Flatline when I try to record from USB turntable

[Adam Arnold]

I am having trouble recording from a USB turntable using a Mac. I am confident this situation is a matter of user error rather hardware or software malfunction. The turntable is a Sony PS-LX310BT. The Mac runs Catalina 10.15.6. The Audacity version is 2.4.2. I am using a brand new USB cable.

I have read the Audacity tutorials for “Setting up a recording device”; “Audacity preferences”; “Copying tapes, LPs to CD or computer”; “Recording with USB turntable or USB cassette decks”; the wiki on “Mac and USB input devices”; and the frequently asked question, “Why do I get a flat line and no sound when I try to record?” I have also browsed through the forum.

In System Preferences>Sound>Input, I have selected “USB AUDIO CODEC.” When a record is playing I see an input level. In >Output, I have selected “Internal Speakers.” In Finder>Utilities>Audio MIDI Setup>Input, I have selected “USB AUDIO CODEC2 2 ins/out,” “Format: 2 ch 16-bit integer 44.1kHz.” When I click the Gear dropdown in the lower left corner, all choices are grayed out.

In Audacity’s Preferences>Devices, my settings are “Host: Core Audio”; “Playback Device: Built-In Output”; “Recording Device: USB AUDIO CODEC”; “Channels: 2 (Stereo).” In Preferences>Recording>Options, I have selected “Play other tracks while recording (overdub)” and “Detect dropouts.” Under >Sound Activated Recording, I have selected “Yes.” In Preferences>Quality>Sampling “Default Sample Rate” is 44100 Hz; “Default Sample Format” is 16-bit.

Please let me know the detail(s) I have overlooked.

[billw58]

Turn off "Sound Activated Recording". You can do this through Transport (menu) > Transport Options.

You don't need "Play other tracks while recording (overdub)".

It is convenient to enable "Software Playthrough" so you can hear what you are recording.

Both of the above options are available through the Transport Options sub-menu.

-- Bill