Once you’ve gotten all of your hardware ready, it’s time to actually digitize your records. This process is basically the equivalent of adding a USB port to your older turntable. Then connect the Scarlett 2i2 to your computer with the included USB cable. First, connect a pair of RCA to 1/4 inch cables from the back of your turntable to the two inputs on the front of the Scarlett 2i2. Using an ADC with an older turntable is a little more difficult than just plugging in a Y cable, but it’s easier than you might expect. It can record music at 24-bit resolution at 192kHz, which is considered high resolution (better than CD quality). For musicians, that could mean an instrument and vocals, but for needledrops it means you can record music in stereo. The Scarlett 2i2 is small enough to fit comfortably on a desk, and has two inputs, so you can record two tracks at once. I used a previous generation of Focusrite’s Scarlett 2i2 to record music and create needledrops before I bought the Sony’s PSH500, and I liked how they turned out. I’ve used a setup like this before, and I recommend using an audio interface, which is typically used by musicians to record their music. An ADC is purpose-built to convert analog sounds into a digital file, so your recordings will sound a lot better. If you want more control over your recordings, and really care about the audio quality of your digitized vinyl, you’ll want to connect your turntable up to an ADC (Analog Digital Converter). There are two ways to connect older gear to a computer. If you already have an analog turntable you like, there’s no reason to run out and get a new one with USB just for needledropping. Sony PSH500, $298, available at Amazon How to Create Needledrops With An Analog Turntable It even has a ground line, so you can connect the turntable to a piece of metal to reduce buzzing noises created by electrical currents running through different pieces of audio equipment. Recording at that resolution will make your albums sound as close to analog as possible, picking up every nuance of your record.Īnother benefit to this turntable is that you can upgrade its needle and cartridge - the one it comes with is pretty good already - for even higher fidelity recording.īesides the USB port, the PSH500 has a phone and line switch, so you can choose between its built-in preamp and using an external one, And a pair or RCA (red and white) outputs, so you can connect it to a stereo. The PSH500 can digitize your records in 2.8 MHz DSD - an audio resolution that’s higher than high-resolution (it’s currently the gold standard used by audiophile record labels like Analogue Productions). There’re no start or stop buttons, and the tone arm doesn’t automatically return at the end of your record.īut what it lacks in user friendliness, it makes up for in recording fidelity. It can play 33 and 45rpm records, but doesn’t come with a 45 adapter. Like Audio-Technica, Sony designed this turntable with vinyl recording in mind, though it’s not as beginner-friendly. If you don’t have a USB turntable, but are interested in making an upgrade or getting a dedicated machine just for needledrops, here are a couple of great choices. You connect the turntable to your computer over USB, open a recording program (we’ll recommend a couple of options a little later), and start recording.

Many modern turntables have a built-in preamp and USB port, which makes needledropping a lot easier. How to Create Needledrops With a USB Turntable I’ve preserved music that’s not available digitally, and gotten to appreciate it a lot more through multiple listens.ĭigitized vinyl won’t sound the same as playing it on a turntable through your stereo, but creating needledrops (the official term for digitized records) will let you recreate at least some of that magic. I’ve digitized hundreds of albums from my collection, and it’s one of the most fulfilling music projects I’ve ever undertaken. Plus, you can enjoy your vinyl without the risk of scratching or wearing them down. If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission.ĭigitizing your record collection is a great way to take some of the warmth of analog music with you on the go.

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