Recording LP's To CD

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Level 1

17 points

Recording LP's To CD

I have just purchased an imac Mountain Lion and wish to record some LP's to CD. When I had Windows XP, I was able to plug the record player into the Line In socket with a small jack plug and use the recording software ready to transfer to a CD. On the Mac, I only have a Headphone socket which does not do the job. I have read the 100 plus posts on the same subject and am now completely confused. For one thing, I keep seeing mention of using a USB connection but where does the plug come from? I should therefore be very greatful if someone could set out an ideots guide for me on how to achieve my aim. I had assumed I could use iTunes's or Garageband's software.

iMac, OS X Mountain Lion (10.8)

Posted on Apr 6, 2013 3:22 AM

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Answer 1

R C-R

Level 6

17,794 points

Apr 6, 2013 5:06 AM in response to brbrown

The newest iMacs unfortunately do not have a line in jack so the only way to feed audio into it (except through the built-in mics, of course) is with an external device that converts analog audio (like what you get from a record player) to digital audio.

There are dozens of devices that do this, in all price & quality ranges. The least expensive connect to a Mac (or PC) with a USB plug. Depending on the record player you have, you may want to get one with a built-in preamp, which is required for the type of phonograph cartridge found in higher quality turntables.

One such device with a built-in preamp is the Behringer U-Phono UFO202.

A similar one without the preamp is the Behringer U-Control UCA222.

Another is the Griffin iMic, which includes a mic preamp, a different type of preamp not intended for use with phono cartridges.

All of these & many others include line level inputs, which would be all you would need if your record player outputs line level signals.

All will be "plug & play" (meaning you don't need any special software for the Mac to see them), but you will probably need to change the audio input settings in System Preferences > Sound to the entry for them, which will appear once they are plugged into one of your iMac's USB ports.

Message was edited by: R C-R

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Answer 2

MartinR

Level 7

24,420 points

Apr 6, 2013 6:45 AM in response to brbrown

You need is a device like the Behringer U-PHONO to connect your turntable to your Mac. Once connected you can use Garageband or any sound editor (like Sound Studio 4) to record your LP collection.

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Answer 3

brbrown Author

Level 1

17 points

Apr 6, 2013 11:52 PM in response to MartinR

Hello Both. Many thanks for your replies. I had hoped that a jackplug to USB converter cable would do the job but I guess what was inside the XP is not inside the Mac. This is all very disappointing. I have to keep buying the things I need which were all incuded in the XP for the same price.

Anyway, I'll get hold of an interface box and find out how to use Garageband. Just one thought though, I do have two options with turntables. I have a turntable without an amp which used to work on the XP, but I also have a turntable connected to my Hi Fi amplifier which also worked on the XP. If I get an interface box with a preamp, would I still be able to use the turntable through the Hi Fi?

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Answer 4

MartinR

Level 7

24,420 points

Apr 8, 2013 10:21 AM in response to brbrown

If I get an interface box with a preamp, would I still be able to use the turntable through the Hi Fi?

Yes, but in that case you would connect the output of the preamp to one of the AUX-IN inputs on your HiFi. You would not plug it into the PHONO input because the output of the preamp is much higher than the cartridge in your turntable, plus it would "double" the RIAA EQ, something you don't want to do.

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Answer 5

brbrown Author

Level 1

17 points

Apr 16, 2013 12:40 AM in response to MartinR

Hello Martin. Sorry about the delay responding and thank you for the post. I know what to do now.

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Answer 6

karenr

Level 1

12 points

Dec 22, 2016 9:01 AM in response to R C-R

This is the info I needed. I was looking at the Behringer Uphono vs the Griffin iMic and not sure which is best for me. I have a cassette player with just a headphone jack.

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