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User profile for user: hometownboy
hometownboy Author
User level: Level 1
4 points

Audio input for 2018 Mac mini

I need to record from a turntable that has its output as a 3.5 mm plug. How can I connect it to my 2018 Mac mini so that I can record the songs from a vintage LP? Supposedly, the headphone output jack can act as an input jack, but when I plug directly into it, it doesn't show up on the list of input devices. One piece of advice says in order for the headphone jack to act as an input jack, you have to have a headphone with an attached microphone. I don't have that.


As an alternative, is there an adapter that will convert my 3.5 plug to a USB or USB-C that will input to my Mac mini? I got one for USB-C, but it must only work the other way, taking audio from the Mac mini to an external speaker.

Posted on Nov 10, 2024 5:32 PM

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2 replies
User profile for user: MartinR
MartinR
User level: Level 7
21,697 points

Nov 10, 2024 6:11 PM in response to hometownboy

You will need a USB audio interface that has RIAA (aka phono) EQ built in. Most do not.


Here are a few that do:


These converters take the analog input from your turntable and 1) apply RIAA EQ and 2) convert to USB. You can then record your vinyl with almost any audio recording app on your Mac ... including QuickTime & GarageBand, which are built in on all Macs. Alternate (and IMHO better) recorders include Audacity and SoundStudio.


In my own case, I connect my turntable to the phono input on my old Yamaha receiver, then connect the receiver's tape out to a Mackie Mixer input. The mixer has USB output that I connect to my Mac.


Alternatively, there are some interesting new turntables on the market that have RIAA & USB built in. The Dayton Audio TT-1BTB is a very good example that includes an Audio Technica AT-VM95ME cartridge w. elliptical stylus. You could connect this directly to your Mac, no audio interface needed.


You will probably also want noise reduction to eliminate clicks & pops from your vinyl recordings. I use Wave Arts MR Click plugin with SoundStudio to do this but there are other noise reduction apps you could use.


(As a note, I do not receive any compensation for suggesting any products. My recommendations are based on personal knowledge & use only.)


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Audio input for 2018 Mac mini

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