ION Max LP Vinyl Record Player Quickstart Guide

June 12, 2024
ION

ION Max LP Vinyl Record Player

ION Max LP Vinyl Record Player-product

Box Contents

Make sure that the items listed below are included in the box:

  • Max LP
  • Power Adapter
  • Dust Cover
  • USB cable
  • Aux Input Cable
  • Felt Slipmat
  • 45 RPM Adapter
  • Software CD
  • Quickstart Guide
  • Safety & Warranty Manual

READ THE SAFETY INSTRUCTION BOOKLET BEFORE USING THE PRODUCT

Support

Connecting the Dust Cover to Max LP

To attach the included dust cover, follow these instructions:

  1. Align the dust cover with the turntable’s rear panel hinges.
  2. Attach the dust cover to the hinges, pressing down to lock them into place.

Connection Diagram

Since Max LP has built-in speakers, it is not necessary to connect speakers in order to listen to your vinyl records. However, if you want to connect your own speakers, please see the following diagram.

ION Max LP Vinyl Record Player-fig-1

Using Max LP With Your Computer

Playback

There are 3 ways to listen to your vinyl records with Max LP:

  1. You can simply listen to your music using Max LP’s internal speakers.
  2. If you prefer to use your own stereo speakers, you can connect Max LP’s RCA outputs to a stereo system or to powered speakers. Do not connect them to phono-level inputs; Max LP’s RCA outputs are line-level and could damage a device with phono-level inputs. (Any other standard input type, such as CD, Aux In, or Tape is acceptable).
  3. You can listen through your computer speakers or with headphones connected to your computer, once your computer soundcard’s input device has been set to USB PnP Audio Device or USB Audio Device, depending on your Windows operating system (USB PnP Audio Device on Mac OS X) and that you are record-monitoring the audio using EZ Vinyl/Tape Converter or similar software (Max LP cannot be used as a playback device for your computer’s audio.). See the section Setting Your Computer’s Soundcard as the Default Playback Device for details on how to configure sound playback.

Recording

  • To record music on your computer, you can use ION EZ Vinyl/Tape Converter. EZ Vinyl/Tape Converter makes it easy to turn your music into digital files. After you finish converting your vinyl, you can then burn it to CD or load it onto portable media devices.
  • To install the software, insert the included CD into your computer, and follow the on-screen instructions.
  • Visit ionaudio.com/ezvc to download the latest version of EZ Vinyl/Tape Converter software or for a helpful troubleshooting guide and additional support.
  1. With EZ Vinyl/Tape Converter installed on your computer, use the included USB cable to connect Max LP’s USB port to an available USB port on your computer.

  2. On your computer, you can open EZ Vinyl/Tape Converter by going to the Start Menu All Programs (Windows) or the Applications menu (Mac).

  3. Follow the on-screen instructions to set up your recording. When prompted to play your music, move Max LP’s tonearm over the record to start playback.
    Note: To listen to a record while it’s playing, listen through your computer’s speakers, or connect Max LP’s RCA outputs to a stereo system or powered speakers. Max LP must be connected to the computer in order for EZ Vinyl/Tape Converter to advance to the next step.

  4. When you have finished recording, raise Max LP’s tonearm from the record and return it to its arm clip.

Features

  1. Platter – Place your record here.

  2. *Tonearm –** The tonearm can be raised and lowered by hand, or by pressing the raise / lower lever. Please note that the tonearm needs to be moved away from the resting position (on the arm clip) for the turntable motor to activate. When the tonearm is placed back in its resting position, the turntable motor will deactivate if Autostop has been turned on.

  3. Arm Clip – This specially designed arm clip secures the tonearm while at rest or when not in use. The arm clip has been designed to remain in the up position while unlocked.

  4. Raise / Lower Lever – Raises and lowers the tonearm.

  5. 33 / 45 / 78 Switch – This switch controls the RPM of the turntable platter. If the record is not playing at the correct speed, see the Troubleshooting section for details on how to resolve this.

  6. 45 RPM Adapter Holder – Holds the included 45 RPM adapter. When not using the adapter, please place it in this holder.

  7. Autostop Switch – This switch turns autostop on or off. When the autostop is on, the platter will start spinning when the tonearm is placed over the record and stop spinning when the record has reached the end. (When the autostop is off, the platter will always spin regardless of the position of the tonearm.)
    Note: If your vinyl record stops before it reaches the end of the music, turn Autostop to the off position for this particular record.
    This is generally recommended for 45 RPM records.

  8. Headshell – ION headshell with stylus and ceramic cartridge. Remove the plastic cover from the stylus before playing a record.

