Recommend a Turntable and how to Sample

OP-1
#1

Hi folks.


Excuse the noob question but i would like to get a turntable to sample from.(please recommend one) I see i need to input to the mic to sample. Do i need to buy a certain cable thats not included with the turntable? Is there any thing i should know tips wise here as its new to me. Thanks!

Budget small

#2

Hi Peeter, the main thing to look for sampling is whether the turntable has a “line” output or only a “phono” output. The signal from the phono output won’t sound right when you sample it, so you’ll need a separate “phono preamp” to convert it. Many newer turntables have a phono preamp built in, and so they’re ready to connect directly. If you aren’t too concerned with audio quality, anything with a line output will do.

For a budget pick I suggest the LP60 from Audio-Technica:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002GYTPAE

It’s ready to connect to the OP-1 mic input out of the box. It has a switchable line/phono output and an 3.5mm jack adapter.

If you have a little more to spend, and you want to use the turntable for listening as well as sampling, consider stepping up to the LP120, which has a better drive mechanism and a fully adjustable tone arm.
https://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-AT-LP120-USB-Direct-Drive-Professional-Turntable/dp/B002S1CJ2Q/

PS. I have no personal experience with the LP60. I am mainly recommending it cause a) the LP120 is really good and b) it’s cheaper while still meeting your needs for sampling.

hth!

#3

Cheers macfergus. Im onto it now. Do the usb to mic input cables usually come included? I guess they arent.

#4

Normally you’d only use the USB output for sampling to a computer. If you want to sample directly on an OP-1 or other hardware, you’d use the RCA output.

Most turntables won’t include cable you need, although the LP60 does. If you pick up a different turntable, you’ll probably need an adapter like this one:
https://www.amazon.com/RiteAV-Stereo-Female-Adapter-Y-Cable/dp/B0018MI5F6/
They are easy to find and shouldn’t cost much more than about US$5.

#5

Thanks. Shows how little i know! Good thing im in the right place to ask. Thanks!!

#6

what cables do I need? I have the OP-1 arriving this week and own a bluetooth audio-technica LP120USB

#7

would phono to 3.5mm be sufficient. like if I get a 5-10m cable straight into the OP-1. would that work or do I need some kind of signal splitter?

#8

you dont need a splitter

#9

Odds are you’re wanting to do this on a smallish budget. As in, once you’ve factored-in the cost a turntable > Stylus that won’t sound thin > Pre-amp > Phono input device or Phone to jack adapters > Audio interface/computer.
Then there’s the medium itself or are you hoping to find good sample fodder in a charity shop?

Another alternative could be to curate a folder full of what you’ll use in a high quality digital format then use some free plugins to add vinyl crackle/clicks/scratches, a hint of some smile shaped EQ curves and maybe use xPaulstretch to alter the length of samples.
A free Valhalla reverb should you require.

Whichever way you do it I’m positive you’ll feel good, gathering your own ‘original’ material is fun.