Vinyl Recording Turntable options ...

There are many options for recording your vinyl to CD, iPods, USB-drives, computers, etc. Some turntables will burn directly to CD with no computer needed, while some will burn directly to USB thumb drives. Many USB turntables come bundled with audio-recording software (Audacity being the most popular). Some turntables not already equipped to plug into your computer only require a convertor hub. You do have choices.

I, personally, have a Technics SL-1200MK2 (purchased in 1984 at Crazy Eddie's in New York) plugged into a Rane MP-24 pre-amp/mixer (bought in 1986), which is then plugged into an external hub of a Creative Sound Blaster Audigy2 ZS soundcard (recently replaced with a refurb hub), which is then attached to the soundcard's PCI card in my Dell Dimension XPS Gen 2 PC (purchased in 2003). I then do my vinyl recording with Sony's Sound Forge 9.0 software.


STAND-ALONE UNITS (no computer required)

If you want a stand-alone unit which does not require any computer to record your vinyl to CD, then give the Ion LP 2 CD a try for direct vinyl-to-CD recording:



For another direct-to-CD vinyl recorder, there is the Crosley CR2401 Memory Master:



Here's another standalone player which does not require a computer that enables you to record direct from vinyl-to-CD, the Numark LP2CD Turntable:



If you want direct vinyl-to-USB drive recording, give the Brookstone iConvert a try:



For another turntable that records direct-to-USB drive (a/k/a Flash drive) there is the Ion Audio LP 2 FLASH SD Card Turntable:



For those of you who have given up on the CD format and want to record your vinyl directly into your iPod and not have to use a computer, there is the Numark TTi Turntable with iPod Dock:



If you use memory cards, the Teac LP-U200 lets you record directly to an SD card:



USB TURNTABLES (connects directly to computer)

The most popular USB turntable (according to Amazon) is the Ion TTUSB Turntable:



Virtually the same turntable as above is the Numark TTUSB Turntable:



A slightly less expensive Ion unit is Ion TTUSB05 USB Turntable:



Here's a good deal, you get a portable turntable with a built-in speaker and USB connection with the Ion iPTUSB Portable USB Turntable:



Here's another portable turntable with built-in speakers along with a USB connection, the Crosley CR249 USB Turntable:



Here's a Sony USB turntable, the Sony PS-LX300USB USB Turntable:



Another popular USB turntables is the Audio Technica AT-LP2DUSB:



DJ-friendly company, Stanton, makes a USB unit called the Stanton T.90 USB Turntable:



Here's another USB turntable you can try that is not expensive, the Grace Digital Audio GDI-PA40T1S PC Recordable Turntable for USB to PC Recording:



For a USB turntable from Gem Sound, there's the Gem Sound GT-USB Belt-Drive USB Turntable:



This one has built-in speakers for stand-alone use, but it's not really portable. The Grace Digital Vinylwriter Boca - USB 2 PC Recordable Turntable with Speakers:



For the closest thing you will get to audiophile vinyl recording with a USB-turntable will be from Pro-Ject Debut III/Phono USB for $499:



USING YOUR REGULAR TURNTABLE

You have the option to set up your system like mine (as explained at the top of this post) by using a pre-amp and a better-than-basic computer soundcard.

You can also get a USB external soundcard that has phono inputs, such as the ART USB PhonoPlus V2:



Here's a very simple to use unit from the same company that makes the most popular USB turntables called the Ion U-record Music Archiver:



This is a very portable interface. I've used the original version and did not like it, but the most recent "Plus" version is supposed to be much better to use. The Gemini iKey Plus USB Recorder:



For superior audio quality this Phono Pre-amplifier with A/D converter and USB output is what you want. The Pro-Ject Phonobox II USB for only $199



For that beloved tube sound that audiophiles rave about, you can go for this nice higher-end unit, the Rolls VP530 Tube Phono Preamp with USB: