audio-technica AT-LP120 USB Direct-Drive Turntable System User Manual

audio-technica AT-LP120 USB Direct-Drive Turntable System

Introduction

Thank you for purchasing the AT-LP120-USB Direct-Drive Professional USB and Analog Turntable System. Audio-Technica brings its legendary quality and audio fidelity to the digital realm with this LP-to-digital recording system. In the box, you’ll find everything you need to transfer your classic LP collection to digital files: Audio-Technica’s AT-LP120- USB stereo turntable, complete with USB output that allows direct connection to your computer; Audacity recording software for MAC or PC; an integral dual-magnet Audio-Technica phono cartridge; a USB cable and adapter cables. The turntable also offers a built- in switchable phono/line preamp that allows connection to a stereo system equipped with either a phono or line-level input.

The AT-LP120-USB Direct-Drive Professional USB and Analog Turntable System features the following:

• USB output—no special drivers required for direct connection to your computer
• Direct drive high-torque motor
• Selectable 33/45/78 RPM speeds
• Selectable internal stereo phono pre-amplifier
• S-shaped tone arm assembly with:
• Adjustable counterweight
• Anti-skate adjustment
• Tone arm height adjustment and lock
•  Tone arm lift with hydraulic action and lift lever
• Tone arm rest with locking mechanism
• Selectable high-accuracy quartz-controlled pitch lock
• Selectable +/–10% or +/– 20% pitch adjustment ranges
• Stroboscopic platter speed indicator
• Forward and reverse play
• Cast aluminum record platter with slip mat
• Start/stop button
• Pop-up stylus target light
• 45-RPM adapter with storage receptacle
• Receptacle for extra headshell
• Adjustable feet for leveling
• Removable hinged dust cover

Safety instructions

•  Read these instructions.
•  Keep these instructions.
•  Heed all warnings.
•  Follow all instructions.
•  Do not use this apparatus near water.
•  Clean only with a dry cloth.
•  Do not block any of the ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
•  Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
•  Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding plug has two blades and a third grounding prong.
• The wide blade or the third prong is provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
•  Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
•  Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
•  Use only with a cart, stand, tripod, bracket or table specified by the manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus.
• When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.
•  Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
•  Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
• Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
•  Where a mains plug is used as the disconnect device, the disconnect device shall remain readily operable.
•  Please keep the unit in a good ventilation environment.
•  Apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing and no objects filled with liquids, such as vases, shall be placed on apparatus.

Main Features

• Power Dial
  • Controls power to the unit.
• Start/Stop Button
  • Engages and disengages the motor/platter.
• Platter Speed Buttons
  • Select 33 or 45 RPM platter speed. (Note: 78 RPM is selected by pressing the 33 and 45 buttons simultaneously.)
• PLATTER
  • Cast aluminum platter mounts directly to center spindle/motor shaft.
• Strobe Dots (On platter edge)
  • Operate in conjunction with stroboscopic light located under power dial (1) to provide visual indication of accurate platter speeds.
• CENTER SPINDLE
  • Precision-machined platter mount on motor shaft.
• 45-RPM ADAPTER (Shown in receptacle)
  • Adapts 7″ records with large center holes to fit center spindle.
• DUST COVER HINGE HOLDERS
  • Attachment points for removable hinged dust cover.
• HEADSHELL RECEPTACLE
  • Storage receptacle for extra headshell (not included).
• TONE ARM ASSEMBLY
  • Refer to Figure 2 on page 4 for details.
• DIRECTION BUTTON
  • Controls platter’s rotational direction:
  • F – Forward (clockwise)
  • R – Reverse (counter-clockwise)
• PITCH ADJUST SLIDE CONTROL
  • Use in conjunction with pitch button (15) to vary the platter’s rotational speed. In the center detent position quartz lock is active.
• PITCH SELECTION INDICATOR
  • Shows Green for standard or locked RPM setting, or Red for a pitch-adjusted setting.
• QUARTZ SPEED LOCK
  • Toggles between internal quartz-locked reference and variable pitch controlled by pitch adjust slide control (12).
• PITCH BUTTON
  • Selects the range of pitch variation permitted by the pitch adjust slide control (12). (See page 7 for information on locking or adjusting platter speed.)
• POPUP STYLUS TARGET LIGHT
  • Provides illumination directed at the stylus position for easier cueing in poor light.
• VOLTAGE SELECTOR SWITCH
  • (Access through holes in platter)
  • Selects operating voltage (115V or 230V AC, 60/50 Hz).

Tone Arm Assembly Diagram

• HEADSHELL
  • Standard, interchangeable stereo cartridge headshell.
• HEADSHELL LOCKING RING
  • Rotate counter-clockwise (to the left) to draw the inserted headshell firmly into its seated, locked position. Rotate the ring a full turn to the right to permit removal of the headshell.
• TONE ARM
  • S-shaped tone arm geometry reduces tracking error.
• TONE ARM ASSEMBLY HEIGHT ADJUST
  • Raises and lowers the entire tone arm assembly to allow the tone arm to remain parallel to the record surface. (The proper setting is “0” for the included cartridge.)
• Tone Arm Lift
  • Elevates tone arm above record surface.
• TONE ARM REST WITH LOCKING CLAMP
  • Locking clamp secures tone arm during transport.
• TONE ARM LIFT ADJUST SCREW
  • Used to set the amount of tone arm lift.
• TONE ARM LIFT CONTROL LEVER (“Cueing Lever”)
  • Controls action of tone arm lift. (Note: Lift mechanism is hydraulically damped to slow tone arm descent.)
• ANTI-SKATE CONTROL
  • Applies a small outward force to the tone arm, counteracting the tendency of the tone arm to move inward toward the center of the record.
• COUNTERWEIGHT
  • Balances the tone arm and provides adjustment for proper downward tracking force on the stylus.
• TONE ARM ASSEMBLY HEIGHT LOCK
  • (Hidden under counterweight in drawing)
  • Locks the tone arm height setting. (Always fully unlock before attempting to make a height adjustment.)

Rear View Diagram

• PRE-AMP SELECTOR SWITCH
  • Allows the internal stereo phono pre-amp to be bypassed when the turntable is used with equipment having magnetic phono inputs.
• USB OUTPUT
  • Use this output to connect your turntable to the USB input of your computer. Please see included software guide for instructions.

Unpacking

Carefully unpack the turntable and verify that the following parts are included and intact:

• Slip mat (above the dust cover)
• Dust cover (above the turntable)
• Platter (under the turntable)
• Dust cover hinges (accessory section of the foam packaging)
• 45 RPM adapter (accessory section)
• Counterweight (accessory section)
• Headshell with pre-mounted cartridge (accessory section)
• Power cord (accessory section)
• USB cable
• Dual RCA (female) to 3.5 mm (1/8″) mini-plug (male) stereo adapter cable
• Dual RCA (female) to 3.5 mm (1/8″) mini-plug (female) stereo adapter cable
• Audacity software (CD)

Assembling the Turntable The AT-LP120-USB requires some assembly before first use. IMPORTANT: Do not connect the AC power cord until assembly is complete.

Setting the Voltage Selector Switch This turntable has the capability to be used with either 115V or 230V AC power, 60/50 Hz. The voltage selector switch is located on the top of the housing deck, under the platter. Set the switch according to the voltage in your area. [See Figure 4.] (Note: The turntable comes shipped with the voltage selector switch set for 115V AC.)

Setting the Pre-amp Selector Switch For increased flexibility of use, this turntable has an internal stereo phono pre-amplifier. The pre-amp selector switch located in the rearpanel of the turntable [See Figure 3, page 4, #29], selects the internal stereo pre-amplifier (LINE OUT), or bypasses the pre-amp (PHONO OUT) for use with systems having specialized magnetic phono input jacks. The audio output cable’s Red RCA-type plug is the Right channel; the White plug is the Left channel. If the system you are using has a PHONO input, set the pre-amp selector switch to the PHONO OUT position and connect the turntable’s output cables to the PHONO inputs on your system, observing Red for Right channel and White for Left channel. If your system does not have a PHONO (magnetic phono) input, set the pre-amp selector switch to LINE OUT and connect the turntable’s output cables to the Auxiliary (AUX) or other high-level inputs on your system, observing Red for Right channel and White for Left channel.

