled casing mirror faceplate and streamlined dials. This Crosley turntable even features a PAR portable audio ready hookup for MP3 players and an analog AMFM radio for more listening enjoyment.
Bring your old vinyl records into the digital age with the Crosley Tech Series USB Recording Turntable! Featuring a USB/SD card reader and encoding capabilities, you'll be able to transfer the sweet sounds of vinyl to your computer for superior preservation possibilities. When it's time to relax, you can listen to any of your 33 1/3, 45, or 78 RPM records in 7'', 10'' or 12'' sizes. You can also plug in your portable audio device or tune in to your favorite AM/FM radio station! This high tech record player features dynamic full range stereo speakers, a headphone jack, an external FM antenna, and a remote control for easy listening. Featuring a rich mahogany wood style cabinet, the Crosley Tech Series USB Recording Turntable is sure to be a classy addition to any home entertainment center!
Convert your vinyl records into digital media with ease with this portable USB turntable. It supports 33, 45 and 78 rpm records and includes Audacity software for editing your recorded tracks.
Nostalgic Wooden Turntable. CD Player with CD Recording Function for Turntable. Cassette Player. Analog AM/FM Stereo Radio. 2 x 2W Builtin Speakers. Auxin Jack. Remote Control. Plays 3 Speeds (33 1/3 45 78 rpm)
10% 33rpm 45rpm 78rpm PT-01USB Record Turntable Cartridge AC Adapter 45 RPM Adapter USB Cable Plug and play USB connection Protective dustcover and integrated carrying handle Fits inside a standard 12-inch record case Numark has created a revolutionary portable turntable that enables you to convert your vinyl to WAV or MP3. This rugged, portable turntable can run on either wall or battery power, comes with a cover with integrated carry-handle, and has an internal speaker for total mobility. Using the recording software, no special drivers are needed to connect PT-01USB to any Mac or PC via USB and transfer music from vinyl to hard disk. Belt Drive Headphone MP3 Numark Numark Industries, LLC PT-01USB PT-01USB Record Turntable PT01USB RCA - Audio Line Out Record Turntable USB www.numark.com
- Grace Digital Audio VinylWriter Pico- Turntable for USB to PC recording- Record all your vinyl as digital music files and import them into your computer music library- Record to PC through USB cable- Plug and play USB: no PC driver install needed- PC an
Transfer your music from records to iPod. LP DOCK the easiest way to get your music off your vinyl records and into the palm of your hand on your iPod. Just dock your iPod on LP DOCK and you can record your vinyl right into your iPod. It's simple. It's easy. You don't even need a computer to make it happen! To take your music even more places, LP DOCK has a standard USB connection so you can turn your records into MP3s on your computer and record them to CD or listen on your computer. The included recording software makes it totally pain-free. LP DOCK also has a line-level output for connecting to any home stereo so you can listen to your records at home. There's even an input so you can connect other music sources like cassette decks, and record your music to your iPod. LP DOCK includes EZ Vinyl Converter for PC and EZ Audio Converter for Mac, which both make getting your music into iTunes a breeze. PC users can download a free version of EZ Vinyl Converter with Gracenote® MusicID technology, which automatically adds album, artist, and song information for you! What are you waiting for? Take your classic music anywhere you go, listen in the car, at home, and more!
Manufacturer: Ion Electronics. Each. ION Portable USB turntable A revolutionary battery operated portable USB turntable allows you to convert your old vinyl collection to CD or MP3 with included recording software. (NO SPECIAL DRIVERS NEEDED) Also has a l
1 Year 33.33rpm 45rpm 6.25" Height x 16.75" Width x 16.75" Depth 7.75 lb 78rpm One Touch Play/Stop Control Bass Control Xbass Mute Transparent plastic dust cover Blue backlight LCD with text display Built-in Phono Pre-amplifier Cartridge: Ceramic Converting those old vinyl records into MP3s is no longer a headache! Simply play your album, and push the Record button where you wish to start recording. To stop recording, just push the same button, and an MP3 of your selection is automatically saved to an inserted memory card (not included). Copy the tracks from your card to your computer, or playback directly from the LP Capturer. Automatic Direct Drive MIG-MT201 MIG-MT201 Record Turntable MP3 MultiMediaCard (MMC) Mutant RCA - Audio Line Out Record Turntable STI Certified Products, Inc Secure Digital (SD) Card USB www.mutantinnovation.com
Rediscover all of your old vinyl records by recording them to digital form via a PC link and the Bush turntable with USB encoding. Available in a sleek black design, it comes with a built-in pre amplifier and two speed turntable.Black.33 and 45 rpm speed turntable.Encoding via PC link.Built-in pre amplifier.Magnetic cartridge.General information:Size of main unit H12, W42.8, D37.6cm.
The Gemini Vinyl2MP3 USB Turntable is full of conveniences. Not only can you listen to your records, but you can also instantly convert them to digital MP3s. Convert all your classic vinyl and rare albums directly into MP3s with amazing sound quality. Simply install the provided software, plug the Gemini Vinyl2MP3 turntable directly into your computer, and start recording. It's that easy.Gemini has outfitted the Vinyl2MP3 turntable with a battle and club-style design; a variable pitch slider; USB connectivity (for Mac or Windows); fully adjustable counter weight and anti-skating controls; 33, 45 and 78 RPM reverse playback capability; dual soft touch Start/Stop buttons; and a Motor-Off button for slower braking. Some of the extras Gemini includes with the Vinyl2MP3 USB turntable include: a solid aluminum platter; Audacity recording software; a headshell, an adapter for 45 RPM vinyl records, a CN-15 cartridge, a felt slipmat, and detachable RCA and ground cables.Fully manual USB belt-drive turntableBattle and club-style designñ10% variable pitch sliderSolid aluminum platterUSB computer connectivity for PC and MacAudacity recording software includedLine-level RCA outputs (with built-in preamp)Fully adjustable counter weight and anti-skating controls33, 45 and 78 RPM, reverse playback capabilityDual soft touch start/stop buttonsMotor off button for slower brakingHeadshell and 45 adapter includedCN-15 cartridge and felt slipmat includedDetachable RCA and ground cablesDimensions: 17.67" x 14.56" x 5.7"Weight: 8.1 lb.Shipping weight: 18 lb.
- Teac turntable, cassette, CD recorder and radio- Supports CD-R/RW recording (phono to CD, tape to CD, tuner to CD, AUX to CD)- Drawer-type CD recorder- Auto/manual track increment- Rec level control and rec level indicator- Repeat (1/all), shuffle, 32-t
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Deanna Durbin - The Turntable Song - Studio recording