Vinyl archivers keeping an unedited master
Capture both channels of an LP side, keep an unedited copy and decide how to treat clicks afterwards. Audacity recommends exporting a safety copy before editing.
Who this setup is for
Listeners investigating occasional clicks
Listen closely to an existing transfer and locate individual ticks before attempting a small repair. The Audacity Manual notes that quieter clicks can be difficult to spot in waveform view and may be easier to find in spectrogram view.
First-time turntable-to-computer users
Work out whether the turntable supplies line output or needs a separate phono stage, then connect both stereo channels. Focusrite advises using a phono pre-amplifier before an interface when the turntable supplies a conventional phono-level signal.
What matters when choosing
Establish how the turntable produces a line-level stereo signal, then choose the connections and monitoring controls that suit the way you will review the recording.
| Concern | What to check when buying | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Phono connection and stereo capture | Check for a line output or a phono stage suited to the cartridge. Confirm two line-capable inputs and stereo-track assignment in the recording software. | If my turntable has only a raw phono output, I need to convert it to line level and preserve both channels. Around 42% of consumers put this signal-chain need first. |
| Listening and locating clicks | Look for a headphone output with level control. Check that your editing software lets you inspect and audition short passages before repair. | When a tick is difficult to pinpoint, I want to hear it clearly and inspect the recording before changing it. For around 33% of consumers, careful click review is the primary need. |
| Simple computer connection | Check the input connectors, cabling needs and computer compatibility for the exact interface. | With a line-level source already available, I would rather keep the capture setup straightforward than add unnecessary connections. That simplicity comes first for around 25% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Connecting raw phono output to a line input
A conventional turntable's phono output needs amplification and equalisation before an ordinary interface line input; a direct connection is likely to produce a very low-level recording. Focusrite recommends a phono pre-amplifier for this connection.
Identify the turntable's output mode and, if it has no line output, use a phono stage compatible with its cartridge before connecting the interface.
A separate phono stage and suitable cables may add equipment to the setup.
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Choosing one input for a stereo transfer
Left and right vinyl channels need separate interface inputs to be captured together as a normal stereo pair.
Confirm that two inputs accept the line-level source and that the recording software can assign them to one stereo track.
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Assuming automatic click removal cannot affect the music
The Audacity Manual warns that aggressive Click Removal settings can falsely identify clicks and damage wanted audio; the effect may also miss some crackle.
Keep an unedited copy, test settings on a short section and listen to each repair. Spectrogram view may help locate quieter clicks that are hard to see in waveform view.
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Finding clipping after recording a whole LP side
Input levels set too high can cause distortion that is difficult to remove. Audacity advises aiming for a maximum recording peak around −6.0 dB to leave headroom.
Test a loud passage, check that both channels are present and set the gain before recording the side.
A clipped transfer may need to be recorded again.
Relevant brands to consider
Focusrite
The Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen is a two-input option for stereo capture after a phono stage or turntable line output.
- Focusrite lists two line-capable inputs, a headphone output with its own level control and support for 24-bit recording at sample rates up to 192 kHz.
- A raw phono-level turntable output still needs a suitable phono stage. Focusrite excludes the single-input Scarlett Solo from its stereo vinyl-recording workflow.
Audient
The EVO 4 suits a compact two-input setup where guided initial level setting is useful.
- Audient lists two analogue inputs, a headphone output and support for 24-bit/96 kHz recording. It describes Smartgain as automatic input-level setting based on peak analysis.
- Check the resulting stereo recording and its levels yourself; Smartgain does not replace a phono stage for a raw phono source.
Arturia
The MiniFuse 2 offers two inputs and monitoring controls for a desktop stereo-capture setup.
- Arturia lists two combo inputs, a headphone output and a monitoring mix control. Its computer-USB specifications include sample rates up to 192 kHz.
- Feed the line inputs from a suitable line-level source, not directly from a raw phono cartridge output.
Behringer
The UCA222 is an RCA-oriented USB option for a stereo source that has already been brought to line level.
- Behringer lists two analogue inputs and outputs, an optical S/PDIF output and a stereo headphone output with dedicated level control.
- Confirm that its connections and capture format suit your computer workflow; it does not replace the phono amplification needed for a raw phono output.
Joybuy products
Related products coming soon.
Common questions
Can I connect a turntable straight to an audio interface?
Yes, if the turntable has a built-in phono pre-amplifier and is set to line output. A raw phono-level output needs a phono stage appropriate to the cartridge before it reaches the interface's line inputs, as Focusrite advises in its vinyl-recording guidance.
Do I need two interface inputs to digitise a stereo record?
Yes, a normal stereo transfer uses one line-capable input for the left channel and another for the right. Assign those inputs to a stereo track in the recording software; a single-input interface cannot capture the pair that way on its own.
Will a higher sample rate make vinyl clicks easier to find?
Not automatically: finding clicks still depends on listening and inspecting the recording. The Audacity Manual notes that smaller clicks can be difficult to see in waveform view and may be easier to locate in spectrogram view; its Click Removal effect also has limits.
How should I set the recording level before transferring an LP side?
Play a loud passage and set the input gain with headroom before recording the whole side. Audacity advises aiming for a maximum peak around −6.0 dB and recommends exporting an unedited WAV or AIFF safety copy before restoration work.