Phono Preamp

Phono Preamp

Choosing Your Audio Mixer

For your home recording projects, what kind of audio mixer is best suited for your needs? You can choose from analog, digital or software mixers so you will have to learn a bit more about them before you can decide.

The first question you should ask yourself is whether you even need a mixer at all. When recording audio from a microphone, you will need to have a preamp in order to boost the strength of the audio signal. With an audio interface with a microphone preamp included, then you shouldn't need a separate mixer. One exception would be if you intent to record two or more instruments at a time.

When using a hardware effects processor that takes the audio signal from the mic and runs it through a processor before actually recording it, then you will likely need to get a mixer of some kind.

A Mixer's Functions

Basically, a mixer just takes two audio signals and combines them into one. Mixers can also add effects to the sound, with functions like reverb, compression, chorus or equalizing. A mixer can also pan the sound from side to side. Any of these effects can be added to the audio before the signal arrives at the computer for final recording.

Kinds of Mixers

There are primarily three different types of mixers: analog, digital and software. Each one has its own pros and cons and should be looked at before you decide what you need.

Analog: Signals are mixed without first converting into digital. These types of mixers don't need any AD/DA converters, but you will get some background noise with analog mixers. They are fairly inexpensive though not as cheap as software mixers.

Digital: These mixers are the most expensive and can be harder to master than the analog version. The original analog signals is converted into digital, and you need to have an AD/DA converter to use one. The routing is more flexible, but digital mixers can have latency problems.

Software: Most DAWs have software mixers, so there is no need to get extra equipment. These are the cheapest mixers available but you can only use them to record one signal at a time. You control the mixer through your computer, with mouse and keyboard.

Analog and digital mixers can be connected to your computer with analog connectors (phono jacks), a USB connection or with Firewire.

About the Author

James Gooch is the editor of The-Home-Recording-Studio.com, the complete resource for building your own recording studio at home. Read more about choosing the right home recording equipment at his site.

BBE FJB-200X Phono Preamp $49.99 BBE FJB-200X Phono Preamp

Bbe Fjb-200X Phono Preamp $49.99 BBE FJB-200X Phono Preamp

ART DJPre II Phono Preamp $49 ART DJPre II Phono Preamp

Behringer Microphono PP400 Phono Preamp $21.99 Behringer Microphono PP400 Phono Preamp

Art Djpre Ii Phono Preamp $49 ART DJPre II Phono Preamp

Behringer Microphono Pp400 Phono Preamp $21.99 Behringer Microphono PP400 Phono Preamp

Used Bbe Phono Preamp Fjb-200 $19.99 In Store Used USED BBE PHONO PREAMP FJB-200

Used Bbe Fjb200x Phono Preamp $25 In Store Used USED BBE FJB200X PHONO PREAMP

Used Bbe Phono Preamp 7.0 845 050112 $19.99 In Store Used USED BBE PHONO PREAMP 7.0 845 050112

Pro-Ject Phono Box Ii Usb Phono Preamp $199 The The Pro-Ject Phono Box II is a high-performance USB phono preamp, The Phono Box II contains a moving coil, moving magnet phono preamplifier with A/D converter direced to its USB output to provide audiophile-grade transfer of vinyl records to digital audio files. Compatible with Windows and MacOS and Linux systems, the Phono Box II USB preamp has gold-plated RCA connectors for a higher-quality connection with your computer. The Phono Box II has a solid metal chassis which keeps vibration and electromagnetic interference low. The Pro-Ject Phono Box II USB Phono Preamp's low-noise integrated circuits and dual-mono circuitry provide outstanding audio fidelity and channel separation.Amplification and RIAA Equalization for MM and MC phono cartridgesDirect to computer digitalization of analog signals via USB using suitable recording software (not included)RCA phono outputs provided for interface with your audio systemCompatible with Windows, MacOS and Linux operating systemsMetal chassis shield circuitry from vibration and electromagnetic interferenceMM/MC selection switch located on back panelLow-noise IC's and dual-mono circuitry provides outstanding audio fidelity and channel separationGold-plated RCA connectorsOutboard power supply providedFinish: Brushed Silver

