Rewind to 1995, when the first commercially available CD-Burner was introduced to the consumer market. Back
then, even though the award winning Denon DN-2000F twin deck DJ CD player has already created a stir in the DJing
land, not many DJs were very keen on going digital. Their main arguement is, it is simply too troublesome to
digitalize their music library.
Not anymore. Thanks to Ion Audio, the creator of iDJ (the first iPod® DJ mixer), who has finally answered the
prayers of many digital DJs and came up with a simple solution to achive digitally their analog music library.
The iTTUSB is indeed a technological breakthrough, a turntable with a USB plug which directly connects to a
computer for recording without the need of a soundcard. And to maintain its low price, the iTTUSB comes bundled
with Audacity, the already well used and trusted digital audio editor software.
Audacity might looked very complex and intimidating but after reading the "Audacity Software Guide", I am able
to record, apply effects, normalize and remove the clicks and crackles of my recorded music very easily. Audacity
also allows me to encode my recorded music into whatever format which I desire.
Note: Since the algorithm to encode or create MP3 is patented, Audacity highly recommends its users to download
a free LAME mp3 encoder to export MP3 files with it.
Hooking up the iTTUSB to my computer is a breeze but installing Audacity first is a must. The iTTUSB utilised the
USB Audio Codec that has already been pre-installed by my computer's Operating System, but there is a step by
step guide which is clearly explained and illustrated on the manual, for me configure my computer's "Sounds and
Audio Devices Properties".
Recording using the iTTUSB via Audacity is also very easy. It only requires me to click on the "Record" icon on the
Audacity software and then place the needle onto the record and click on the "Stop" button when the recording is
done. I have to add that thanks to its belt drive technology, my recording using the iTTUSB is quieter compared
to those songs which I have already recorded using my direct drive turntables.
Audacity also allows me to shorten my recording time. I am able to record my music at a faster speed on the
iTTUSB and then bring the tempo back to normal with Audacity. Brilliant!!!
My only dilemma with the iTTUSB is that I am not able to adjust the input level of my recording. I have to either
use the supplied stylus or a stylus with low output because all my recordings that were done using my trusted
Stanton 500MKII which has an output of mere 4.6mV @ 1kHz, went above the reds and clipped. But then, that is
just me because the sound produced by the supplied stylus is actually very good.
Lastly, I also would like to add that thanks to the iTTUSB onboard phono preamp, I am can directly connect the
iTTUSB via the attached RCA cable to the auxiliary input of my stereo. And, the designer of iTTUSB is also
thoughtful enough to add a 1/8" stereo input socket for you to also digitalize your old cassette tapes or
other medias directly onto your computer.
CONCLUSION
The iTTUSB does what it preaches and presented all the tools that I need to simplify the process of digitalizing
my vinyl collection in an easy-to-understand package. For me, the iTTUSB is, truly, a heaven sent.
