Connecting a turntable to a computer typically involves routing the audio signal through an amplifier before reaching your computer's input port. This ensures the proper pre-amplification and signal conversion for recording or playback on your digital device.
Connecting Your Turntable to Your Computer: A Step-by-Step Guide
To successfully connect your turntable to your computer, you'll need a few specific cables and an amplifier with a phono input. The process involves two primary connections, as outlined below.
Required Equipment
Before you begin, ensure you have the following:
- Turntable: Your record player.
- Amplifier with Phono Input: This is crucial as turntables require pre-amplification (a "phono stage") to boost their low-level signal to a standard line level.
- Stereo Audio Cable: Usually RCA (red and white) connectors on both ends, for connecting the turntable to the amplifier.
- Stereo to 3.5mm Cable: This cable will have RCA (red and white) connectors on one end (stereo) and a single 3.5mm stereo jack on the other, for connecting the amplifier to your computer.
- Computer: With a 3.5mm audio input (often labeled "Line In" or with a microphone icon).
Connection Steps
Follow these steps to establish the connection:
- Connect the Turntable to the Amplifier:
- Utilize the stereo audio cable (RCA to RCA) to link your turntable to your amplifier.
- Plug the cable's ends into the designated phono input ports on your amplifier. These are specifically designed for turntable signals.
- Connect the Amplifier to the Computer:
- Take the stereo to 3.5mm cable.
- Plug the stereo (RCA) end of this cable into the OUT port (or "Line Out" / "Rec Out") of your amplifier. This port sends the processed audio signal out from the amplifier.
- Plug the 3.5mm end of the cable into the IN port (or "Line In" / microphone port) on your computer.
Connection Summary
The following table provides a quick overview of the connections:
| Device | Connects From | Connects To | Cable Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turntable | Turntable's Output | Amp's Phono Input | Stereo Audio Cable (RCA) |
| Amplifier | Amp's OUT Port | Computer's IN Port | Stereo to 3.5mm Cable (RCA to 3.5mm) |
This setup allows your computer to receive the audio signal from your turntable, enabling you to digitize your vinyl collection or simply play your records through your computer's speakers or headphones.
