Skip to main content

Audio Technica Intros USB Turntable

Audio Technica Intros USB Turntable

Audiophiles everywhere will tell you that old-fashioned vinyl offers greater fidelity than standard CD audio—but music fans everywhere will tell you that trying to carry a few hundred records while you’re running around all day is a pain in the tuchus. With that in mind, Audio Technica had introduces its AT-LP2D-USB USB-enabled turntable for easy one-step conversion of 33 and 44 rpm vinyl records to digital formats.

“Many people still own their classic LPs and 45s, and a younger generation is discovering and collecting vinyl,” said Audio-Technica Consumer Marketing Manager Crystal Griffith, in a release. “The AT-LP2D-USB offers users a simple, cost-effective solution for transferring records to digital files and portable players, and for listening to records on a home music system.”

Recommended Videos

The AT-LP2D-USB features a USB output so the unit can be directly connected to a PC or notebook computer for capturing audio, and features a built-in switchable phono/line-level pre-amp for connecting to either phono-equipped systems or more modern line-level only systems. (Phono inputs adjust for the RIAA phono frequency curve—a standard developed long before the organization became mainly known for suing alleged file-sharers.) The turntable supports 33 1/3 and 45 rpm speeds, has a replaceable diamond stylus, and an old-school removable dust cover. The unit ships with Cakewalk Pyro software for Windows (which features a de-clicker and de-noiser for removing pops and hiss) and Audacity (Mac OS X) for recording music.

The AT-LP2D-USB should be available now for about $229.

Geoff Duncan
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Geoff Duncan writes, programs, edits, plays music, and delights in making software misbehave. He's probably the only member…
Audio-Technica’s latest hi-res earbuds debut at CES 2024 for $199
Audio-Technica ATH-TWX7 wireless earbuds.

It's been a surprisingly quiet CES 2024 for new headphones and earbuds, but Audio-Technica (A-T) hasn't disappointed us. It launched its ATH-TWX7, a new set of hi-res, noise-canceling wireless earbuds that fill a big gap in the company's product lineup. The ATH-TWX7 come in black, white, or grey colors and are available starting January 9, for $199.

The ATH-TWX7 share a lot in common with A-T's flagship ATH-TWX9, but at $199, the TWX7 are a lot more affordable than the $299 TWX9.

Read more
U-Turn Audio launches the next generation of Orbit turntables
EMBARGOED UNTIL AUG. 23 7AM: NTIL AUG. 23 7AM: The U-Turn Orbit Plus in oak.

For the first time since storming the turntable scene in 2012 with its Kickstarter "Orbit Turntable," U-Turn Audio has given its Orbit lineup of turntables a welcome revamp that includes a redesigned magnesium tonearm, electronic speed control, a new grooved platter, and additional finish options. And that's just for starters. The customizability of the Orbit turntable remains intact, as does its affordability across the range, which runs in price from $250 to $550.

When U-Turn launched its first premium turntable, the Orbit Theory, in late 2022, we gave it a glowing review, mainly because it's one of the best turntables we've ever seen, but also because the company built on its decade of experience to eliminate some key gripes from many Orbit owners and to design some pretty great new components. For 2023, U-Turn is tapping into some of that Theory innovation and applying it to the rest of the Orbit range, which includes the Orbit Basic, Orbit Plus, and Orbit Special. these are all great turntables whether you're just getting started with vinyl records or already on your way.

Read more
Audio-Technica has three of its best turntables on sale for Prime Day
The Audio Technica AT-LP120XUSB turntable.

More than a decade ago, my first ever turntable was the Audio-Technica AT-LP120, a beast of a direct-drive machine that starts and stops on a dime, is stable as all hell, and couldn't be easier to use. I still have it, and while I've added several other types and grades of turntables over the years, it's still in regular, er, rotation in my setup.

As far as entry-to-mid-level turntables go, Audio-Technica is one of the best brands out there -- we feature several of them on our best turntables list. If you've been hemming and hawing over getting a new turntable to kick off your vinyl obsession, or maybe you're looking to upgrade your starter deck, now's your chance to get your hands on one of three of Audio Technica's most popular turntables for up to 29% off as part of Amazon Prime Day: the entry-level AT-LP60X, it's Bluetooth-enabled sibling the AT-LP60XBT, and the AT-LP120XUSB, a newer, USB-capable version of my trusty old tank that I mentioned above.
AT-LP120XUSB

Read more