ION Audio Max LP Vinyl Record Player-Turntable User Guide

: June 13, 2024
: ION

Table of Contents

ION Audio Max LP Vinyl Record Player-Turntable
Product Information
Product Usage Instructions
Box Contents
Support
Connecting the Dust Cover to Max LP
Connection Diagram
Using Max LP With Your Computer
Features
Troubleshooting
Appendix
References
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Download This Manual (PDF format)

ION Audio Max LP Vinyl Record Player-Turntable

Product Information

The Max LP is a turntable that allows you to play vinyl records and convert them into digital files. It comes with built-in speakers, a dust cover, and various cables for connectivity. The turntable has RCA outputs for connecting to external speakers or a stereo system. It also includes a USB port for connecting to a computer and comes with software for converting vinyl records into digital files.

Product Usage Instructions

Connecting the Dust Cover to Max LP
To attach the included dust cover, follow these instructions:

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

Using Max LP With Your Computer
Playback
There are 3 ways to listen to your vinyl records with Max LP:

You can simply listen to your music using Max LP’s internal speakers.
If you prefer to use your own stereo speakers, you can 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. (Any other standard input type, such as CD, Aux In, or Tape is acceptable).

Recording
To record music to your computer, follow these steps:

Install the ION EZ Vinyl/Tape Converter software by inserting the included CD into your computer and following the on-screen instructions. Alternatively, you can visit ionaudio.com/ezvc to download the latest version of the software.
Use the included USB cable to connect Max LP’s USB port to an available USB port on your computer.
Open the EZ Vinyl/Tape Converter software on your computer by going to Start Menu > All Programs (Windows) or the Applications menu (Mac).
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.
To listen to the record while it’s playing, either use your computer’s speakers or connect Max LP’s RCA outputs to a stereo system or powered speakers. Note that Max LP must be connected to the computer for EZ Vinyl/Tape Converter to advance to the next step.
When you have finished recording, raise Max LP’s tonearm from the record and return it to its arm clip.

Note : 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.

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 SAFETY INSTRUCTION BOOKLET BEFORE USING THE PRODUCT

Support

For the most up to date system requirements, compatibility information, and product registration, visit the ION website: ionaudio.com
For the latest information about this product, visit ionaudio.com/maxlp
For additional product support, visit ionaudio.com/support
For safety/warranty information, visit ionaudio.com/warranty

Connecting the Dust Cover to Max LP

To attach the included dust cover, follow these instructions:

Align the dust cover with the turntable’s rear panel hinges.
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.

Using Max LP With Your Computer

Playback

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

You can simply listen to your music using Max LP’s internal speakers.
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).
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 to 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 to CD or load 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 helpful troubleshooting guide and additional support.

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.
On your computer, you can open EZ Vinyl/Tape Converter by going to Start Menu  All Programs (Windows) or the Applications menu (Mac).
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.
When you have finished recording, raise Max LP’s tonearm from the record and return it to its arm clip.

Features

IMPORTANT : Remove the plastic cartridge cover (needle cover) before operating the turntable.

IMPORTANT : A replacement cartridge/stylus can be purchased by contacting the ION Audio Parts Dept. at 401-658-3743 (U.S.), emailing parts@ionaudio.com, or by visiting ionaudio.com/products/accessories.
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 off 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.
  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.
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 wall power.
16. Power Button – Press this button to turn Max LP on/off.

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 do not hear 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 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.)

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 to 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:

Please re-attach the belt to the turntable. For details on how to do this, see the guide located at ionaudio.com/turntablebelt.

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 record (if 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 it still slightly off, do the following:
1. 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.
2. For the 45 and 33 RPM setting, push through the rubber seal, and tighten/loosen the screw using a Phillips-head screwdriver to fine-tune the RPM speed.
3. For the 78 RPM setting, tighten/loosen the screw using a flat-head screwdriver.

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 the 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.

Appendix

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