Assembling the Tone Arm

• Remove the vinyl tie used to secure the tone arm during shipment. Temporarily secure the tone arm in the tone arm rest with the locking clamp. [Figure 2, page 4, #23.]
• Attach the headshell assembly by inserting it into the socket at the front of the tone arm [See Figure 5.] (It’s good practice always to hold a headshell assembly by the left and right edges of the headshell to reduce the possibility of damaging the stylus or disrupting the cartridge wiring.)
• While holding the headshell in position, rotate the headshell locking ring counter‑clockwise (to the left).
• As the ring turns, it pulls the headshell into its seated position. (Rotate the ring a full turn to the right to permit removal of the headshell.)
• With its black dial toward the front, use a screwing motion to attach the counterweight to the arm extending back from the tone arm pivot [Figure 2, page 4, #27]; the counterweight will engage the spiral groove in the rear arm section and move forward.

Assembling the Turntable Platter and Slip Mat

• Carefully place the turntable platter on the center spindle, making certain the platter is fully seated on the spindle. [See Figure 6.]
• Place the soft black slip mat on top of the platter.

Assembling the Dust Cover

• Insert the T-shaped ends of the dust cover hinges into the two hinge receptacles located at the back of the turntable housing.
• When properly installed, the flat part of the cover hinges should be facing away from the turntable housing at about a 45° angle.
• Holding the dust cover over the turntable, carefully guide the cover hinges into the two slots molded into the rear of the dust cover.
• The springs in the hinges allow the cover to be held open at about a 45° angle if desired. (Note: There is only one “open” position; the hinges do NOT permit the cover to stand “straight up.”)
• To remove the dust cover from the turntable, gently disengage the hinges from the slots in the cover. This is usually easier when the cover is in the “closed” position. Slowly and carefully lift straight up until the cover is clear of the unit.
• The hinges may then be removed from the turntable base, if desired

Setting Tone Arm Balance and Tracking Force

• Set the anti-skate adjustment to “0”. [Figure 2, page 4, #26.]
• Remove the clear protective stylus cover, carefully sliding it straight forward, off the front of the cartridge.
• While gently holding the headshell to stabilize the tone arm, release the tone arm locking clamp. At this point, the tone arm is unbalanced and free to swing.
• While gently holding the headshell, carefully rotate the counterweight until the tone arm is horizontally balanced and hovers freely just above the platter without touching the platter surface.
• Lock the tone arm back into the tone arm rest.
• While holding the counterweight steady, and without any rotation, carefully rotate only the black stylus force gauge ring (which turns independently of the counterweight) until the “0” on the gauge ring lines up with the centerline marked along the top of the rear arm.
• Refer to the cartridge manufacturer’s specifications for recommended tracking force. Rotate the entire counter-weight counterclockwise without touching the black gauge ring, moving the counterweight forward, until the desired value on gauge ring lines up with the centerline marked on the rear arm. Refer to the specifications section for tracking force value for the cartridge that shipped with the turntable.

Setting Anti-skate
A small outward “anti-skating” force can be applied to the tone arm to compensate for the “skating” force that pulls the arm toward the center of the record. For best performance during normal turntable use, set the anti-skate control knob [Figure 2, page 4, #26] to the same setting as the tracking force dial. Refer to the specifications section for tracking force value of the cartridge that shipped with the turntable

Setting Tone Arm Assembly Height
The tone arm assembly height adjustment allows for the tone arm
to be positioned parallel to the record surface, when using extra-tall cartridge bodies, thick slip mats or thick records (i.e. old 78’s). To raise or lower the tone arm assembly: First, loosen the height lock [Figure 2, page 4, #28]; then rotate the height adjust dial [Figure 2, page 4, #21] located at the base of the tone arm assembly. The scale is calibrated in millimeters (mm). When finished, tighten the height lock to secure the adjustment.

