Add USB to a TT?

[dobias]

Gentlemen,
I need some guidance to add USB to my turntable instead of buying a cheap quality TT just for copying my records.
Are there schematics available or must I buy something ready made?
Frank

[Pano]

It's a rather complex project if you want to start from scratch. The easier way is a USB soundcard with a phono (RIAA) preamp built in, or a phono preamp and standard USB soundcard. You could actually build both into the TT base, as they are small.

What's your budget? Does it have to be contained in the TT, or will external units but the bill?

[konga]

Check out the ART v2 USB preamp

Amazon.com: ART V2 USB Phono Plus DJ Preamp: Musical Instruments

[dobias]

I looked at the DIY schematics & realize I'm not yet up to the task.
Amazon also listed some Behringer 'audio interfaces'. Their descriptions leave me confused as to whether any of them have an RIAA preamp. Researching the UCA202 apparently shows it can only be used with XP, 2000 or OS-X. I'm waiting for clarification from Behringer for a Win 7 capable unit.
Otherwise, I'll probably be left with the Art V2 unit.
Thank you both for the help.
Frank

[Buckapound]

I've had good results with the Pro-ject Phono box II USB, sounds very clean and quiet to me. I added a pot to it (separate concentric knobs) to adjust the volume downward. I think they're now selling a unit with a pot built in.

--Buckapound

[Pano]

FWIW, The Behringer UFO202 does have a phono input. There is a switch on the box to turn it on.

[dobias]

Gentlemen,
All very good information from this site.
Pano, you're right, as usual. The UFO202 is the only phono input version from Behringer.
That's the one I'm buying.
Frank

[flavio81]

Originally Posted by dobias

I looked at the DIY schematics & realize I'm not yet up to the task.
Amazon also listed some Behringer 'audio interfaces'. Their descriptions leave me confused as to whether any of them have an RIAA preamp. Researching the UCA202 apparently shows it can only be used with XP, 2000 or OS-X. I'm waiting for clarification from Behringer for a Win 7 capable unit.
Otherwise, I'll probably be left with the Art V2 unit.
Thank you both for the help.
Frank

Use the Behringer U-phono, as others have said. For slightly better sound quality, i'd choose one of the Audio-Technica budget phono preamps, and connect it to Behringer's UCA202 audio interface or the USB audio interface of your choice.

If you have a good USB audio interface / ADC (analog to digital converter), particularly if it has a good quality MIC (microphone) input, you might want to try doing the RIAA conversion in the digital domain.

That means connecting the cartridge directly to the MIC inputs, without a phono preamp, and then applying the RIAA equalization through software, for example using audacity. There are threads on the internet that explain this.

[doomy]

I have also been thinking on the same thing, not necessary a USB, but something to record high quality sound from the turntable.

I have been looking at high quality PCI soundcards with analog inputs, but omitted it just because of lazyness and price. Maybe one day and the soundcards are much better now compared for few years ago, and they're a little bit cheaper now.

soundcards from USB are nice, but I am not sure if it can record better than 16bit/48kHz, please check the specifications to avoid dissapoitions!

Let me summary the four options one have here about connecting a TurnTable to PC:
1) TT > RIAA > (inbuilt ADC/MIC) > USB on PC
2) TT > MIC IN on PC > software RIAA
3) TT > RIAA > Analog stereo in on PC
4) TT > RIAA > ADC > Digital IN on PC

I have a el cheapo USB soundcard which would be nice for testing.
I have also a microphone input on my laptop who would be nice for testing, and these is nice to begin with before I'm buying something more expensive.

To be short: There are several options, and it's mostly confusing in beginning, and then it'll be fun.

[pjblakey]

I have used doomy's option 2) with Groove Mechanic software. The results were very pleasing -not sure how it compares to other transfer methods.
Peter