AT-LP2D-USB Turntableby Audio-Technica
Cheap, plastic USB turntable redeems itself somewhat with a moving magnet cartridge and metal platter. Audio-Technica no longer makes the AT-LP2D-USB. The replacement is the AT-LP60-USB.
Contents
Turntable Quality Checklist |
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| Score: 2 out of 6 |
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Moving Magnet Cartridge or Better |
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Adjustable Anti-Skate Compensation |
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Metal Platter |
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Upgradable Cartridge/Stylus |
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2 Grams or Less Tracking Force |
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Adjustable Preamp Gain |
Review Date: February 25, 2009
The Good
- Not defective on arrival!
- Windows software burns CDs
- Aluminum platter
The Bad
- Excessive needle pressure wears down vinyl faster
- Possibly too loud
- Extra $10 to create MP3s
Overview
Every good point about the AT-LP2D-USB is seemingly balanced by a similarly bad one: It features an aluminum platter but the stylus presses down too hard on the vinyl. It includes feature-packed software but won't create MP3s without a $10 upgrade. It has every possible cable you might need but the overly-loud recording volume occasionally clips your music.
In the end, you get a lot for under $100, you just don't get the perfect vinyl ripping system.
Complete Package and in Working Order
Ordinarily, "not defective" isn't a plus, it's expected. However, of the three turntables Knowzy purchased, the Audio-Technica was the only one where something didn't need to be fixed before using it. AT's quality control department gets points for that!
The AT-LP2D-USB comes with every imaginable way to connect it: USB, RCA, 1/8" male and female, pre-amp on or off. The Cakewalk software is advanced and full-featured, though notably missing is the ability to create MP3s unless you purchase an upgrade (more about the software below).
Is It Too Loud For You?
Audio-Technica's samples are the loudest of the bunch. While it's tempting to equate the loudness to better sound quality, in reality this is not a good thing.
When combined with a loudly recorded LP, such as Gorillaz "Demon Days," you get clipping- the volume exceeds the maximum level. Since the recording volume is not adjustable on any USB turntable reviewed here, you are helpless to prevent the clipping.
To be sure, most records Knowzy tested did not clip and the loudness is a plus if you just want to record and be done with it. The Crosley turntable records at a much lower volume. You will want to "normalize" the volume after recording with this turntable so the music doesn't sound soft in comparison with your other digital music.
Serious Needle Pressure = Accelerated Vinyl Wear
When designing a cartridge (the unit that holds the needle), one of the major goals is to use as little force as possible on the record. This reduces vinyl wear, allowing you enjoy your records longer.
Audio-Technica has a good reputation when it comes to cartridges. The AT440MLa is a favorite "budget" cartridge among many turntable enthusiasts at around $150. It puts around 1.5 grams of pressure on your record.
The AT3600L cartridge featured on the AT-LP2D-USB would make these same enthusiasts cringe.
At 4.54 grams of tracking force, it presses down hard on your vinyl. In fact, it exerts almost the same amount of pressure as the infamous ceramic cartridge found on Crosley's record player (4.62 grams). The Ion TTUSB05's cartridge is much easier on your records with 3.08 grams of tracking force.
Nonetheless, this turntable features a moving magnet cartridge, which sounds much better than Crosley's ceramic cartridge. You need only listen to the samples to hear the difference.
Bass Boost Built-In
Hydrogen Audio's Axon's signal analysis shows a significant bass boost. In fact, he called it "shocking."
Ultimately, it comes down to personal taste. You can judge for yourself whether the extra bass is shocking or pleasing by listening to the samples.
Advanced Software Though Not Vinyl Ripping-Centric
You can read a full review of the software in the comparison guide. Briefly, here's what you need to know about Cakewalk's pyro Audio Creator LE.
This software is for Windows only. Mac and Linux users are stuck with Audacity, which is tricky to learn and is missing several key vinyl ripping features, such as CD burning.
pyro teases you when it comes to MP3 creation: You only get this ability for 30 days. After that, you are forced to purchase the $10 "encoder" module to continue creating MP3s.
Two other important vinyl ripping features are missing from pyro: You cannot look up album information on the Internet which saves your fingers from typing in the song titles, album name and artist. There is also no way to automatically split your album side into individual tracks.
These faults aside, pyro Audio Creator is truly feature-packed software suitable for people who like to perfect their recordings. It removes pops, clicks and hiss, it has equalization and volume adjustments, it burns CDs and offers advanced editing features. It goes well beyond simple LP recording.