Connections

Audio
Connect the audio output cable to the appropriate input jacks on your mixer, amplifier, soundcard or other device based on the setting of the pre-amp selector switch. Firmly connect the Red RCA-type plug to the right channel input and the White RCA-type plug to the left channel input. (Note: Adapter plugs might be required to connect the turntable to computer sound cards and other devices.)

Connecting to Computers with USB Input
The USB cable (included) connects your AT-LP120-USB turntable to your computer without need for special drivers. Refer to included software guide (also available online at www.audio-technica.com) before connecting the turntable to your computer.

Connecting to Computers or Audio Devices with 3.5 mm Input
The AT-LP120-USB connects without adapters to devices equipped with RCA connectors. For maximum flexibility, we have included two adapter cables to fit other popular audio inputs. The first of these adapter cables – dual RCA to stereo 3.5 mm mini-plug (male) – is designed to fit most popular computer* audio inputs. It may also be used to connect the turntable’s RCA output to other equipment, including:

• a stereo/boombox* equipped with a 3.5 mm minijack
• input powered speakers* equipped with a 3.5 mm minijack
• input a mixer or PA system equipped with a 3.5 mm minijack

NOTE : If connection is desired to a mono amplifier/speaker, make certain to use a stereo-to-mono adapter, available from your dealer or an electronic parts store. Inserting a mono plug in the stereo jack will disable one of the stereo channels. Other adapter cable configurations will be available from dealers and parts stores for connecting to devices needing different terminations. Finally, after all other connections are made, attach the included AC power cord to the turntable; note that the small connector only goes in one way. Then connect the power cord’s plug to a convenient AC outlet.For best results, do not install or operate this unit near conditions of heat, moisture, dust, or heavy vibrations. (Note: Bright fluorescent lights may affect the visibility of the speed-indicating strobe dots. If this is a problem, simply cover the area with your hand, an album cover, etc.)

Preparing to Play

• Remove the stylus guard from the stylus assembly and unlock the tone arm rest if it is locked.
• Turn the power dial to the ON position. The speed selector and strobe illuminator will light up.
• If desired, push the stylus target light button to raise and turn on the light for illumination of the stylus tip position on the record.
• Place a record on the slip mat, lining up its center hole with the center spindle. For 45 RPM records, place the 45 RPM adapter on the center spindle before placing the record on the platter.
• Set the platter rotation speed (33/45/78) to match that of the record. (Note: To set the platter speed for 78 RPM, push both the 33 and 45 RPM buttons simultaneously.)

Playing the Record

• Press the start/stop button; the platter begins to rotate.
• Raise the tone arm by lifting the tone arm lift control lever to the UP position.
• Position the tone arm over the desired location (groove) on the record.
• Lower the tone arm by moving the tone arm lift control lever to the DOWN position. The tone arm descends slowly onto the record and play begins.

Checking and Adjusting Pitch

• If desired, select a +/– 10% or +/– 20% pitch adjustment range by pressing the pitch button. Then move the pitch adjust slide control up or down to make pitch adjustments. (Note: The pitch adjust slide control has center detent position for 0% pitch variation.)
• As illuminated by the red light coming from beneath the power dial, observe the strobe dots on the edge of the platter. If the appropriate row of strobe dots appears to be stationary, the platter is moving at the precise rated speed. If the dots appear to be moving to the right, the platter is moving below rated speed; if they appear to be moving to the left, the platter is moving above rated speed.
• If the quartz speed lock button is pressed, the internal quartz lock will hold the platter at precise rated speed regardless of the position of the pitch adjust slide control. (Note: The LED indicator to the left of the pitch adjust slide control’s center position will illuminate GREEN when the quartz lock is active and RED when variable pitch is active.)
• If desired, press the direction button to reverse the rotation of the platter. The appropriate direction LED will illuminate.

Suspending or Ending Play

• To suspend play, lift the tone arm with the cueing lever.
• When play is finished, raise the cueing lever, move the tone arm to the rest position and secure the tone arm with the tone arm locking clamp.
• If using the stylus target light, turn it off by pushing the light down.
• Press the start/stop button to apply the brake and stop the platter rotation.
• Turn the power dial to the OFF position.

