DIGITNOW USB Audio Capture Card Grabber User Manual

1. Introduction

The DIGITNOW USB Audio Capture Card Grabber is designed to help you digitize your cherished analog audio collections. This device provides a simple and effective way to convert audio from sources such as vinyl records, cassette tapes, and other audio players into digital formats like MP3 and WAV, making them accessible on modern devices.

Figure 1.1: DIGITNOW USB Audio Capture Card Grabber and accessories.

2. What's in the Box

Upon opening your DIGITNOW USB Audio Capture Card Grabber package, you should find the following items:

• USB Audio Capture Card
• RCA to 3.5mm Audio Cable
• Various Audio Adapters (e.g., 3.5mm female to RCA male, RCA female to 3.5mm male)
• Software Installation CD (for Audacity or similar audio capture software)
• Quick Installation Guide

Figure 2.1: Software Installation CD and Quick Installation Guide.

3. Setup Guide

Follow these steps to set up your DIGITNOW USB Audio Capture Card Grabber:

1. Connect to Computer: Plug the USB end of the capture card into an available USB port on your computer. The device is plug-and-play, meaning it should be recognized automatically by your operating system.
2. Install Software: Insert the included software installation CD into your computer's CD/DVD drive. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the audio capture software (e.g., Audacity). If your computer does not have a CD/DVD drive, you can typically download the latest version of Audacity from its official website.
3. Connect Audio Source: Connect your analog audio source (e.g., cassette player, vinyl turntable, CD player) to the input ports of the USB Audio Capture Card. Use the appropriate RCA or 3.5mm cables and adapters as needed. The capture card has 3.5mm and R/L audio connector inputs.

Figure 3.1: Connection diagram for the USB Audio Capture Card.

Figure 3.2: Example setup with a turntable connected to a laptop.

Setup Video Guide

4. Operating Instructions

Once the hardware is connected and software is installed, you can begin digitizing your audio:

1. Launch Software: Open the audio capture software (e.g., Audacity) on your computer.
2. Select Input Device: In the software's preferences or settings, select the DIGITNOW USB Audio Capture Card (often listed as 'USB Audio Device' or 'Microphone (USB Audio Device)') as your recording input.
3. Adjust Recording Levels: Start playing audio from your analog source. In the software, monitor the input levels. Adjust the volume on your analog device or within the software to ensure the audio signal is strong but does not 'clip' or distort (typically, the peak should be within the green or yellow range, avoiding red).
4. Start Recording: Click the 'Record' button in the software. Then, start playing your audio from the analog source.
5. Stop Recording: Once the audio playback is complete, click the 'Stop' button in the software.
6. Edit and Save: You can now edit the recorded audio (e.g., trim silence, remove noise) using the software's features. When satisfied, save the audio file in your desired digital format (MP3, WAV, etc.).

Figure 4.1: Collecting data to computer using the capture card.

5. Maintenance

To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your DIGITNOW USB Audio Capture Card Grabber, follow these simple maintenance guidelines:

• Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe the device. Avoid using liquid cleaners or abrasive materials, as they may damage the surface or internal components.
• Storage: Store the device in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, extreme temperatures, and high humidity.
• Handling: Handle the device and its cables with care. Avoid bending cables sharply or applying excessive force to connectors.

6. Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues while using your USB Audio Capture Card, refer to the following common problems and their solutions:

• Device Not Recognized by Computer:
  • Ensure the USB cable is securely plugged into both the capture card and the computer.
  • Try plugging the device into a different USB port on your computer.
  • Restart your computer.
  • Check your computer's Device Manager (Windows) or System Information (Mac) to see if the device is listed. If there's an error, try reinstalling the drivers from the provided CD or the software's official website.
• "Error while opening sound device" in Software:
  • On Windows 10/11, check your privacy settings. Go to 'Settings' > 'Privacy' > 'Microphone' and ensure that 'Allow apps to access your microphone' is turned on, and that your audio capture software is allowed access.
  • Ensure no other applications are currently using the audio input device.
• No Audio Input Detected in Software:
  • Verify that your analog audio source is playing and its volume is turned up.
  • Double-check all audio cable connections between your source and the capture card. Ensure they are firmly seated and connected to the correct input ports (e.g., L/R RCA, 3.5mm).
  • In your audio capture software, confirm that the correct input device (DIGITNOW USB Audio Capture Card) is selected.
  • Adjust the input gain or volume within the software.

7. Specifications

Figure 7.1: Supported Operating Systems and Platforms.

8. Warranty and Support

For information regarding product warranty, technical support, or customer service, please refer to the documentation included with your purchase or visit the official DIGITNOW website. Keep your purchase receipt as proof of purchase for any warranty claims.