Adding a turntable

[TheGent0418]

I just purchased an HP OmniStudio 27x all in one because the sales agent assured me I could add a turntable to it by using the headset/microphone jack on the back. I have set it all up and it does not work. No sound comes through the program (Acoustica's Spin It Again). I have altered every setting I can find both on the computer and the program and still nothing. What am I doing wrong? Recording from a sound source on the computer works just fine.

How can I go about adding a turntable to the computer to record from? I'm going to need it with the upsurge in vinyl records again.

[TheOldMan]

In looking at the configuration of the available ports, it is unlikely the scenario described is the correct solution. 

It would be helpful if the actual turntable was one that is designed for computer friendly connection.  Please elaborate on the make and model of the turntable in question.

There will be some software considerations for the capture of the music from the turntable. also.  Do you have that covered already, or do you need some help with that, also?

[TheGent0418]

Ok, should have been a YES, but fat finger syndrome... OK, the current turntable is a Fisher Studio Standard MT913a. I have a second one, an Audio Technica that does have a USB connector but when I plug that into the computer, it shuts off all sound. Unplug it and the sound comes back. I'm not sure of the AT model, but the connector cable has both a USB plug and a set of RCAs.

With all the stereo set ups I have put together in my life, I can't believe this is causing me this much grief!

I appreciate any help you can give me. Yes, the music handler is taken care of. I will use either Spin It Again ( recording cleaner and clarifier) or MP# Recorder, both from Acoustica.

[TheOldMan]

I would expect a turntable intended to connect with a USB connection to be the best bet.  The Fisher Studio Standard MT913a probably is not going to work without some sort of adapter to make it USB connected, as I assume it only has RCA outputs.  I would also presume it has a magnetic cartridge that will not give enough output level to the mic input.

Audio Technica does have several options for the USB connected turntables, if you can find the model number to get more information.  Or buy a new one intended for the more modern connections.

The HP OmniStudio 27x all in one is limited on audio connections and I believe the salesperson was not expecting a turntable  such as the Fisher Studio Standard MT913a.

[TheGent0418]

I have a powered pre-amp. I takes the RCAs and runs them out as a 3.5 stereo. It doesn't do anything except shut off all sound. The 3.5 mm on the computer is marked as a headset, but the HP docs say it is either / or. I had a powered pre-amp that I bought from Sweetwater and it connected to a USB port on the computer, but also to the 3.5. It didn't work either. I plugged the A/T turntable into the computer and the pre-am, separately and combined. No go.

And people don't believe me when I say Win 7 was the best OS they had put out!

[TheOldMan]

I understand what is being discussed.  It seems that you are all set expect the PC does not like the situation.  The only thing I can think of - the industry has changed the concept on the 3.5mm jack so that it can be used for the combo headsets with a mic built in.  It could be that the "Headphone jack" on the PC and the older setup described do not have compatible jack configurations.  Look at a close-up version of the jack that is being plugged into the PC.  If it has three rings, then that would be a possible problem as the newer jacks have an extra ring for the mic.

Disregard the 2.5mm comment on the picture as i just used the picture to explain the rings.

I do not understand why the Sweetwater preamp with USB does not work, unless it requires a driver.  Assuming you used Windows 7 in the past to do the transfers, it might be that Windows 10/11 no longer recognizes the USB setup.

Perhaps, if you can give more info on that preamp (Make and Model) i can do some research to see what is happening.

The only other thing would be to try a new USB device, but there seems to be a lack of interest and the newer turntables that would work with the AIO just use a USB interface (no RCA outputs).  I know that might be an additional expense but it might the simplest solution.