After posting about the USB turntable from Ion, I did a little more research, and, sure 'nuff, the reviews of this product (long before it's even released) were abysmal. Leaving me wondering if it was worth either the wait or the pricetag.
I realised, while I was pondering, that I hadn't tried to do any LP-to-CD conversion since either getting my Mac or experimenting with some of this new audio stuff. So I trailed wires all over the living room and tried to do some conversion of LPs that probably haven't been played in 20 years. I got a great recording of Brahms' 3rd Symphony in F, Op 90.
When I tried to do some noise reduction with Audacity, it took out the noise, as well as most of the music, leaving something sounding electronic and tinny. So I put the noise back in. It sounds really good to me except for about 4 seconds where it was too loud and clipped quite a bit. But I think I might just go back to trying to do stuff this way.
I *might* consider getting something like the iMic, which might improve my input a little bit. Although that's really hard to tell without trying. It would be nice if I the local Target actually carried one, and I could give it a spin without waiting 4 weeks for it. I guess I should have gotten one at the Apple store in San Diego when I had a chance. Bah.
I'm also having this problem where the mic input jack on my PowerBook isn't deep enough. So I can't push the line in all the way, so it doesn't connect right. Thus, I have to monkey around with it to get both channels to record, and then not wiggle anything, so that it doesn't fall out. I expect that this, too, would get fixed by getting the iMic, but it's kinda annoying that I can't just get the thing to plug in correctly.
FYI I find the M-Audio mobile pre quite nice (http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/MobilePreUSB-main-1.html)
it's an USB-powered audio preamp including XLR microphone inputs and phantom power. It's not that expensive, listed at $180.
Similar in function to the IMic, but the audio is probably better, and the XLR input are useful if you need to do high quality live recordings.
Bertrand, while I totally agree with you, and would get that if I could, at the moment $30 is a lot more doable than $180. That's actually the device that I really wanted.
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Recording/Computer/Hardware?sku=180642
ART USB Phono Plus -$100
High quality USB audio interface w/phono preamps
Phono and line ins, headphone jack, digital audio inputs as well. Mac compatible w/no drivers necessary.
Also available bundled w/Bias Soundsoap 2 (excellent software-gets rid of noise w/o quality loss, retails for $80 alone) for $130:
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product?sku=247509
After a days worth of eye strain (retail sites!) looking for a *good* turntable for the iMac G4 and IBook [Faster G4], figured it out. That ION thing is out. A 'hotrod' version of audio-technica AT-PL50 from;
http://www.lpgear.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=LG&Product_Code=ATPL50&Category_Code=TURN
seems to be the best low cost rig. Circuit City is dumping the AT-PL50 for under $70 + sh/tax, but there is a catch, parts. The lpgear shop work should be sound and DIY parts still equal their modified and tested inhouse price.
Secondly, cannot live without one or two iMic's, XM_Radio recordings (MyFi 5 hr buffer) dump, streams from real & itunes, etc. My iMic shipped from apple online store and the CD contained; Final Vinyl (complete not demo), and Peak LE demo, Megseg demo, and not to be left out, Audacity. After I got the iMic I was in a CompUSA and drifted to the back of the store looking for on sale stuff -- A Mini Apple store and a rack of Griffen stuff. An option, retail stores are getting the message.
Last. My iBook had SoundStudio 2 (pre garage band machine 3rd Q?), A great program, it does not have a lot of PR but it is a heavy lifter. I still use version 2 but version 3 is shipping at a good price ;
http://felttip.com/
So, my stack of vinyl will just have to submit to this bargain setup. No 'gullygee' turntable for me; tools just have to work, no debugging some not-ready-for-primetime core audio/USB extension for me.
Just have to get a room corner cleared and plug it all in and see if it (lpgear mods) work. Don't wait up, might take week or so, server drive flatlined and I am waiting for another.
-MrDutch 2006-02-19 06:33:26 GMT
As I said don't wait up. Today I unpacked the AT-PL50 from lpgear.com. They FederalExpress'ed it in great packing. Ordered on 3rd March and it arrived on the 9th, not bad.
Here, is the part where I get picky about things, I am just that way.
a. advertised as being assembled and factory parts (belt & stylus) bagged. NOT done. the unit was still factory strapped and the custom parts enclosed with invoice. Minor - however, I am tech, I will live.
b. This is on "audio-technica": The platter is lighter than I thought it would be. Ok, mass and the skinny belt is most likely the reason lpgear went with wider belt. Again, I am no expert.
The rest of the unit strikes me as well made for the price range, 'plasticity' is a good word. Switches are robust and have a good feel.
Overall I feel I got my moneys worth. Don't wait up for performance opinion; need to 'spring clean' some space while server down. Maybe I'll find some free web-page space somewhere, my isp or something like groups.myspace.com -- not my strong point.
till next time
-MrDutch