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vinyl posts

Vinyl record iPod touch app gives you the spins

by Laura June posted Apr 28th 2009 at 8:36PM

Vinyl has been on the verge of a big-time comeback for ages now (and for some of us, it never ceased to be the format of choice anyway), so we're pretty happy to see that even the land of zany iPhone / iPod apps is no longer immune to its charms. The spinning vinyl app by Theodore Watson makes use of the iPod touch's accelerometer to control the speed that the "record" is played at. The video (which is after the break) might make you a little sick when you watch it, but it sounds great. Analog rules, doesn't it?

[Via Make]

Continue reading Vinyl record iPod touch app gives you the spins

Stanton's T.55 and T.92 USB turntables take vinyl to MP3 sans fuss

by Darren Murph posted Mar 17th 2009 at 5:42PM

We've already seen a number of mainstays in the turntable game crank out decks that easily archive vinyl records to MP3, and now we've got a new pair from Stanton making that same claim. The T.92 and T.55 USB turntables each feature USB and S/PDIF outputs and come bundled with Cakewalk Pyro Audio Creator and Audacity software. On the hardware front, you'll find an S-Shaped tone arm for lower distortion and reduced record wear along with a built-in DSP with key lock for controlling tempo without affecting pitch. As for differences, the T.55 is a belt-drive turntable that features a straight tone arm, while the T.92 touts a high-torque direct drive motor. Check 'em both right now at popular music retailers across the globe for $299 (T.92) and $199 (T.55). Full release is after the break.

Gallery: Stanton's T.55 and T.92 USB turntables take vinyl to MP3 sans fuss

Continue reading Stanton's T.55 and T.92 USB turntables take vinyl to MP3 sans fuss

Survey shows increasing preference for MP3 by youngsters, audiophiles weep

by Darren Murph posted Mar 9th 2009 at 6:43AM

We can already envision the flame fest on this one, so we'll just cut to the chase. Jonathan Berger, professor of music at Stanford, has been conducting some pretty interesting tests on incoming students, and he's been recording results that'll surely make audiophiles cringe. He has been asking his students to listen to tracks in MP3 format as well as in formats of much higher quality, all while asking them to select the one they like best; increasingly, youngsters have been choosing the sizzling, tinny sounds of MP3 over more pure representations. The reasoning may have more to do with psychology that audiology, as many conclude that generations simply prefer what they're used to. Ever known someone to swear that vinyl sounds best, pops and all? So yeah, what we've really learned is that MP3 is more of an "acquired taste," but those still attempting to build their SACD collection should be genuinely afraid of the future.

[Via techdirt, image courtesy of iasos]

Denon jumps in the vinyl-to-MP3 turntable game with DP-200USB

by Darren Murph posted Oct 21st 2008 at 6:53AM

For turntablists, there have been a plethora of options when scouting a deck with integrated vinyl-to-MP3 capabilities. Until now, though, you've had to deal with second-rate brands (we kid) like Numark and ion -- neither of which possess the prestige and haughty factor that comes with a Denon logo. The DP-200USB enables deep-pocketed DJs to rip vinyl straight to MP3, and you can even save the digital files to a USB drive thanks to the built-in USB socket. The unit will be available in Japan early next month for ¥31,500 ($310), though it's hard to say if or when Denon will see fit to bring this Stateside.

[Via T3]

Sony announces PS-LX300USB USB turntable, ready to fight next format war against 8-track

by Ryan Block posted Feb 26th 2008 at 3:01AM

Apparently Sony found out they just don't make 'em like they used to and whipped up a belt-driven USB turntable: the PS-LX300USB. It'll export your 33s and 45s through Sound Forge Audio Studio (bundled) and has its own pre-amp, but Sony, you're living in the past, man. It'll go for $150 next month -- just sell off a Northern soul single or two to cover costs.

