Recording noise using USB turntable

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oldnavy
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Recording noise using USB turntable

Post by oldnavy » Mon Mar 23, 2009 9:08 pm

I have posted the below with Apple Discussions, but I'm not getting any feedback. The problem, I believe, has little to do with any specific computer platform, and might be better addressed here:
I'm getting intermittent distortion/staticy noise at times when trying to record my LP's using "Audacity" software (1.2.5 for Intel Mac) and an audio-technica AT-LP2D USB Turntable. It is random, and comes out of nowhere at any time when recording. Once it starts, it persists. I've been able to complete several LP recordings, but it's very frustrating. I have to abandon the recording and start over if the noise starts up.

I've changed the USB cable, used a different USB 2.0 port on the back of my iMac (OS X 10.4.11/Intel), reinstalled the "Audacity" software, and reinstalled the stylus assembly - nothing eliminates the noise.

The below is a quote from audio-technica Repair/Support when I asked them about this noise problem:
"...there is a known problem with certain Mac computers experiencing "distortion" when using USB audio devices. This problem is not exclusive to our product, and has been documented online by several USB audio device users. I believe this to be a USB audio driver issue. I highly recommend contacting the folks at Apple about this issue."

I've not been able find anything in Apple Discussions or Audacity Forum that point to any inherent problem with either the iMac hardware or the USB turntable. The very random nature of the noise problem would indicate a defect in the turntable USB circuitry. I might add that when I'm monitoring noise (on my iMac while recording using "Audacity"), there is NO NOISE monitored at a clock radio connected to the turntable (turntable "LINE" output to "AUX" input of the clock/radio).

Has anyone heard of this problem? Any suggestions?

kozikowski
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Re: Recording noise using USB turntable

Post by kozikowski » Mon Mar 23, 2009 9:24 pm

<<<Has anyone heard of this problem? >>>

Oh, yes. Thousands. A good way to clear a room is to announce, "Hi, I have trouble with my USB turntable!" You wouldn't think you could get ten people through a door all at once, but there they go.

It's not the Mac. You bought a throw-away turntable and some of those get to be thrown away a little sooner than is good. Fortunately, you have a Mac and we have a desperation method.

USB Turntable--Analog Solution
http://audacityteam.org/forum/viewtopic ... 8840#p8840

Koz

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