The Numark TTUSB is an affordable turntable that helps bring to life your vinyl records. It is a plug-and-play solution that also helps create digital variants of your LP records. In other words, it lets you make digital files out of them. Besides the Numark TTUSB turntable itself, the product bundle has all the cables needed to connect it to your computer, including RCAs and a USB cable. There is also a software tool thrown in that helps with removing those annoying pops and clicks. Let’s discuss the features and additional tools in a bit more detail.
Contents
Key Features
The following are some key features of the turntable:
• Plays 45 RPM and 33-1/3 recordings
• Line-level RCA outputs along with an inbuilt pre-amp
• Adjustable skate control and pitch control
• Comes with a 1/8-inch stereo input jack
• USB connectivity for both PC and Mac
• Die-cast aluminum platter
How Does the Numark TTUSB Work?
As mentioned before, the Numark TTUSB plays and also converts your LP records to digital files. It offers you the EZ Vinyl/Tape Converter program that guides you on how to turn your vinyls into digital audio records. The software is easy to use and pretty self-explanatory. Even if you have not made such conversions before or you are completely new to the world of turntables and LP records, you will not have problems converting your LPs. As soon as you hook the turntable via USB to your computer, the program would take you through the process step by step.
The Numark TTUSB comes with a belt-drive motor that helps reduce noise while making conversions. The anti-skate control feature makes sure the needle doesn’t skip. There is also a counterweight that helps place the correct amount of stylus pressure on the vinyl. Also, it features a pitch-adjusting tabletop slider for making minor modifications to your record’s sound. As mentioned earlier, the turntable comes with pretty much all cables you would require for digitally transferring files.
Features in Spotlight
• EZ Vinyl Converter 2
EZ Vinyl Converter 2, or EZ Video Converter (for the Mac), is a software program that helps convert records into files that are compatible with iTunes and even iPods. The software has a unique feature called Gracenote MusicID. It’s a technology that assesses your vinyl records and retrieves artist, album, and song data automatically. In other words, the software makes inputting track information for your digital files extremely easy. On a PC or Mac, you may digitally archive collections to your MP3 device or computer.
• Futuristic Design
The Numark TTUSB looks modern and stylish. Despite its sophisticated looks, there is a dash of retro in the design. In other words, it is a futuristic-looking turntable from the 1970s. The top dashboard has the on/off button. The corners have a couple of start/stop buttons. The buttons are large, unambiguous, and have the 80s/90s look and feel. The tone arm boasts a smooth action. It’s quite easy to place on the vinyl and reposition when you’re done.
• Automatic Track Detection
One of Numark TTUSB’s several highlight features is its automatic track detection feature. The feature helps you identify silences between tracks and separates them automatically. Though static between songs or record scratches may at times split up the songs in the right spots, it works more than just fine pretty much all the time.
• Adjustable Anti-Skating Control
The turntable comes with an adjustable anti-skating control that facilitates enhanced stereo balance. The TTUSB supports 45 and 33 rpm playback speeds. There is also adjustable pitch control and an input connector device that lets you transfer audio from cassette tapes. There is the option to tweak the pitch using a dial, which helps to edit audio files on a computer a lot easier.
• RCA Jacks for Speaker Output
The Numark TTUSB doesn’t have integrated speakers. However, it would be extremely unfair to expect Numark pack in built-in speakers into the device if you consider the price it is listing the machine for. The TTUSB comes with RCA jacks, which let you connect the turntable to your speaker setup. You can plug it in with any speaker system, provided it has an RCA receiver.
• Audacity Software
The Numark TTUSB comes bundled in with Audacity, an open-source, audio editing software. The software works on both PC and Mac. The TTUSB isn’t the only entry-level turntable that packs in the software. There are quite a few that do. However, there are also some that do not. Therefore, the fact that Numark offers the software with its affordable turntable is worth mentioning. Unlike most other audio editing software, Audacity is fairly easy to use and has a minimal learning curve. If you have never edited audio before, you may have to learn the basics and get an overview of the tool. Fortunately, there are more than a handful of instructional videos and written tutorials online to help you out.
• One-Year Warranty
The turntable is backed up by a 12-month warranty. If you come across any issues or have concerns with the turntable, you may contact Numark via phone or email and let them know what’s wrong. Numark customer support team is responsive and helpful and will answer your questions or clear your doubts completely and promptly.
PROs & CONs Listing
Pros
• Makes converting vinyl to digital a breeze
• Has pitch adjustment and antiskating features
• Supports different playback speeds
• Extremely affordable for the features and functionality
• Ideal for listening to vinyl records at home
• One-year warranty
Cons
• Not all LP conversions would come out great
• No dustcover for the turntable
• The stylus and cartridge need upgrading for much better sound
• Will not remove imperfections off your old records
Conclusion
The Numark TTUSB packs in pretty much all features you would typically expect from converter turntables for home use. And the fact that Numark packs in so many features for a relatively low price is truly commendable. Moreover, the software that it’s bundled with makes the conversion process pretty straightforward even for amateurs. The ease of use enhances the appeal of this turntable, particularly for beginners. If you’re on a budget and are looking for a reliable turntable, the Numark TTUSB is a solid contender.