Introduction
The ION TTUSB10 USB turntable connects directly to your computer, allowing you to convert your treasured vinyl recordings into digital music files. The package includes two software options to assist with this conversion:
- EZ Vinyl / Tape Converter (PC only)
- EZ Audio Converter (Mac only)
These applications are designed for quick and easy conversion, conveniently saving your recordings to your iTunes library. A Quickstart Guide with step-by-step instructions for software installation and operation is included on the CD.
To install the software, insert the included CD into your computer and follow the on-screen instructions. After converting your vinyl, you can burn the files to CD or load them onto portable media devices.
* iTunes and iPod are trademarks of Apple, Inc., registered in the U.S.A. and other countries.
Box Contents
Ensure the following items are included in your package:
- ION TTUSB10 Turntable
- Slipmat
- 45 RPM Adapter
- Counterweight
- Platter
- USB Cable
- CD (containing software and guides)
- Pre-Mounted Cartridge
- Dust Cover
- Dust Cover Mounts (2)
General Controls
Familiarize yourself with the controls and connections on your turntable:
- Power Cable: Connects to a wall receptacle after all audio connections are made.
- RCA Audio Output Cables: Connect to the audio inputs of your home stereo system. (Note: You can still copy records to your computer even if the turntable's audio outputs are not connected to a stereo system. You can also listen to records through your computer if its sound input/output options are configured correctly.)
- PHONO/LINE Switch: Located on the bottom panel. Use PHONO for connecting to a turntable input on a home stereo. Use LINE for connecting to CD/AUX/TAPE inputs. WARNING: Plugging a LINE level into a PHONO input may damage your receiver.
- Gain Knob: Adjusts the audio signal gain level. Use this to set the volume if the audio is too quiet or too loud.
- USB Audio Output: Use the included USB Cable to connect your turntable to your computer for transferring vinyl records. Two software packages are provided on the included CD.
- Power Button: Powers the turntable on and off.
- Platter: Must be securely fastened before operation. The Motor Drive Belt is located on the drive ring underneath the platter. Refer to SETUP INSTRUCTIONS for details on belt installation.
- Start/Stop Button: Starts and stops the turntable motor. If it doesn't function, ensure the Motor Drive Belt is properly installed (see SETUP INSTRUCTIONS).
- 1/8" Stereo Line Input: Connect tape players, reel-to-reel devices, or other audio sources here. This signal is sent to the computer via USB. Ensure your phono cartridge is installed for maximum sound quality. Also, ensure RCA jacks are either plugged into an input device or not in contact with metal. Note: This 1/8" input is not routed to the turntable's RCA outputs, only to your computer via USB.
- 33 and 45 RPM Buttons: Control the platter's RPM. A red LED indicates the selected mode. Note: If powered down in 45 RPM mode, it defaults to 33 RPM upon power-up. You can record 78 RPM records by recording at 33 or 45 RPM and then changing the speed in software like Audacity.
- 45 RPM Adapter Holder: Place the 45 RPM adapter here when not in use.
Tonearm Components:
Items 12-16 are parts of the tonearm. Refer to the TONEARM SETUP section for details.
- Counter Weight and Scale Ring: Balances the headshell and cartridge assembly for proper stylus pressure.
- Anti-Skate Adjustment: Compensates for inward tracking forces. See TONEARM SETUP for more details.
- Arm Clip: Secures the tonearm when at rest or not in use. It remains in the up position when unlocked. Note: For transport, it's recommended to remove the headshell and secure the arm clip to prevent damage.
- Tone Arm Lock Nut: Secures the headshell and cartridge assembly to the tonearm tube.
- Cartridge and Headshell: The cartridge is pre-mounted on a standard headshell and is user-replaceable. Remove the clear plastic cover before operation.
Platter Setup
WARNING: Incorrect platter setup can lead to poor performance, instability, or permanent motor damage.
- The rubber belt is preinstalled on the platter. Turn the platter over to ensure the belt is attached and not twisted. If it has come off during shipping, place it around the inner bottom ring of the platter as shown in diagram #1.
- Install the Platter onto the center spindle and press down firmly. Check that it rotates uniformly and does not wobble excessively.
- Rotate the platter so that one of the holes aligns with the Start/Stop button on the front corner. The brass motor spindle should be visible through this hole.
- Reach into the hole, pull the rubber drive belt off the inner ring, and install it over the motor spindle. Be careful not to twist the belt. Ensure the platter rotates uniformly. If installed correctly, there should be slight tension that stops the platter after spinning freely.
Tonearm Setup
- Rotate the counterweight counter-clockwise until it is in the complete forward position (maximum pressure).
- With the headshell raised, you should feel weight and resistance. Rotate the counterweight clockwise (away from the pivot point) until this feeling disappears. The tonearm should now pivot with very little resistance, indicating 0 grams of stylus pressure.
- With the counterweight away from the pivot point, grasp the scale ring and rotate it until "0" is vertical.
- Finally, rotate the counterweight (and scale ring) counter-clockwise (towards the pivot point) until the desired weight is reached. If the scale rotates 360 degrees beyond zero, add 3.5 to the new scale ring reading.
*The included headshell and cartridge assembly requires a minimum of 3 grams and no more than 5 grams for optimum performance.
Anti-Skate Adjustment
In most cases, set Anti-Skate to its minimum. It compensates for inward tracking forces as the stylus nears the record's center. If you experience excessive skipping during back-cueing or scratching near the center spindle, try increasing the Anti-Skate using the dial increments. Start with an increment of 1, test, and increase further as needed.
Important Notes
- Always place the felt slipmat on top of the platter when using the turntable. Failure to do so may damage your media and the turntable.
- Remove the plastic cartridge cover (needle cover) before operating the turntable.
Mounting the Dust Cover
- Attach the included dust cover mounts to the dust cover.
- Attach the dust cover to the turntable by inserting the mounts into the corresponding holes, as illustrated.
Specifications
Computer Requirements:
PC:
- Windows 98SE, 2000, ME, XP, Vista
- 500 MHz Pentium class processor or better
- QuickTime 7.1.6 or later
- 256MB RAM (minimum)
- 250MB available Hard Drive space (minimum)
- One available USB1.1 port or higher
- CD-ROM drive or better
- Windows-compatible sound card
Mac:
- OS X 10.3.9 or later or OS X 10.4.7 or later
- 500MHz G3 processor or better
- QuickTime 6.5.2 or later
- 256MB RAM (minimum)
- 250MB available Hard Drive space (minimum)
- One available USB1.1 port or higher
- CD-ROM drive or better
- Mac-compatible sound card
Part List:
- ION TTUSB10 Turntable
- Counterweight for tonearm
- Platter w/belt
- Slipmat
- Cartridge pre-mounted on Headshell
- RCA Cable connected
- Dust cover
- Dust cover mounts
- USB Cable Included
- 45 RPM Adapter Included
- Software CD (MAC/PC)
- Quick Start Guide
Physical Dimensions & Weight:
- Product Weight (with Packaging): 12 lbs
- Turntable Weight: 7.7 lbs
- Master CTN dimensions: 20.27" x 17.16" x 6.85"
Motor & Performance:
- Motor: Belt Drive
- Speed: 33 1/3 RPM or 45 RPM operation
- Inputs: 1/8" stereo line level
- Outputs: RCA (LINE/PHONO), USB Audio.
Contact Information
ION Audio, LLC
Tel: (U.S.) 401.658.3743
Email: support@ion-audio.com