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Cakewalk software (PC only) is also included, but I haven't used it yet. The software is OK. I immediately used Audacity as I was familiar with it.(it is available on line for free) It does an excellent job of recording from the turntable. This is an excellent turntable to connect to your PC to rip the old LPs to a digital format. I nearly purchased another brand, but I am very happy that I chose Audio Technica. I originally planned to connect it to a USB port, but it has so many connection options, that I was able to connect it directly to my sound card's line-in. The turntable works flawlessly. All connectors and adapters are included in the box.
The instructions for getting started are pretty easy to follow. For example, a custom album I created was a bit over 80 minutes (the max length that fits on a CD). This should be fine as long as you handle the unit accordingly or something is apt to break.I've been quite happy with it. I learned that when burning the CD (at least with my laptop), you should not insert the CD into the driver until the software requests that it be done. I selected this unit over the others because of the mostly favorable reviews and the price value.
I figure if I dig deep enough in the help tab I'll be able to figure this out, but they sure don't make it easy. One nice feature is I can fade in/out songs in the edit mode.The only (relatively minor) frustration I have is I haven't been able to figure out the software for eliminating pops/hiss/crackles. The other minor problem I have is that I'm unable to shorten tracks (songs). The unit does not have the ability to record tapes (there is no input) like other units do. Once done digitizing the CD it now takes me only a few minutes to burn the files onto a CD. To fit w/in the 80 minute length I ended up eliminating one of the songs. You get faster at it after your first few CDs. Except, after "shortening" the tracks I ended up with the same length tracks, but with silence in the segments that I thought I had edited out.
You do get what you pay for; many of the parts are plastic. So, I tried to shorten a few tracks using the tabs that allow you do do so when you are in the edit mode. Luckily, most of my albums are in good shape so I don't much need to use the pop/hiss/crackle removing software. But, there is a learning curve on how to most efficiently create CDs. There are a few "bugs".
I am able to record a full album, then go through and tag the individual songs for download. I haven't experienced any problems with it at all - the music is clear and tracks well. It took me a bit of time to get used to the included software, Cakewalk,(make sure never to use characters when naming a track that should not be used (',*)), but since it has worked fine. This is a great turntable for turning vinyl albums into digital music for play as wav, mp3 and ITunes quality. Tagging only takes a few minutes (depending on the album), but gives me the option now of playing them individually or playing the full album (or side). I travel a lot - and have lived overseas for much of the past 14 years - hopefully now I'll be able to include these great albums in my IPOD selections. I have a couple hundred albums that I have not listened to for years - and am now getting the chance (great to listen to them on the turntable as I record). The turntable itself is good and solid and includes a dust cover (one reason I chose the Audio Technica over the ION).
Plus, the sound quality of the turntable and my stereo system is great. I bought this mainly to transfer some of my albums over to digital media. I found the turntable to be easy to set up and operate.
It is big, yet nuanced in a way that only vinyl can convey. I was looking for an affordable turntable in order to break back into vinyl after a 25 year hiatus from the medium.
It's vinyl or nothing now. I must say, after this, I doubt if I'll buy another CD.
This turntable has been everything that I hoped it would be. I have not used the software and don't know if I will.
Buy this and you will not be sorry. I have connected it to my stereo system - a Sony from '92 w/ the BIG amp - and was incredibly amazed at the sound coming out of the tower speakers.
I was instantly taken back in time.
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