Recording with Audacity from turntable

[sailorsteve]

Trying to get reacquainted with Audacity after limited use several years ago. Just downloaded 2.0.4, installed via .exe installer, using Vista OS. Previously had success sourcing from a reel-to-reel deck which I was able to place next to the computer and connect with standard stereo patch cords. Have largely forgotten the "nuts and bolts" of Audacity, but that will come. My question- can I plug the turntable directly into the computer input as with the tape deck, or does the signal have to go through my amplifier first? (These are all part of a traditional component stereo system) Note that this is a turntable, and not a record player with speakers, etc. I seem to recall that it won't work, as the signal from the stylus is not sufficient.

Secondly, if this in fact will not work, does anyone have thoughts about whether a long (25') patch cord from the amplifier to the computer input would compromise the quality of the signal?

Apologies if this has already been addressed, could not find it. Thanks for any wisdom on this.

[DVDdoug]

Note that this is a turntable, and not a record player with speakers, etc. I seem to recall that it won't work, as the signal from the stylus is not sufficient.

That's correct, you need a preamp. A phono preamp provides the proper gain as well as the required RIAA Equalization

Secondly, if this in fact will not work, does anyone have thoughts about whether a long (25') patch cord from the amplifier to the computer input would compromise the quality of the signal?

That's a little long, and you might pick-up hum. I wouldn't try running the direct turntable output that far, but you can try running a long cable out of your preamp to the computer. (Of course, it's also more convenient to have the turntable near the computer.)

If you have the complete component system, your receiver or amplifier probably has a tape-output. That output is line level and will connect to line-in on your soundcard (with the appropriate cables/adapters).

If you have a laptop with no line-in, you will need an interface with line-in. The Behringer UCA202 is usually the least expensive solution.

Or, you can get something like the UFA202 which has a phono preamp built in.



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[sailorsteve]

Thanks for the explanation, doug. After my post, I Googled the question also, and got the same type of answer, but yours is easier to follow. I'm going to buy a preamp, mindful of the specs of my turntable (Technics SL-BD5) and cartridge (audiotechnica 8008) and bring the t-table into the room with the PC, and see how that works out. Your quick response is appreciated!

[waxcylinder]

The phono pre-amp that I have is ART DJ-Pre11 which I find excellent I run it through my Edirol UA-1EX external USB soundcard to the PC. ART also make an integrated preamp amd USB soundcard that was not available when I was purchasing - otherwise I would have bought that.

Preamp: http://artproaudio.com/artcessories/tur ... /djpre_ii/

Combined unit: http://artproaudio.com/artcessories/tur ... o_plus-ps/

WC

[sailorsteve]

Update... Bought Behrenger microphono pp400 preamp, hookup quick and easy. But- the 2.0.4 version of Audacity repeatedly crashed my computer (blue screen, restart, etc.) so I am using 2.0.3 instead. All going well, several lp's recorded, as someone said, It all comes back to me now. Thanks for the help.