  9. Speakers – Listen to the audio from your playing vinyl record.

  10. Volume – Controls the audio output level of the internal speakers and the headphone output.

  11. Headphone Jack – Connect headphones (sold separately) to listen to your vinyl playback.

  12. Aux Input – Connect another audio source, such as cassette tapes, to this stereo 1/8” (3.5 mm) input to digitally convert the source through a USB connection to a computer.

  13. RCA Output –** The audio from a playing vinyl record is sent to this line-level coaxial audio output. This must not be connected to phono-level devices. (If you do not already have an RCA cable, this can be found at a local electronics retailer.)

  14. USB Audio Output – Use the included USB cable to connect your
    turntable to your computer. The USB connection will send audio from the turntable to your computer. Please see the Using Max LP With Your Computer section of this manual for information.

  15. Power – Use the included adapter to connect to the wall power.

  16. Power Button – Press this button to turn Max LP on/off.

ION Max LP Vinyl Record Player-fig-5

WARNING: The RCA outputs are LINE level. Please only connect these to LINE-level inputs. You may damage your receiver if you plug in a LINE-level device into a PHONO-level input.

Troubleshooting

If you experience any difficulties, please refer to the troubleshooting steps below as well as those in the EZ Vinyl/Tape Converter manual included with this product.

I’m not hearing any audio when recording music to a computer:

  • Make sure that Max LP is powered on and that the needle is on the record.

  • Make Max LP is selected as your computer’s default recording device (see the instructions below).

  • Disconnect then reconnect the USB cable connecting Max LP to your computer.
    Make sure the computer speakers are turned up and the volume is not muted. Try turning up the volume on the Max LP’s built-in speakers using the volume knob on the top panel of the Max LP.

  • If you are listening through your computer’s speakers, make sure those speakers are selected as your computer’s default playback device (see the instructions below). Alternatively, you could connect Max LP’s RCA outputs to a stereo system or powered speakers. Do not connect them to phono-level inputs; Max LP’s RCA outputs are line-level and could damage a device with phono-level inputs. (Note: The RCA outputs monitor the signal coming out of the turntable, not the signal coming from your computer.)

Hearing Problem

I’m not hearing any audio when playing music:

  • If you are playing music from vinyl:
    • Make sure that Max LP is powered on and that the needle is on the record.
    • Connect Max LP’s RCA outputs to a stereo system or powered speakers.  (Do not connect them to phono-level inputs; Max LP’s RCA outputs are line-level and could damage a device with phono-level inputs.)
    • Make sure to adjust the volume knob on the turntable in order to hear your vinyl record playing through the built-in speakers.
  • If you are playing music from your computer:
    • Make sure your software music player’s volume is turned up.
    • Make sure your computer’s volume is turned up.
    • Make sure your computer’s speakers are selected as your computer’s default playback device (see the instructions below). (Max LP cannot be used as a playback device for your computer’s audio.)

I am hearing a hum through my speaker or laptop when using the turntable:

  • If you are recording on a laptop:
    • Please connect the laptop to a grounded power supply (3-prong).
  • If you are playing through a speaker:
    • Ensure you are using the 12V 1A power adapter that was included with your product.
    • If your volume is on max, try turning it down until the hum stops.

My turntable is not making any sound, or music is muffled:

  • Take the cover off the stylus.

The turntable belt fell off:

My turntable is not spinning:

  • Ensure the turntable is powered on (power switch in the back).
  • Ensure autostop is turned on and the tonearm is placed over the record (if the auto stop is off it should always be spinning when power is on).
  • If the above steps do not help, you may need to re-attach your turntable belt. For details on how to do this, see the guide located at ionaudio.com/turntablebelt.

My record is not playing at the correct speed; its pitch is too high or too low:

  • Ensure the 33 / 45 / 78 switch is set to the correct speed for your record.
  • If the 33 / 45 / 78 switch is set correctly and the speed is still slightly off, do the following:
    • On the underside of Max LP, find the rubber pad with the RPM speed you want to adjust, and gently lift up the rubber pad to remove it.
    • For the 45 and 33 RPM settings, push through the rubber seal, and tighten/loosen the screw using a Phillips-head screwdriver to fine-tune the RPM speed.
    • For the 78 RPM setting, tighten/loosen the screw using a flat-head screwdriver.

Different Setting

Setting Your Computer’s Soundcard as the Default Playback Device

  • Windows XP: Click Start Menu Control Panel (or Settings Control Panel in Classic View) Sound and Audio Devices. Click the Audio tab and under Sound playback, select your computer’s soundcard as the default device.
  • Windows Vista: Click Start Menu Control Panel (or Settings Control Panel in Classic View) Hardware and Sound Sound. Click the Playback tab and select your computer’s soundcard as the default device.
  • Windows 7: Click Start Menu Control Panel Sound. Click the Playback tab and select your computer’s soundcard as the default device.
  • Windows 8: From the Start menu, click the lower-left corner of the screen to bring yourself to the Desktop. In the bottom-right corner of the Taskbar, locate the Volume Control “Speaker” icon. Right-click the speaker and select Playback Devices. The Windows Sound control panel should appear set on the Playback tab. If your computer’s soundcard does not have a green “checkmark” symbol next to it, right-click it and select “Set as Default Device”.
  • Mac: Click the upper-left “apple” icon then click System Preferences Sound. Click the Output tab. From the menu, select Internal Speakers if you are using the computer’s internal speakers or select Headphones if you are using speakers or headphones attached to the computer’s 1/8″ headphone output.

