Recording a turntable

[Paul Marshall]

I read somewhere, I know not where, that the circuitry is designed to accept certain types of input signal and the wrong type can cause damage.
I would like to record my vinyls. My turntable has Phonoplugs. I have bought phonoplug to XLR adapters. Before I start, does anyone know if the signal coming from the stylus is unsuitable for the Tascam DP 24 input circuitry?
Regards
Paul

 

[Arjan P]

You probably won't damage anything, but phono signals need a preamp that makes the signal suitable for regular audio devices (EQ and signal level). Something like Behringer PP400 or similar. Unless your turntable already has a specific output for that - most don't.

 

[Paul Marshall]

Thank you Arjan! In that case would I be better off taking the signal from the line out of the amplifier, the one that would normally go to a cassette deck or similar?

 

[Arjan P]

Yep, cause amplifiers with a dedicated phono input have the circuitry inthere already, so no need for a separate box in that case.

 

[Paul Marshall]

Brilliant! Thank you! And the signal from the amp is not likely to damage anything inside the DP24?

 

[Arjan P]

No, just keep phantom power off for the two inputs you use. And before playing a record, set the input knob fully to 'line' and adjust clockwise to get a maximum signal without clipping.

 

[Paul Marshall]

Thank you Arjan! That is most helpful.
Kind regards
Paul

 

[Dennis FMRJE]

If you can get sufficient gain from the DP-24 trim knobs then I would go direct from the turntable to the DP24, just use rca 1/4" phone adapter so you can plug directly into the DP 24 channels. This will ensure you get no buzz or unwanted noise from an amp. into the DP

 

[Gravity Jim]

I don't think a mic preamp will bring a turntable up to line level. The output is super-hyper-crazy low compared to a microphone. This is why stereo receivers have a special set of inputs marked "phono;" they are a couple of stages of preamplification behind those jacks.

 

[Arjan P]

Jim is right, and there's more; a phono preamp (or special amp input) also has a fixed EQ setting to re-amplify the (low) frequencies taken out when the vinyl was mastered. This is a necessity in vinyl production to prevent the stylus jumping out of the groove at bass-heavy signal.

 

[Paul Marshall]

Thank you all for your input. (No pun intended). I will let you know how it goes.
Kind regards to you all.

 

[Dennis FMRJE]

Thanks for the detail replies from Gravity Jim and Arjan; I agree with them, its been along time ago on discussion regarding vinyl fidelity, good to hear the tech speak.

 

[cmaffia]

I use this daily with my turntable. Great price and sounds awesome
http://artproaudio.com/artcessories/turntable_preamps/product/djpre_ii/