Using your USB Turntable

You’ve gotten to the point where you’ve purchased a USB turntable, hooked it up to your computer, and loaded all the software. Now what? Well, it’s time to use your new turntable. You’re probably wondering how if you’ve never used a turntable before.

Obviously, the first step is to turn it on. Depending on the brand you purchased, the actual turntable will either start moving automatically, or will be waiting for you to command it to. Some turntables have sensors that will know when you’ve put the record on so that it’s ready to play.

That’s the next step, putting the record on. If you play a LP, all you do is just put it on the little knob, which is known as a spindle. If you’re going to play a 45, you’ll have to put on the little adapter first.

Some USB turntables will have a little latch that’s holding the arm. You’ll have to release that latch so the tone arm can move. If you don’t have a latch, then you’re ready to go.

The next step depends on the type of turntable you purchased. With some, you just have to pick up the arm and place it on the moving record. Records should always be moving when you put the tone arm down, but it will also take a little practice before you get it right, so that you don’t damage either the arm or the record. With other turntables, you’ll either push a button, or pull a little level that will lift the tone arm. Some arms will automatically move to where they’re supposed to go, while others will need you to move the arm over to where you want to bring it down, then you’ll lower the little lever.

Something to know is that every USB turntable that’s sold isn’t always calibrated perfectly. This could make the tone arm miss the record entirely, or make it start in a place other than the beginning. Every turntable, also known as a record player, will have knobs to adjust the settings of the tone arm.

If you follow these steps, you’ll get nothing but enjoyment out of your USB turntable.