PylePro PP444 Ultra Compact Phono Turntable Preamp $34.1 Converts Your Phono Signal to a Line Level Signal. Stateoftheart Phono Preamp To Accommodate Magnetic Pickups. Ultra LowNoise Audio Operational Amplifiers Offer Outstanding Sound Performance. Dedicated RCA and 1/4 Output Connectors. DC 12Volt Adapter Included. Connects to Turntable. Input Sensitivity: 3mV at 50K Ohms (phono). Output: 2V max (PP) at 10K Ohms. Includes power adapter 12V DC. THD: 0.08 1KHz and 3mV Input S/N Ratio: 70dB Frequency Response: 20Hz To 20KHz 2dB. Connects to Turntable Output to Bring Phono Level Up to Line Level 12V DC 110V Adaptor Included. Dimensions: (W)3.54 x (H)2.13 x (D)1.02 Weight: 0.88 Lbs. Input Sensitivity/Impedance/PHONO 3 mV / 50K Ohms T.H.D: 0.08 for 1 KHz 3 MV Input Output Level: 2V. Load Impedance: 10K Ohms Reference Voltage: 1V d. S/N Ratio (AWTD): 70 dB Frequency Response: 20 Hz 20 KHz plusmn;2dB

Pro-Ject Phono Box Turntable Preamplifier $159 The Pro-Ject Phono Box turntable preamplifier is designed to connect turntables to receivers. With simplicity of design and premium components, the Pro-Ject Phone Box's performance outweighs both its size and its price. The turntable preamp easily switches between MM and MC cartridges using internal jumpers. Dual mono design. Class A components and low-noise integrated circuits throughout the entire circuit path.Turntable preamp designed to connect tables to receivers without a phono preampCombines simplicity of design and premium componentsEasily switches between MM and MC using internal jumpersDual mono designClass A componentsLow-noise integrated circuitry throughout

PylePro PADRI3 Phono PreAmp with USBRCA PCMAC Audio Converter $51.22 Easily convert your vinyl records and audio to your computer via a simple USB connection. Stereo Headphone output with dedicated level control. Works with your PC or Mac computer. Compatible with Windows XP Vista and Windows 7. Inbuilt preamplifier No amplifier necessary. Powered by USB no additional power required. It fits easily into any workspace and has all the necessary parts in one piece not requiring complex connections to separate devices. One short RCA Cable One short USB cable Software Disc One Earphone. Dimensions: 3.14 x 2.16 x 0.98

iKEY ICONNEX DJ Phono USB Interface $39.99 The iKEY iCONNEX makes it easy to convert your vinyl and cassette recordings to CDs and MP3s faster than you can say, "Hit it!" The iCONNEX interface has switchable line and phono inputs and outputs with a built-in phono preamp for connecting your turntable. Connect your cassette deck and other line-level devices to the line input. The iKey-Audio iConnex is plug and play it needs no drivers and is powered via the USB port on your computer.The iConnex comes complete with a USB cable for connection to your computer and Audacity® Recording Software that makes editing your recordings and creating individual tracks from LP recordings fast and easy.

Ikey Iconnex Dj Phono Usb Interface $39.99 The iKEY iCONNEX makes it easy to convert your vinyl and cassette recordings to CDs and MP3s faster than you can say, "Hit it!" The iCONNEX interface has switchable line and phono inputs and outputs with a built-in phono preamp for connecting your turntable. Connect your cassette deck and other line-level devices to the line input. The iKey-Audio iConnex is plug and play it needs no drivers and is powered via the USB port on your computer.The iConnex comes complete with a USB cable for connection to your computer and Audacity Recording Software that makes editing your recordings and creating individual tracks from LP recordings fast and easy.Windows and Macintosh compatiblePhono input with grounding screwPlug and playNo drivers requiredUSB bus poweredStereo RCA output16-bit/48kHz AD/DA converterRotary volume controlSwitched Line or Phono inputCompact, easy-to-carry design

Gem Sound PL-USB Phono-to-USB Interface $99.99 The Gem Sound PL-USB Phono-to-USB interface lets you simply plug in your tape deck, turntable, or other audio source into the phono or line input to easily transfer your music collection to your computer.Cassette tapes, MiniDiscs, vinyl, CDs, MP3s. You've probably got music on all sorts of media. Wouldn't it be nice to get it all organized in one place, say on your computer? Wouldn't you like to clean out all the clutter or maybe at least have a backup just in case someone never returns what they've borrowed? The compact preamp features a headphone output, gain control, and an extra signal LED for monitoring the process, ensuring your tunes sound the way you want them to. Interface also comes with Bias' SoundSoap SE software in case you need to remove the clicks, pops, and hisses often associated with music on vinyl and tapes.Includes Bias' SoundSoap SE software, for cleaning audio filesUSB-Phono/Line adapterHeadphone output for monitoringPhono/Line SwitchGain controlExtra Signal LEDInputs: 1 Phono/LineOutputs: 1 USB, 1 Line, 1 headphones (6,3 mm jack)

