USB Turntables
February 26th, 2009If you have a special collection of music that’s all vinyl, you should consider protecting it. Surely some of your favorite music is on these older records and perhaps you don’t get much use out of them as you’d like. Now, with the technology of a USB turntable, you can convert all of these records into MP3 files.
USB Turntables are easy to use, requiring little tech savvy. Simply by connecting the device to your computer with a USB cord, you can quickly transfer you entire collection to the computer. Once they’re MP3 players, you’ll have the music safely in two places, and can play them on your computer, MP3 player, or burn disks for convenient listening.
There are several different options you can pick from. All of them are reasonably priced, and will likely fit your budget. Generally, they go for around $100 to $300 new, but you can find gently used units online for even better prices.
Crosley makes several USB turntables. Their products keep a more traditional look, so when it’s not in use it adds some sophistication to the room it’s in. Don’t be fooled by the older look though, as their models have three different speeds and easy to use software.
ION is emerging as a popular brand for these UBS turntables as well. Their units tend to have a more modern and tech look to them, which would add a nice emphasis to any room. The various models support either two or three speeds, and some even have built-in speakers for stand-alone use.
Sony has even come out with their own USB turntable. Their unit, the PS-LX300USB, has a mid-level price, a discrete black case, and decent quality. However, Mac users beware, as it is only compatible with Windows. Also, it seems to be harder to use than other options, with somewhat confusing settings and options.
Audio-Technica makes higher quality USB turntables, putting them on in the middle of the price range. However, the original quality of your records are preserved nicely with their units, while still easy to operate. Some of the nicer features are antiskate adjustment, high-accuracy quartz-controlled pitch lock, and tone-arm adjustment and lock.
On the higher pricing end, you’ll find USB turntables by Numark. Their products do an exceptional job of removing the clicks, pops, and other stray noises that your original vinyl records had. They even have minijack inputs to allow you to transfer your cassette tapes.
These USB turntables are the perfect solution for protecting your valuable record collection. By transferring the music to MP3, you’ll have the ability to save it on your computer, MP3 player, and music CDs. This will also make your old favorite music more convenient than ever before. Rather than setting up a turntable just to enjoy a great song, now all you’ll have to do is turn on your MP3 player or play a CD. These products are a great investment, well worth the safety and enjoyment of your invaluable music collection.