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I ended up using the mini stereo adapter and plugging it into the line input on my Mac Mini (Make sure you switch to LINE first). If you don't know, clipping is when the volume is too loud for the digital conversion to work so you get distorted sound. It works fine using the RCA outputs, but you might as well buy the cheaper Audio Technica AT-PL50 Belt Drive Turntable if you only need RCA. This one just has a little post underneath and you have to tie the arm to it to keep it in place.
Plus it clipped like crazy. I'm giving this the lowest possible rating because of the terrible USB quality. At this point it sounded great. Not only does it look stupid, the included cable looks cheap. However, there's no way to control the volume level with the USB connection so you'd better hope your records are really quiet.
However, there are a couple things that still annoyed me: * Every other turntable I've seen has a clip to hold the tone arm in place when you move the unit. It seems like the connectors could easily get bent and then you'd be out of luck.All in all, I think I'm going to send this back. When using the USB there was tons of extra noise, loud enough to hear even over the music. * Instead of RCA output plugs, it has a built in RCA cord. Changing the PHONO/LINE switch doesn't change the USB output level at all either.So ignoring the USB, I'd probably give this 3.5-4.
It was nice that it comes with several RCA adapters. Come on. I'd rather spend the extra $30 on a better stylus than worthless USB output, especially now that I know it's so easy to connect the RCA line output to my computer.
This turntable has been great. It makes it easy to convert records to digital formats. The software is easy to setup and use, although I did have to go to the web to download some updates--the version that ships for the mac is designed for PowerPC processors and I have an Intel mac. I also had a little trouble using the USB interface, but the thing worked great when I used my computer's line-in input.Overall, I would highly recommend this turntable for anyone that has old LPs or 45s they want to hang onto or add to their digital library.
The software is OK. The turntable works flawlessly. This is an excellent turntable to connect to your PC to rip the old LPs to a digital format. I immediately used Audacity as I was familiar with it.(it is available on line for free) It does an excellent job of recording from the turntable. I originally planned to connect it to a USB port, but it has so many connection options, that I was able to connect it directly to my sound card's line-in. All connectors and adapters are included in the box. Cakewalk software (PC only) is also included, but I haven't used it yet. I nearly purchased another brand, but I am very happy that I chose Audio Technica.
You do get what you pay for; many of the parts are plastic. The other minor problem I have is that I'm unable to shorten tracks (songs). You get faster at it after your first few CDs. Except, after "shortening" the tracks I ended up with the same length tracks, but with silence in the segments that I thought I had edited out. The instructions for getting started are pretty easy to follow. But, there is a learning curve on how to most efficiently create CDs. I selected this unit over the others because of the mostly favorable reviews and the price value. So, I tried to shorten a few tracks using the tabs that allow you do do so when you are in the edit mode.
One nice feature is I can fade in/out songs in the edit mode.The only (relatively minor) frustration I have is I haven't been able to figure out the software for eliminating pops/hiss/crackles. For example, a custom album I created was a bit over 80 minutes (the max length that fits on a CD). I figure if I dig deep enough in the help tab I'll be able to figure this out, but they sure don't make it easy. There are a few "bugs". This should be fine as long as you handle the unit accordingly or something is apt to break.I've been quite happy with it. To fit w/in the 80 minute length I ended up eliminating one of the songs.
Once done digitizing the CD it now takes me only a few minutes to burn the files onto a CD. I learned that when burning the CD (at least with my laptop), you should not insert the CD into the driver until the software requests that it be done. The unit does not have the ability to record tapes (there is no input) like other units do. Luckily, most of my albums are in good shape so I don't much need to use the pop/hiss/crackle removing software.
I haven't experienced any problems with it at all - the music is clear and tracks well. I have a couple hundred albums that I have not listened to for years - and am now getting the chance (great to listen to them on the turntable as I record). This is a great turntable for turning vinyl albums into digital music for play as wav, mp3 and ITunes quality. It took me a bit of time to get used to the included software, Cakewalk,(make sure never to use characters when naming a track that should not be used (',*)), but since it has worked fine. I travel a lot - and have lived overseas for much of the past 14 years - hopefully now I'll be able to include these great albums in my IPOD selections. The turntable itself is good and solid and includes a dust cover (one reason I chose the Audio Technica over the ION). I am able to record a full album, then go through and tag the individual songs for download. Tagging only takes a few minutes (depending on the album), but gives me the option now of playing them individually or playing the full album (or side).
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