Setting Max LP as the Default Recording Device

  • Windows XP: Click Start Menu Control Panel (or Settings Control Panel in Classic View) Sound and Audio Devices. Click the Audio tab and under Sound Recording, select USB PnP Audio Device as the default device.
  • Windows Vista: Click Start Menu Control Panel (or Settings Control Panel in Classic View) Hardware and Sound Sound. Click the Recording tab and select USB Audio Device as the default device.
  • Windows 7: Click Start Menu Control Panel Sound. Click the Recording tab and select USB Audio Device as the default device.
  • Windows 8: From the Start menu, click the lower-left corner of the screen to bring yourself to the Desktop. In the bottom-right corner of the Taskbar, locate the Volume Control “Speaker” icon. Right-click the speaker and select Playback Devices. In the Windows Sound control panel select the Recording tab. If USB PnP Audio Device does not have a green “checkmark” symbol next to it, right-click it and select “Set as Default Device”.
  • Mac: Click the upper-left “apple” icon then click System Preferences Sound. Click the Input tab. From the menu, select USB PnP Audio Device as the device.

BEFORE RETURNING THE PRODUCT, please contact ION Audio for technical at ionaudio.com/support.

Specifications

  • Power: 12V DC, 1A, center-positive
  • Dimensions (Length x Width x Height): 15.23” x 16.14” x 4.05”; 387 mm x 418 mm x 103 mm
  • Weight: 7.71 lbs.; 3.5 kg
  • Cartridge type: Ceramic
  • Stylus: conical, diamond-tipped included, also available for purchase at ionaudio.com/products/accessories

A replacement cartridge/stylus can be purchased by contacting the ION Audio Parts Dept. at 401-658-3743 (U.S.) or emailing parts@ionaudio.com.

Trademarks and Licenses

  • ION Audio is a trademark of ION Audio, LLC, registered in the U.S. and other countries.
  • Phillips is a registered trademark of the Phillips Screw Company in the United States and other countries.
  • All other product or company names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners. ionaudio.com

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the ION Max LP Vinyl Record Player?

The ION Max LP is a turntable that allows you to play vinyl records and convert them to digital files.

Can I connect the ION Max LP to my computer?

Yes, the ION Max LP has a USB output that allows you to connect it to a computer for digital conversion.

What types of vinyl records can the ION Max LP play?

The ION Max LP can play both 33 1/3 and 45 RPM vinyl records.

Does the ION Max LP have built-in speakers?

Yes, the ION Max LP has built-in stereo speakers, so you can listen to records without external speakers.

Can I connect external speakers to the ION Max LP?

Yes, the ION Max LP has RCA line outputs, which allow you to connect it to external speakers or a stereo system.

Does the ION Max LP come with a dust cover?

Yes, the ION Max LP usually comes with a dust cover to protect your records.

Can I use headphones with the ION Max LP?

Yes, the ION Max LP has a headphone jack, so you can listen privately with headphones.

What formats can I convert my vinyl records to using the ION Max LP?

The ION Max LP can convert vinyl records to digital files in MP3 format.

Is software included for converting records to digital files?

Yes, the ION Max LP usually comes with software that allows you to convert records to digital files on your computer.

Can I adjust the speed of the turntable?

Yes, the ION Max LP has a speed control switch that allows you to switch between 33 1/3 and 45 RPM.

Does the ION Max LP have a cueing lever?

Yes, the ION Max LP usually has a cueing lever that allows you to manually lift and lower the tonearm.

Can I skip tracks on a record with the ION Max LP?

The ION Max LP does not have a direct track-skipping feature, as it plays records in a continuous manner.

Does the ION Max LP have a Bluetooth feature?

The ION Max LP models released before my knowledge cutoff date did not have Bluetooth, but newer models may have this feature. You should check the product specifications for the specific model you are interested in.

How do I clean the stylus on the ION Max LP?

You can clean the stylus by gently brushing it with a stylus cleaning brush or using a stylus cleaning solution.

Does the ION Max LP have an auto-stop feature?

Yes, the ION Max LP usually has an auto-stop feature that lifts the tonearm and stops playback at the end of the record.

VIDEO – PRODUCT OVERVIEW

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