ION USB turntable

Question

ION USB turntable

I got the ION USB turntable to transfer my records to CD thru my iBook. Since there is no audio input on the computer, do I need an iMic to get the audio into the ibook? Supposedly, the USB connection is all that is required, but I am only getting a high-pitched electronic whine so far. The specs say the turntable is "compatible with any software that supports audio input sound cards". It comes with Audacity, which seems to be functioning properly. Any suggestions would be welcome. Thanks.

Beige G3, Pismo, iBookG4, Mac OS X (10.4.2)

Posted on Jun 11, 2006 6:03 AM

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Answer 1

EthanZ

Level 1

10 points

Jun 23, 2006 2:35 PM in response to Janet Goldbaum

The audio comes in via the USB port, but it requires more than a little customization. Here's what's worked for me on my PowerBook:

Plug in the turntable, connect it to your Mac, turn it on.

Open Applications -> Utilities -> Audio MIDI Setup

Set Default Input, Default Output and System Output to "USB Audio Codec"

Set Audio Input Format to 44100Hz, 2 channel, 16 bit

Open Audacity. In preferences, set I/O recording device to USB Audio Codec. In Quality, set Sample Rate and Format to 44100Hz and 16-bit.

The problem - there's a persistent bug in either Audio MIDI or Audacity that will sometimes revert your settings after you've set them. You may need to try several times. I believe this is an Apple bug and would love to see it fixed in 10.4.7... hint, hint...

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Answer 2

Duane

Level 10

124,293 points

Jun 12, 2006 9:52 AM in response to Janet Goldbaum

The digitized sound travels via USB into your Mac.

The audio outputs on the turntable are only for use with a non-computer device like a stereo receiver.

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Answer 3

Dolt

Level 1

149 points

Jul 5, 2006 10:11 AM in response to EthanZ

I was thinking of buying one of those Ion turntables, but they're getting mixed reviews from mac users around the web. What has your experience with them been like? Do they sound OK?

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Answer 4

Sep 6, 2006 9:27 AM in response to Dolt

dolt, ion turntable works fine; audacity that comes with it needs a bit of fiddling and occasional reloading, but that might be me.

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Answer 5

Dolt

Level 1

149 points

Sep 6, 2006 11:10 AM in response to clive.jones8

I eventually bought one and it works fine--I just haven't used Audacity with it. I have been using the shareware app Sound Studio with it, and it works fine. Thanks.

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Answer 6

Nov 8, 2006 1:05 PM in response to Dolt

I returned the turntable and bought one for roughly half the price. I never could get a buzz-free signal with the ION.

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