Macworld: connecting turntable to iMac ...

Up to Discussions in Mac 911

8 Replies Last post: Jun 22, 2003 9:50 AM by BigBob

jeff060758

2 posts since
Jun 19, 2003

Jun 19, 2003 11:49 AM

connecting turntable to iMac

I would like to connect my iMac to my turntable which has 2 RCA plugs and a ground wire. Any suggestions?
thanks
jeff

rockinphotog

2,984 posts since
Oct 27, 2001

1. Jun 19, 2003 2:01 PM

in response to: jeff060758

Re: connecting turntable to iMac

Old thread: Connecting Turntables/Mixer to iBook?

rockinphotog

2,984 posts since
Oct 27, 2001

2. Jun 19, 2003 5:29 PM

in response to: jeff060758

Re: connecting turntable to iMac

In reply to:<hr />
thanks for responding. your response was for "connecting
turntables/mixers to iBook" Can I use these suggestions for my iMac?
Some hardware that was suggested like the IMic do not have a connection
for my turntable ground, any suggestions?
thanks

<hr />

I think that the thread I suggested could just have easily been titled ""connecting turntables/mixers to my Mac." The solutions are just as relevant with any machine. I am curious why you need the ground. is it a really old turntable? I cannot remember any that we ever had having a ground.

Maybe someone else knows about this?

TomMacs

1,067 posts since
Mar 25, 2003

3. Jun 19, 2003 7:01 PM

in response to: jeff060758

Re: connecting turntable to iMac

Look for a PCI card that supports RCA Left and Right and with an input

mystery_stain

1,197 posts since
Feb 2, 2001

4. Jun 19, 2003 7:09 PM

in response to: TomMacs

Re: connecting turntable to iMac

His iMac won't take a PCI card, but there's probably a USB interface with those inputs, try m-audio.com

bull

90 posts since
Jun 13, 2001

5. Jun 20, 2003 6:56 AM

in response to: rockinphotog

Re: connecting turntable to iMac

I haven't used it, but I hear the Griffin iMic works pretty well as an RCA-to-USB interface. As for the ground wire, you're going to have to put an amp or pre-amp between the turntable and Mac anyway (trust me on this), and as far as I know, most of those have a ground connection.

BigBob

8 posts since
Apr 29, 2001

6. Jun 21, 2003 5:12 PM

in response to: jeff060758

Re: connecting turntable to iMac

Turntable outputs are NOT line-level signals.
You will require a pre-amp (either via a normal tuner/pre-amp/amp or a separate pre-amp). I believe Radio Shack carries a turntable pre-amp that will do the trick.
Turntagle cartridges require a pre-amp which provide RIAA equalization to the cartridges signal... it is NOT like connecting a CD or tape player.

After you deal with the pre-amp issue, you will still have to deal with connecting it to your computer.

jeff060758

2 posts since
Jun 19, 2003

7. Jun 21, 2003 11:48 PM

in response to: BigBob

Re: connecting turntable to iMac

any suggestions on connecting pre amp to my iMac?

BigBob

8 posts since
Apr 29, 2001

8. Jun 22, 2003 9:50 AM

in response to: jeff060758

Re: connecting turntable to iMac

The pre-amp is just going to be a box in line between the turntable and your Mac.
You will connect the pre-amp to your Mac the same way you were going to connect the turntable directly

turntable >> plugs into pre-amp >>> plugs into adaptor of some sort (Griffin iMic?) >> plugs into USB.

Go to original post

Name	City

Address 1	State	Zip

Address 2	E-mail (optional)

Jun 19, 2003 11:49 AM

connecting turntable to iMac

Actions

More Like This