Replacing the Stylus

The AT-LP120-USB comes supplied with a high-quality Audio-Technica AT95E cartridge. The stylus should be replaced with a genuine Audio-Technica ATN95E stylus.

• Release the headshell assembly from the tone arm by turning the locking ring clockwise.
• Carefully remove the headshell assembly and turn it over so the stylus is visible.
• Remove the stylus assembly by pulling it away from the cartridge body at a slight angle. [See Figure 7.]
• Remove the replacement stylus from its package and carefully align it with the cartridge body.
• Gently push the stylus onto the cartridge body, being careful not to damage the stylus. The stylus assembly should click into place.
• Replace the headshell assembly on the tone arm and secure with the locking ring.

Replacing the Cartridge

• To replace the cartridge, first release the headshell assembly from the tone arm by turning the locking ring clockwise. Carefully remove the headshell assembly and turn it over so that the stylus is visible. Remove the stylus assembly by pulling it away from the cartridge body at a slight angle. [See Figure 7.] Place the stylus assembly out of harm’s way.
• Remove the cartridge body by loosening the two small screws securing the cartridge to the headshell. Set the hardware aside to be reused with the new cartridge.
• Unpack the new cartridge and carefully remove its stylus assembly. Place the stylus assembly out of harm’s way. Mount the new cartridge to the headshell assembly. Use the mounting hardware supplied with the new cartridge or the existing hardware removed at step 2. Tighten the mounting screws until just snug. Replace the stylus assembly briefly to check for mechanical interference with the mounting hardware. The stylus assembly should click into place. Make certain the new cartridge is properly positioned in the headcase assembly per the manufacturer’s instructions. Again remove the stylus assembly for safekeeping.

Electrical Connections

• Four terminals at the rear of the cartridge are color coded to match standard wiring in stereo tone arms. [See Figure 8.] Connect the cartridge with the slip-on lugs provided on the headshell wiring. NEVER SOLDER TO CARTRIDGE TERMINALS! Heat applied to the terminals will damage the internal cartridge wiring.
• For monaural operation, the left and right signal leads should be connected to the monaural output terminal and the left and right ground leads should be connected to the ground terminal.
• Finally, gently push the stylus onto the cartridge body being careful not to damage the stylus. The stylus assembly should click into place. Replace the headshell assembly onto the tone arm taking care not to damage the stylus assembly.

Turntable operates but emits no sound or not enough sound.

• The stylus guard is still in place. Remove the stylus guard.
• The tone arm is in the lift position. Lower the tone arm.
• Mixer/amplifier (system) controls are set incorrectly: wrong input selected, tape monitor on, speakers switched off, etc. Verify proper control settings.
• Stylus is broken or missing. Check the stylus assembly and replace if necessary.
• The stylus assembly may not be fully seated in the cartridge body. Check the cartridge and adjust if necessary.
• The pre-amp selector switch is set in the wrong position. Verify that it is set for proper output to match mixer/amplifier.
  • No sound/very weak sound: Phono Out setting into an Aux/Line input.
  • Very loud/distorted sound: Line Out setting into a Phono input.

Turntable operates but stylus “skips” across record.

• The stylus guard is still in place. Remove the stylus guard.
• The tracking force is set too light. Set tracking force per cartridge manufacturer’s recommendation.
• The tracking force is set too heavy (stylus assembly is bottoming out on record). Set tracking force per cartridge manufacturer’s recommendation.
• The anti-skate control is set improperly. Verify anti-skate is set for same value as cartridge tracking force.
• Turntable is picking up excessive vibrations from floor, walls, or nearby speakers. Reduce vibrations or place turntable on sturdy/solid surface.

Record sounds too fast or too slow.

•  Turntable is set for wrong speed. Make proper speed selection for record type being played with platter speed buttons.
•  Variable pitch is engaged. Depress quartz button or return pitch adjust slider to center detent position to engage quartz lock.

Moving pitch adjust slider produces no effect.