Gem Sound Pl-Usb Phono-To-Usb Interface $99.99 The Gem Sound PL-USB Phono-to-USB interface lets you simply plug in your tape deck, turntable, or other audio source into the phono or line input to easily transfer your music collection to your computer.Cassette tapes, MiniDiscs, vinyl, CDs, MP3s. You've probably got music on all sorts of media. Wouldn't it be nice to get it all organized in one place, say on your computer? Wouldn't you like to clean out all the clutter or maybe at least have a backup just in case someone never returns what they've borrowed? The compact preamp features a headphone output, gain control, and an extra signal LED for monitoring the process, ensuring your tunes sound the way you want them to. Interface also comes with Bias' SoundSoap SE software in case you need to remove the clicks, pops, and hisses often associated with music on vinyl and tapes.Includes Bias' SoundSoap SE software, for cleaning audio filesUSB-Phono/Line adapterHeadphone output for monitoringPhono/Line SwitchGain controlExtra Signal LEDInputs: 1 Phono/LineOutputs: 1 USB, 1 Line, 1 headphones (6,3 mm jack)

Used Gem Sound Pl-Usb Phono-To-Usb Interface $90.99 The Gem Sound PL-USB Phono-to-USB interface lets you simply plug in your tape deck, turntable, or other audio source into the phono or line input to easily transfer your music collection to your computer.Cassette tapes, MiniDiscs, vinyl, CDs, MP3s. You've probably got music on all sorts of media. Wouldn't it be nice to get it all organized in one place, say on your computer? Wouldn't you like to clean out all the clutter or maybe at least have a backup just in case someone never returns what they've borrowed? The compact preamp features a headphone output, gain control, and an extra signal LED for monitoring the process, ensuring your tunes sound the way you want them to. Interface also comes with Bias' SoundSoap SE software in case you need to remove the clicks, pops, and hisses often associated with music on vinyl and tapes.Includes Bias' SoundSoap SE software, for cleaning audio filesUSB-Phono/Line adapterHeadphone output for monitoringPhono/Line SwitchGain controlExtra Signal LEDInputs: 1 Phono/LineOutputs: 1 USB, 1 Line, 1 headphones (6,3 mm jack)

Deux prises phono a une fiche phono, plaqué or. $8.99 Deux prises phono a une fiche phono, plaqué or.

Radial Engineering J33 RIAA Turntable Preamp Direct Box $199.99 A combination RIAA phono-turntable preamp and direct box that allows long-play vinyl albums to be played directly through a professional microphone preamp or mixing console where the very highest quality is required. This audiophile interface is ideally suited for album archiving, pristine sampling, recording performances, and DJ mixing. It has RCA inputs; stereo RCA, 3.5mm, and 1/4" TRS -10dB line-level outputs; and balanced mic-level XLR outs. Employs an indestructible steel housing with internal I-beam construction, a protective zone around switches and jacks, and a full-bottom no-slip pad. May be powered with 48V phantom or DC supply. An auto sensor automatically selects whichever power supply is present.RIAA phono-turntable preamp and direct boxRCA inputsXLR, RCA, 3.5mm, and TRS line-level outsSteel housingSwitch and jack protectionNo-slip padPowered with 48V phantom or DC supply

Radial Engineering J33 Riaa Turntable Preamp Direct Box $199.99 A combination RIAA phono-turntable preamp and direct box that allows long-play vinyl albums to be played directly through a professional microphone preamp or mixing console where the very highest quality is required. This audiophile interface is ideally suited for album archiving, pristine sampling, recording performances, and DJ mixing. It has RCA inputs; stereo RCA, 3.5mm, and 1/4" TRS -10dB line-level outputs; and balanced mic-level XLR outs. Employs an indestructible steel housing with internal I-beam construction, a protective zone around switches and jacks, and a full-bottom no-slip pad. May be powered with 48V phantom or DC supply. An auto sensor automatically selects whichever power supply is present.RIAA phono-turntable preamp and direct boxRCA inputsXLR, RCA, 3.5mm, and TRS line-level outsSteel housingSwitch and jack protectionNo-slip padPowered with 48V phantom or DC supply

Bornier a 4 prises phono. $4.99 Bornier a 4 prises phono.