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:

Pioneer CDJ-400 CD Digital Turntable with USB Integration

Pioneer CDJ-400 Professional Digital Turntable

USB integration and MP3 playback
DJ software compatibility and MIDI control
World’s first scratch jog effect

USB Integration and MP3 Playback
The CDJ-400’s cosmetic design is simple and compact yet elegant with all of its various controls and features located directly on top of the unit. A USB port found on the face of the player allows DJs to play their MP3 music collection from a wide variety of portable music devices such as thumb drives, MP3 players or external hard drives. With the use of a multi-function selector knob/button and its large, bright, dot-matrix LCD display, locating and accessing of files from these types of music devices as well as MP3 music files on CD and CD-R/RW through the CD slot are done with a turn and press of the knob.

DJ Software Compatibility and MIDI Control
With more of today’s DJs utilizing different DJ software for their performances, the CDJ-400 is also equipped with a PC mode. In this mode, the CDJ-400 is a native controller for software such as Pioneer DJS computer software and SERATO® Scratch LIVE. For example, the movement of the pitch slider on the CDJ-400 can control the pitch slider on the computer software and no timecode CD is required for audio control. The player can also act as a MIDI controller where the user can assign virtually every button on the player to trigger functions of various DJ software programs.

World’s First Scratch Jog Effect
A highlight and an advancement of the CDJ-400 is its scratching capability. In addition to traditional “vinyl” mode scratching, Pioneer implemented the World’s First Scratch Jog Effect. Three highlighted buttons, each assigned to a special effect, Bubble, Trans and Wah, creates unique scratching sound effects that can be enabled by the DJ on the fly. A “hold” button was also added to retain the different effects throughout the session or until its release, which can also be triggered at any point of play.

Other Performance Features:

· Digital Loop functions: A variety of loops can be created for additional audio effects.
· Beat Loop: Automatically creates a four beat loop based on the tempo of the music (BPM) being played.
· Loop Divide: Rhythmically divides the loop to create different patterns.
· Hot Loop: Restarts the loop seamlessly from its entry without interruption of the music.
· Digital Jog Break: In CD mode the CDJ-400 contains three effects, Jet, Roll and Wah, which further enhances the audio by simply rotating the jog dial. The same buttons for the Scratch Jog Effect are assigned to the Digital Jog Break which are accessible at any point of play.
· Tempo Control: Four tempo modes, ±6%, ±10%, ±16% and WIDE, provide additional speed control with a resolution of 0.02% in the 6% range.
· Cue/Loop Points: Up to 10 cue/loop points per disc, for up to 920 discs, can be stored to player’s memory.
· Jog Indicator: A red halo illumination around the jog provides instantaneous visual feedback to the DJ.
· Customizable Jog Wheel: Users can create their own customized image to insert under the removable jog wheel top.
· Digital Output: A digital output is available for a direct connection for clearer sound to a connected mixer.
· Resume Function: The function takes effect if a CD is ejected accidentally. Once the DJ re-inserts the disc, it automatically starts playing from exactly the point where it stopped.

Specifications (US)
Disc Type	CD, CD-R/RW, MP3
Compatible Media	USB memory (FAT format, MP3)
Output Terminals	Audio Out (RCA), Digital Out (Coaxial)
Other Terminals	Control (3.5 mm mini plug)
Power Requirements	120 V (60 Hz)
Power Consumption	17 Watts
Weight	5.95 lbs
Dimensions	8.54 (W) x 11.66 (D) x 4.2 (H) in
Frequency Response	4 Hz to 20 kHz
Signal to Noise Ratio	115 dB or greater (JEITA)
Distortion	0.006% (JEITA)

Selling for $699.99 USD