Getting the classic sound of vinyl into a digital format used to be majorly time consuming; you had to first go through the process of  somehow getting the files into either wav or compressed mp3 format, which you’d then presumably dump into iTunes and finally you could throw the files onto your ipod. This new turntable cuts out the middleman – effectively saving a decent amount of time spent ripping music. A built-in iPod dock allows you to transfer audio directly from your records onto an iPod Classic or Nano. There’s also a USB port, so you can connect your Mac or PC and easily convert music to digital files.

Most likely, DJs who are vinyl aficionados will balk at such a contraption. It’s said that recording vinyl to digital format outside of the studio environment takes away the unique original sound of the vinyl recordings – but then again re-recording vinyl music as any other format will not sound as good as the original; which is why these DJs prefer vinyl to begin with.

This turntable does offer some amount of control over gain via a knob located in a somewhat awkward area under the unit. The software that comes with it does a decent job of getting the music into MP3 format, but if you would like to have a bit more control over sampling rates, song gaps and noise suppression there is better software on the market that will give you far more control over the end result.

This product is great for a few purposes as we see it:

• People who have a classic music collection which cannot buy (or choose not to) the record in CD format
• Those who collect vinyl records, but want the ease of portable music
• A DJ who is just starting out and prefers digital music formats and equipment over old-school turntable DJ’ing

This may not be the end-all-be-all vinyl-to-digital turntable out there, but it’s certainly a good start towards future innovations. Bottom line is that it does what it says it will do: Changes Vinyl recording to a digital format. How you end up using those files is up to you, but the Newmark TTI Turntable works and does a pretty good job at this price point.

Retail: $449 (but seen on Amazon for around $250)

www.numark.com

KEY FEATURES:

• Record directly to iPod video (5th gen) and iPod nano (2nd gen)
• Record directly to your computer via USB
• Works with all docking iPod models when used through iTunes
• 33 and 45 RPM belt-drive turntable (Recording 78 RPM records requires using bundled software)
• Line-level RCA outputs (built-in phono preamp)
• EZ Vinyl Converter software (PC) and EZ Audio Converter (Mac) for hassle-free recording
• Audacity recording (PC and Mac) software included to reduce vinyl noise and pops
• Easy to set up No special drivers needed

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