Numark's TTi turntable transfers vinyl to iPod sans a PC

by Darren Murph posted Jan 19th 2008 at 2:12AM

Sure, there's a smorgasbord of products out there designed to transfer your precious vinyl recordings to a slightly more modern format, but few pack the cool factor that comes bundled in gratis with Numark's TTi. This newfangled turntable not only brings back not-so-fond memories of your second high school prom, but it also boasts an integrated iPod dock, USB interface, a metal platter and pitch control to boot. Besides ripping records directly to your 'Pod, the unit also features a line-level output and comes with versions of EZ Vinyl Converter software for the PC or Mac should you prefer vinyl-to-computer ripping. We know, it's tough to leave the 70s, but the TTi should make the transition somewhat less painstaking when it lands in Q2 for $449. One more angle's waiting after the break.

Continue reading Numark's TTi turntable transfers vinyl to iPod sans a PC

Teac's GF-650 tabletop player enables vinyl-to-CD transfers

by Darren Murph posted Sep 13th 2007 at 7:03AM

It's been a hot minute since Teac introduced its first tabletop vinyl-to-CD sound machine, but the retrofied device is getting an appreciated upgrade in the GF-650. This unit touts an AM / FM radio, auxiliary input jack, wireless remote, CD player, and of course, a record player. As expected, users simply load in a CD-R / RW, queue up their favorite record, and walk away (or hang around, it's up to you) as the real-time transfer takes place. As for output, it's got a meager 3.5-watt x 2 amplifier, and it should be on sale right now in Japan for a staggering ¥83,790 ($740).

[Via Impress]

Ion Audio intros two new USB turntables

by Joshua Topolsky posted Jul 17th 2007 at 1:11AM

If you're like us (and we suspect you are), you have huge stacks of obscure, 1970's prog-rock on vinyl that you're unable to enjoy while jogging, biking, or road-tripping to Bonnaroo -- and that's harshing your mellow. Well, harsh no more, friends, because Ion Audio is here to help. The hardware manufacturer has just released two new variations on its iTTUSB USB turntable, the iTTUSB05 (pictured, $149.99) and the iTTUSB10 ($249.99). Both models feature 33 1/3 and 45 RPM playback, Line-level RCA outputs (utilizing a built-in preamp), EZ Vinyl recording software, and plug & play USB connectivity. The iTTUSB10 can also convert 78 RPM records via software trickery, and can digitize other media through its 1/8-inch stereo input (finally, you can convert all those cassette mixtapes from your exes). Of course, there are more expensive or more confusing options for this sort of thing, and pricey add-ons you might want -- but for a cheap, fast solution, this is definitely worth a glance.

ELP Declicker cleans up your vinyl

by Joshua Topolsky posted Jun 22nd 2007 at 9:01AM

We know how annoying it is when you're trying to bounce all of your old Rush LPs to FLAC (you know, so you can jam to Moving Pictures on the go), and your files are filled with ugly surface noise. Well, ELP (the company, not Emerson, Lake, and Palmer) feels your pain -- and it wants to help. For the ~~low, low~~ price of $2500 you can supposedly rid your music of pops and clicks (but not hiss, strangely) with the turn of a knob. Of course, there are much cheaper software options for this sort of thing, and you can't use it on 78s, but you probably won't be worried about that once you hear how good Tom Sawyer sounds.

[Thanks, Matt]

SeaGrand's GENESOUND rips vinyl to CD / MP3

by Darren Murph posted Feb 8th 2007 at 1:19AM

SeaGrand isn't exactly a well-known brand here in the US, but the company known for crafting nifty devices to rip one musical format to another is dropping one in for the retro crowd. Whether you've got 33s or 45s, SeaGrand's forthcoming GENESOUND should make ripping vinyl to MP3 a lesson in simplicity, and if you're stuck back in the days of compact disc, it'll burn to CD for you as well. The mini-system includes a pair of stereo speakers, brushed aluminum face, a hint of vintage styling, headphone out, CD / LP playback, and there's even USB / SD ports to carry your freshly ripped tunes on flash media. As expected, there's no word on how much this useful invention will run you, but folks in Japan can start ripping through that vinyl collection (and reminiscing about the days of DRM-free music) later this month.