Phono Preamp using USB

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Make Life Easier - use a USB Phono Preamp

If you have a turntable already and would like to connect it directly to your PC or Mac, then a you will need a phono preamp to 'match' the signal level and impedance of the output of your turntable to your computer sound card input. But there is an easier way....

To make life easier you could use a USB Phono Preamp. Using a USB Preamp is more convenient than a standard analogue preamp, and has several advantages over a USB turntable.
Apart from how easy a USB phono preamp makes the job of transferring LP and Cassette to your PC, an external USB preamp integrates it's own sound card within the preamp which is designed to cope with the demanding task associated with large audio files and restoring audio. Many budget computers will be using 'on board' sound, which is part of the motherboard and wouldn't necessarily be up to the job of trouble free audio restoration and editing.

 

"Unique product, solid build, very versatile. ART deserves some kind of prize for this..." a happy buyer

 
ART Phono Preamp USB


Here's the official description -

The USBPhonoPlus v2 is the ideal low cost interface solution for transferring any analog or digital audio source, including a turntable into a computer via standard USB connection.

I guess that sums it up really but here's my take on it.

Firstly ART is a reputable brand - good start : )

As you will see from the image on the left/above the USBPhonoPlus v2 has a gain (level or volume - which ever you want to call it) which is a useful feature and helps make sure you can 'match' the level of your turntable to the preamp - ie no overloading problems causing distortion. There's also a handy 'clip' light to let you know if input level is too high.

Also on the front panel is a switch to power the unit from the power supply via the socket on the back panel or using the USB connection from your PC. (By the way - No USB cable is included so don't forget to buy one if you need to)

The rear panel - image right/above shows you inputs and outputs. From the right hand side there's a 'phono input' which will be used to connect your phono turntable and has built in RIAA matching. RIAA matching corrects equalisation as without it your records would sound very thin, tinny, and with no bass.

Next there's a line input, so you could plug a cassette deck, a turntable if it has 'line out' sockets, a CD player or even a radio tuner or TV sound.

Then there's a S/PDIF and optical inputs/outputs which can be used to connect to other digital devices - ie; some CD players, DAT machines, or digital mixers etc. Although this is useful it's probably not how the majority of people would use this device.

Under these sockets there is a 'ground' connection which connects to the 'ground' wire on your turntable. This reduces hum and buzzing noises.

The USB socket is next in line which connects to your PC or Mac. Under the USB is the power supply input for the power supply.

There you go - A great USB phono preamp, one I can definitely recommend.

 

USB Phono Preamp from Behringer

This is a really interesting USB Phono Preamp as it comes with a bundle of software that will help you record and restore your cassettes and LP's very quickly. Audacity is a very good audio editor and can be downloaded for free, but included is also 'EnergyXT2.5 Compact music production software which is a Behringer product (I think).

Plus being Behringer it is extremely good value for money - in fact I'd call it excellent value.

Check it out

Behringer USB Phono Preamp

Here's the official description -

  • High-quality USB audio interface connects your turntable or cassette tape deck.
  • Easily transfer and restore your valuable vinyl records and tapes to your computer via a simple USB connection
  • Massive software bundle includes Audacity vinyl restoration, noise-reduction, editing and recording software, comprehensive podcasting software and over 150 virtual instruments and effect plug-ins
  • Revolutionary energy XT2.5 Compact music production software included with feature-rich audio/MIDI sequencer that loads almost instantaneously on all computer platforms
  • Phono input ia also switchable to line input source
Transfer music to CD Recording Software Review All in One Software to transfer & restore your recordings both from Cassette Tape or LP Vinyl. Spin It Again from Acoustica.
 
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