Audacity Forum

Hello all:

I have recently purchased the Ion iTTUSB turntable. The product came with Audacity software. Since I have lots of old vinyl records, I thought what a great idea to record them into my computer and onto CD's.

It has been a breeze to use, but I have an issue/question on sound quality. I can take an old record, play it on my old turntable, and it sounds great, as the original should. Then, I take the record and us the iTTUSB, and there are certain songs where it sounds like an instrument is missing.

For example, if anyone knows "Born To Be Wild" by Steppenwolf, there is a prevalent organ used in that song. However, when I play that album on the iTTUSB and record into the computer, I cannot hear that organ. I can hear all other instruments but the organ, so needless to say, the song sounds different.

Am I doing somthing incorrectly? Has anyone else experienced this? I have sent two messages to the support team at ION, but cannot seem to get a response. I have a Dell pc with Windows Vista Premium Edition.

Thanks!

The first thing to do is to test your ION through your hifi system. Plug the ION to your hifi using the two RCA cables supplied (red&white plugs) - note carefully that the ION has two possible settings - PHONO if you plug into to the sockets for a turntable input - and LINE if you plug into a n AUX/Tape/CD input on your hifi. The switch is on the bottom panel next to the RCA cables.

If that sounds ok, with full sound spectrum, then your USB connection is suspect - either the internal wirings in the ION, the cable itsef (unlikely), the wirings on the USB plug - or even your USB input port on your computer.

If the sound is not ok, then you ION's cartridge/arm combination is suspect. Ensure that it is all installed correctly - ensure that the four connectors to the pins on the cartridge all alll pushed home snugly (take care not to bend or snap the pins) - check that the headshell is tighened on the arm (but don't over-tighten). Check that the arm is installed and set up correctly, as per the manual. Check the vertical alignment of the cartridge - to do this, place a small mirror on the TT mat, gently lower the arm/cartridge onto the mirror, inspect visually for alignment.

I would recommend calling the ION helpline on the phone rather than emailing them . I have had occasion to call both the UK and US helplines - both were extremely helpful - US (401) 658-3743 UK +44 (125) 235 3850.

I have in the past used an ION to successfully transcribe 45s and LPs - it should work ok (my only problem was small, but noticeable, amounts of wow&flutter on some recordings).
WC

Thanks for the reply waxcylinder. I appreciate it.

I will give these techniques a try.