Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

Connecting turntable with 2007 iMac

I have a turntable that I would like to connect to my 2007 iMac to be able to play records through the iMac. Is there a way that the two can be connected to do that?


Thanks for your suggestions.


Vernon

iMac Snow Leopard / MBPro Lion-OTHER, Mac OS X (10.6.2)

Posted on Mar 16, 2012 6:42 PM

Reply
Question marked as Best reply

Posted on Mar 16, 2012 6:50 PM

If this is a true stand-alone turntable you will need to feed it through a pre-amp in order to get the signal to a level the Mac will accept. I am not familiar with your iMac but I assume it has a microphone jack. If this is the case, you then will need a RCA to minijack converter to take the feed out of your amp/preamp and feed it into the computer's microphone socket. If it doesn't have a microphone input you will need something like the Belkin iMic to digitize the analog signal coming from the RCA jacks and feed it in through the USB port.

8 replies
Question marked as Best reply

Mar 16, 2012 6:50 PM in response to VRS

If this is a true stand-alone turntable you will need to feed it through a pre-amp in order to get the signal to a level the Mac will accept. I am not familiar with your iMac but I assume it has a microphone jack. If this is the case, you then will need a RCA to minijack converter to take the feed out of your amp/preamp and feed it into the computer's microphone socket. If it doesn't have a microphone input you will need something like the Belkin iMic to digitize the analog signal coming from the RCA jacks and feed it in through the USB port.

Mar 16, 2012 7:10 PM in response to VRS

The iMac's audio input is Line Level and it will not pickup the weak audio signals from guitars, mic's, component turntables or similar devices.


see > Line level - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia


You will need to have the turntable connected to a receiver and then the receiver connected to the iMac's audio input port with a stereo RCA to 3.5mm cable or adapter.


For examples:

see > Amazon.com: RiteAV - 3.5mm to RCA Stereo Female Cable - 6 inch: Electronics

or > Amazon.com: Cables To Go - 40645 - 3.5mm Stereo Male To 2X RCA Female Adapter: Electronics


Plus, then if you want to pass the audio thru from the iMac's input to output, you will also need a handy little App called LineIn.


see > Rogue Amoeba | Freebies: Free Software for Mac OS X

Mar 17, 2012 6:23 AM in response to Radiation Mac

This is a radio. A radio only provides audio from a selected broadcasting station. You will notice it has no screen, therefore no images.


(I realize you used "phonograph" as a way of communicating the basic idea, but a bit of nit-picking. A turntable is not the same as a phonograph. A turntable provides only a negligible signal from a vinyl recording, which must then be amplified and then directed to a device which can translate that signal into audible sound waves, as in a speaker or headphones. A phonograph includes the turntable, the amplifier and the speaker.)


User uploaded file

Mar 17, 2012 7:32 AM in response to WZZZ

I did not use "phonograph" (which I have had in the deep dark past); I used "turntable" which I now have - BUT I just noticed that you were replying to Ziatron and not to my post - sorry about the mistake! - Oh yes, my "radio" was not nearly as fancy as the one you have posted!

Connecting turntable with 2007 iMac

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple ID.