Stop just admiring the covers of your record collection and get to listening with these five best USB turntables. DJ gigs not paying what they used to? Don’t worry as there are turntables here to fit every budget, from Overmono to overdrawn.
Best USB Turntables
It’s been said that only about a half of all record collectors even own a turntable. As a longtime DJ and former record collector myself, this seems absurd. I mean, sure, a hobby is a hobby and if you enjoy it, why not? But I’m also of the opinion that records are meant to be played. If you own vinyl but don’t have any way to play the records, it’s time to rectify that.
One technological combination that I absolutely love is the USB turntable. Of course, you can always connect your decks to an audio interface and rip records that way, but that will involve having an audio interface, for one, and probably also a mixer with a phono preamp. If you don’t already have a setup like this and don’t ever plan to, a USB connection on your turntable makes it incredibly easy to get vinyl audio into your PC. And, if you are already a fully equipped DJ, USB makes a handy extra bit of technology to have.
Here then are my top five picks for USB turntables in a variety of prices to suit any budget.
Numark PT01 Scratch
I’ve always had a soft spot for Numark. My first mixer bought way back in junior high in 1984 was a Numark and I used it to rock my friends’ birthday parties with the latest Depeche Mode twelves. Numark is still affordable, making my pick for the best USB turntable in the budget category the PT01 Scratch.
This all-in-one portable turntable (it can run on batteries!) is belt drive, making it a good starting platter. It features a built-in adjustable scratch fader and speaker should you need it. Pitch is variable up to 10% with speeds up to 78 RPM. It even has a 3.5mm line in for jamming along with external audio. On the output side, it has RCA line and a 3.5mm headphone jack. Of course, there’s also USB for digitizing.
I can’t say I love the red but I do love the price. If you need something to rip, sample or scratch with, make this your first port of call.
American Audio TTD 2400 USB MKII
Moving up the budget ladder we have American Audio’s TTD 2400 USB MKI. A nice little turntable, it’s direct drive, making it more stable than a belt drive. This baby puts out phono and line signals and has a handy USB interface.
DJs may want to think twice about using this one in a club environment, as the lightweight construction will better serve home use. However, the +/- 10% pitch adjustment, 33 and 45 RPM play and included Audio-Technica cartridge are welcome additions. Move up to the Concorde Set and its Ortofon cartridge if you plan to DJ with it.
Dual DTJ 301.1 USB
DTJ 301.1 USB from Dual has similar specs to the American Audio above. It offers 33 and 45 RPM listening with a pitch adjustment slider that goes up to +/- 10%. It has an S-curve tonearm, which is pretty standard these days, as well as an included Audio-Technica AT-3600 cartridge.
In terms of sound, the DTJ 301.1 USB has a switchable phono preamplifier, meaning it can put out line and phono-level signals. There’s also a USB connection.
Dual’s deck even resembles the American Audio in that it looks like a Technics SL-1210. However, the main difference is the weight. At just 0.72 kg, it’s light as a feather. This doesn’t affect playback but it does take it out of the running for serious DJing. Go with this option if your goal is calm and at-home music appreciation.
Thorens TD 202
It’s quite possible that you’re not a DJ; you’re a vinyl record fan. You don’t need pitch adjustment or fancy doo-dads. You just want a quality record player at an affordable price. if that’s you, say hello to the Thorens TD 202.
With a history that goes back almost 150 years, Thorens knows a thing or two about phonographs. A longtime favourite of audiophiles, the company also offers a selection of quality turntables that won’t decimate your bank account. TD 202 (available in black or walnut) is plug and play, meaning it has a built-in phono preamp. Access the USB port for direct digitization. It also includes an Audio-Technica AT 95 E cartridge. No muss, no fuss, just great sound.
Reloop RP 8000 MK2
Back in the late ‘90s, I saw DJ Vadim use the pitch control on his Technics to play a record like a musical instrument. The fine folks at Reloop must have been thinking along the same lines because they developed their RP 8000 MK2 turntable with pads to control the platter’s speed based on musical notes. Genius!
That alone might be reason enough to pick up a set of RP 8000 MK2s but there’s more – much more. Tight integration with Serato DJ Pro lets you use those eight pads to control performance mode. It has a real-time LCD display, pitch that goes +/- 8%, +/- 16% and even a mind-blowing +/-50%. Reloop has given you access over torque and brake speed adjustment and even a reverse mode. It outputs phono and line signals via two dedicated outs sections and of course, there’s USB, with smart link to sync up to four turntables.
Reloop RP 8000 MK2 is extremely powerful – and that makes it one of the best USB turntables.
More Information
Image Sources:
- Numark PT01 Scratch: Numark
- American Audio TTD 2400 USB MKII: American Audio
- Dual DTJ 301.1 USB: Dual
- Thorens TD 202: Thorens
- Reloop RP 8000 MK2: Reloop
