However I am wondering which would produce a better outcome regarding sound quality - using the output of mixer (A&H DB:2) or the direct turntable USB-output?
Any experiences anyone? Naturally I can try it myself but just wondering has anyone any experience on this or something else that would produce better outcome.
It’ll be much of a muchness, but if you really want to be audiophile-level loony about it, I’d probably say the DB2 preamps would be better than the one in the turntable. BUT… With the USB input, you’d have less cables and stages to worry about.
It doesnt really matter. The LP120 is kind of famous for having a noisy and average sounding preamp that isnt bypassed when used in phono mode. Theres a bunch of tutorials for removing it.
Youll only get an average sounding rip from that chain regardless of what you do so dont stress about it and have fun. If you wanted a perfect reproduction then just buy a digitally mastered version if available.
I tested this by recording a vinyl track using first LP120 USB as an output directly to my mac and then using the LP120 phono output to my DB:2 mixer and its USB input to my mac and I don’t hear any audible difference between them. However the benefit of using the phono and mixer output gives more control over EQ and volume outputs.
I did some research and the LP120 pre-amp seems to make the sound lose some of the “brightness” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4NT67ii04uQ) but reasonable good outcome can be reached with some EQing and and mastering. Not suitable for audiophile needs but for club environment and mixtapes yes.
You shouldnt need to be “EQing and mastering” ripped vinyl tracks. Youre much better off buying a properly mastered digital version. So much older dance music has been remastered and rereleased that its worth checking.
uNLESS HE PLAYS dnb or has a lot of dubplates and bootlegs. JK.
On a serious note.
Aside from removing pops and crackles, work more on getting a clean signal to avoid any eq’ing and/or mastering work. Remember, these tunes you are converting to digital were mastered once already.
I would by them in digital if these tracks I have would be sold in digital format. Sometimes I try to reach out the original artist to get it but it is not always guaranteed they respond or are willing to share those in digital format.
I end up finding digital versions of most vinyl that I have and want to rip. Because dance music is obscure, it often takes searching through several sites that arent well linked on google.
JK.