USB interface for vinyl conversion with a mac?

April 25, 2013 6:46 AM

What device do I get to connect from preamp out to Mac via USB for better sound quality in converting cassettes and vinyl to digital media using my existing stereo and existing Mac mini? I don't want or need to buy a new sound system or computer.

I want to covert vinyl and cassettes to digital formats. I've done this before but it was some time ago and with a completely different computer and audio system setup.

I have a decent amp, preamp, turntable and cassette deck. I have a 2012 Mac Mini computer. I know I can use output from stereo to Mac Mini line/mic input. It seems to me I might get even better quality (eliminating noise form the computer itself, better processing, etc.) if I can find an external USB sound card or other device that has an inbuilt processing that is then sent along to the Mac Mini.

Currently the diagram would look like this:
[turntable]-[preamp]-[mac mini mic/line in]
The future diagram:
[turntable]-[preamp]-[USB sound card / processor device in question]-[mac mini USB port]

What's the mystery device? (Recommendations from family and friends has been Griffin imic, Turtle beach External sound card, Zoom H4N). Ideally the device is USD $100 or less; certainly $200 or less. Bonus points for software recommendations. I've used Audacity and rather like it but would entertain other suggestions.

I've read many questions regarding similar but not the same scenarios. I've also searched google but haven't really found the answer from someone who wasn't biased because they are trying to sell a service or a product. I'm looking for real world users to make comments and suggestions.

posted by brokeaspoke to Computers & Internet (9 answers total)

This should do it. Anything taking RCA to USB would work.
posted by supercres at 6:57 AM on April 25, 2013

Have you tried the RCA to Mac line-in set up yet? I get pretty good results that way.
posted by OmieWise at 7:06 AM on April 25, 2013 [1 favorite]

You're looking for a USB audio interface. It's going to give you better sound quality than the built-in Mac line-in jack. You'll also hear better sound if you connect the interface back to your amp for listening.

Full list at Sweetwater (priced low to high)

Anything from the Behringer UCA202 on up will work. The higher you go, these boxes will add mic preamps, additional channels, higher sampling rates, and better drivers. The Lexicon Alpha at $60 seems to have a good software bundle and includes that mic preamp.

I'm currently running a TC Electronic desktop Konnekt 6 (firewire).

For recording, it sounds like Audacity will be Ok for your purposes; however the LE version of Cubase provided with the Lexicon has more features.
posted by omnidrew at 7:30 AM on April 25, 2013

@supercres, that model has no RIAA equaliser, try their UFO202 instead which is intended for recording vinyl
posted by epo at 7:35 AM on April 25, 2013

Oops, missed the 'preamp' part. If OTOH, you don't have a phone stage in your amp then an equaliser is necessary.
posted by epo at 7:42 AM on April 25, 2013

Response by poster: Must the device have a RIAA equalizer when I'm using a preamp that has a phono stage built in?
posted by brokeaspoke at 7:44 AM on April 25, 2013

Response by poster: Hah! Reading minds.
posted by brokeaspoke at 7:44 AM on April 25, 2013

OP specified that the TT was going thru a preamp which I assume has the RIAA curve. If it's an old-school receiver or amp, wire up the interface to the tape in and out jacks.
posted by omnidrew at 2:41 PM on April 25, 2013

Response by poster: Great answers all. I'll let you know my choice(s) soon. Thanks!

omnidrew: connecting via tape in and out is the plan and the way I've done it in the past. The USB audio interface is the new part for me, which is there to increase quality, if at all possible.
posted by brokeaspoke at 8:36 PM on April 25, 2013