• If the LED next to the pitch adjust slider center detent position remains green when the slider is moved, quartz lock is engaged. Depress the quartz button to disengage the quartz lock and activate variable pitch. The LED should turn RED.
  Strobe dots are difficult to see and/or stylus illuminator is very dim.

• Excessively bright or fluorescent light interferes with strobe indicator. Hold hand, record jacket, etc. over strobe indicator to shield it from bright light.

• Voltage selector switch is set for 230V when AC mains are 115V.

• Disconnect AC power cord and reset the voltage selector switch located under the platter. (Note: Even with the voltage selector set for 230V when AC mains are 115V, the quartz lock will bring the platter up to proper speed.)

Tips For Better Performance

• When opening or closing the turntable cover, handle it gently, moving it either at the center or equally from both sides.
• Do not touch the stylus tip with your fingers; avoid bumping the stylus on the turntable mat or a record’s edge.
• Clean the stylus tip frequently, using a soft brush and a back-to-front motion.
• If you use a stylus cleaning fluid, use it sparingly.
• Wipe the dust cover and turntable housing gently with a soft cloth. Use only a small amount of mild detergent solution to clean the turntable and dust cover.
• Never apply harsh chemicals or solvents to any part of the turntable system.
• Prior to moving the turntable, always unplug it from the AC outlet and lock the tone arm on the tone arm rest.

Specifications

FAQs

What is the Audio-Technica AT-LP120 USB Direct-Drive Turntable System?

The Audio-Technica AT-LP120 is a professional-level turntable that allows you to play vinyl records and convert them to digital files.

What is the price of the Audio-Technica AT-LP120 USB Direct-Drive Turntable System?

The price of the Audio-Technica AT-LP120 varies, but it is typically available for purchase at around $300.

Is the Audio-Technica AT-LP120 easy to set up?

Yes, the Audio-Technica AT-LP120 is relatively easy to set up, and it comes with a user manual to guide you through the process.

What is the tonearm of the Audio-Technica AT-LP120 made of?

The tonearm of the Audio-Technica AT-LP120 is made of high-quality aluminum.

Does the Audio-Technica AT-LP120 come with a dust cover?

Yes, the Audio-Technica AT-LP120 comes with a removable dust cover to protect the turntable when not in use.

Does the Audio-Technica AT-LP120 have a built-in preamp?

Yes, the Audio-Technica AT-LP120 has a built-in preamp, which allows you to connect it directly to a stereo system or powered speakers.

Does the Audio-Technica AT-LP120 have a USB port?

Yes, the Audio-Technica AT-LP120 has a USB port, which allows you to connect it to a computer and convert vinyl records to digital files.

Does the Audio-Technica AT-LP120 come with software to convert vinyl to digital files?

Yes, the Audio-Technica AT-LP120 comes with Audacity software, which allows you to easily convert vinyl records to digital files.

What is the speed accuracy of the Audio-Technica AT-LP120?

The Audio-Technica AT-LP120 has very accurate speeds of 33-1/3, 45, and 78 RPM.

Can the Audio-Technica AT-LP120 play 78 RPM records?

Yes, the Audio-Technica AT-LP120 can play 78 RPM records with the included stylus.

What is the weight of the Audio-Technica AT-LP120?

The Audio-Technica AT-LP120 weighs approximately 23 pounds.

Can you replace the stylus on the Audio-Technica AT-LP120?

Yes, the stylus on the Audio-Technica AT-LP120 is replaceable.

What is the warranty for the Audio-Technica AT-LP120?

The Audio-Technica AT-LP120 comes with a one-year warranty.

Can you adjust the tracking force on the Audio-Technica AT-LP120?

Yes, the tracking force on the Audio-Technica AT-LP120 is adjustable, which allows you to optimize the sound quality of your records.

What is the difference between the Audio-Technica AT-LP120 and the AT- LP120XUSB?

The main difference between the Audio-Technica AT-LP120 and the AT-LP120XUSB is that the latter has improved electronics and a redesigned chassis, resulting in better sound quality and improved performance.

AUDIO TECHNICA AT-LP120 USB DIRECT DRIVE SYSTEM

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