Details and Specificatons | |
Turntable Basics| Categories | USB |
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| Suitable for 78 RPM? | No |
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| Pre-Amp? | Yes |
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| Upgadable Cartridge? | No |
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| CD Burner? | No |
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| SD Card, USB Flash Drive | No |
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| iPod Dock | No |
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| Software | Cakewalk pyro LE, Audacity |
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| Tape Player, Radio | No |
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| Speakers | No |
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| Remote Control? | No |
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1 Requires an aftermarket stylus available online at LP Gear. Read more in the review.
Connections| USB Output | Yes |
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| Line Out | RCA |
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| Phono Out | Yes |
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| Headphone Out | No |
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| Line In | No |
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| Ground Wire | No |
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Turntable Construction| Cartridge Type | Moving Magnet |
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| Cartridge Mount | Permanent |
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| Cartridge Make/Model | Audio-Technica AT-3600L |
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| Adjustable Anti-Skate | No |
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| Drive | Belt |
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| Adjustable Gain | No |
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| Speeds | 33.3 & 45 RPM |
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| Platter | Aluminum Platter |
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| Automatic Features | Fully |
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| Tonearm Cue | Yes, Button |
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| Dustcover | Plastic |
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| Tonearm Height Adjustment | No |
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| Offset Tonearm? | Yes |
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| Adjustable Feet | No |
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Turntable Features| Adjustable Pitch? | No |
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| Pitch Lock? | No |
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| Reverse (Backward) Play | No |
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| Strobe Light? | No |
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| Cue Light | No |
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Specifications| Signal to Noise (S/N) | 50 dB |
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| Wow and Flutter | < 0.25% |
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| Vertical Tracking Force (VTF) | 4.54g1 |
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| Tracking Error | Not Published |
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| Effective Tonearm Length | Not Published |
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| Speed Variance | Not Published |
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| Counterweight Range | Not Adjustable |
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| Cartridge Weight Range | Not Applicable |
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| A/D Resolution | 44.1kHz, 16-bit |
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| Dimensions (W x D x H) | 14.17" x 3.82" x 14.06" |
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| Weight | 6.6 lbs |
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1 Measured by Knowzy using this tracking force scale*. Figure not from manufacturer.
Marketing Photo
Idealized photo of the Audio-Technica AT-LP2D-USB turntable, brought to you by the Audio-Technica marketing department.
Clipping!
The audio exceeded peak volume on two records and there's nothing you can do about it. Gorillaz's Demon Days, Side A is shown.
Always Clean Your Records Before Playing!
Result of playing the abused Fleetwood Mac LP for the first time in many years. The clip that follows was recorded long after this picture.
Steps to Recording an LP Using Included Cakewalk pyro Audio Creator LE
It's not intuitive but click the buttons in order starts the recording.
Bare Turntable
Your job: Add the platter and belt to create a functioning turntable.
Drive Belt Wrapped Around Aluminum Platter
Install the belt by wrapping it around the underside of the platter then stretching it over the pulley on the turntable.
Bare Platter, Top View
Almost there, just need to add the rubber mat. Notice the belt around the pulley visible through the top-left hole in the platter.
Ready to Rock 'n Roll!
Fully assembled. Putting it together wasn't too painful.
Cartridge Close-Up
Head on with the AT-3600L cartridge that comes pre-installed.
The Black Eyed Peas - Dum Diddly
Source: Audio-Technica AT-LP2D-USB
MP3 (192Kbps VBR)
Duration: 0:30
Michael Franti And Spearhead - A Little Bit Of Riddim
Source: Audio-Technica AT-LP2D-USB
MP3 (192Kbps VBR)
Duration: 0:30
Pink Floyd - On the Run
Source: Audio-Technica AT-LP2D-USB
MP3 (192Kbps VBR)
Duration: 0:30
Steely Dan - Peg
Source: Audio-Technica AT-LP2D-USB
MP3 (192Kbps VBR)
Duration: 0:30
Fleetwood Mac - Rhiannon (Abused LP)
Source: Audio-Technica AT-LP2D-USB
MP3 (192Kbps VBR)
Duration: 0:30
Listen to recordings from other turntables on our USB Turntable Samples page.
Disclosure
* Knowzy earns a commission on items marked with a *. We strive to find you the lowest price from reputable retailers but you may find a better deal elsewhere.
Learn how Knowzy puts your best interests before our selfish desire to turn a profit.
We appreciate your support.
Originally Published: Sunday, December 18, 2011, 7:36 PM PT Last Updated: Sunday, December 18, 2011, 9:40 PM PT Version 1
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