Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

karlsmacpro

macrumors member
Original poster
Nov 1, 2009
45
0
I would like to transfer my vinyl collection to my MBP probably using audacity. However, my MBP has no line-in "jack type" connection. What connection on my MBP should I use? Thanks for advice.
 
I already have a good turntable. In the absence of a line-in connection on the MBP, it's how to connect my turntable to the MBP that I'm not sure about.
 
Even if you get an RCA to line-in adapter, the signal will not be strong enough for you to record into your computer without a preamp.

There are many preamps on the market that are designed for plugging into computers. If you've already got one, then get an RCA to line-in adapter for its audio out and you will be able to record.
 
Use the Mic in connection on the MBP with a good preamp. If you have a regular amp with a tape out capability you can try that, with dual RCA to the MBP Mic adapter.
 
Thanks for the combined help. I have an amplifier that I use to play the turntable through so I guess that will fulfill the "pre-amp" function. But, nebo1ss you mention a "mic in" connection. I think this is the route of my question since my MBP doesn't have something that is marked as such. Am I right in thinking I should use the "headphones out" connection (which does exist) and reconfigure it somehow as an input? If so, do you know how I do that????? Thanks in advance.
 
Hello.. To Clarify, MBP's have a Mic/Line Input as well as a Headphone Output on the left side near each other.. The INPUT will be a Stereo Tip-Ring-Sleeve (TRS) 2.5mm also known as 1/8" connector.. If you can get a RCA to 1/8" TRS cable from your pre-amp you should be able to do something, I would think..

Here are a couple of Apple Forum Discussions on similar :
https://discussions.apple.com/thread/2581992?start=0&tstart=0
https://discussions.apple.com/message/7308466?messageID=7308466#7308466

Good Luck, it certainly should be too difficult..

;)
 
Griffin iMic.



It has the sensitivity to turn the low level cartridge output into a Mac-friendly USB audio input.

It has:
- software driven RIAA equalisation (app "Final Vinyl" I believe?),
- an adapter for RCA jacks into stereo 3.5mm mini-jack input for the iMic socket - which it then amplifies to the line-level input (but fed in via USB) for the Mac, and
- OUTBOARD low level signal processing for the Mac, so its noise performance is quite good too.

It might no longer be in production, but used Griffin iMics (in white or silver!) come up cheap on eBay quite often.
 
Last edited:
Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU iPhone OS 4_3_3 like Mac OS X; en-us) AppleWebKit/533.17.9 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/5.0.2 Mobile/8J2 Safari/6533.18.5)

I've used a griffin imic to convert mini jack line in to USB.
I used this with a linn turntable and a NAD amp to convert my vinyl in the past.
 
I don't seem to making myself clear. Contrary to what "bobcan" suggests my MBP has NO repeat NO mic/line input next to the headphone output. If it did my question would not be necessary. The thread title is "How to connect a turntable to a MBP WITHOUT A LINE-IN CONNECTION". Does anyone understand the question, and have an answer - please?
 
I don't seem to making myself clear. Contrary to what "bobcan" suggests my MBP has NO repeat NO mic/line input next to the headphone output. If it did my question would not be necessary. The thread title is "How to connect a turntable to a MBP WITHOUT A LINE-IN CONNECTION". Does anyone understand the question, and have an answer - please?

I don't even think the MBP was ever made without a line in jack. What MBP are you using?
 
Your MBP DOES have a line-in input jack. The headphones jack doubles as a line-in jack.

Go into System preferences, click on sound, go to the input tab, at the bottom of the window is "Use audio port for: Sound output or Sound input"...

There you go.
 
kfergiez - thank you. So I'm not completely barmy. Thanks for pointing me in the right direction. I see exactly what you describe in the dropdown menus. I will try connecting first thing in the morning. Yawn, it's 22:00 here in the UK.
 
Thanks too Mooblie. I had thought of that but for some reason I'd been given the impression that the line-in was the "preferred" route, but I can keep the USB option as an alternative. 23:49 (in France now).
 
Your MBP DOES have a line-in input jack. The headphones jack doubles as a line-in jack.

Go into System preferences, click on sound, go to the input tab, at the bottom of the window is "Use audio port for: Sound output or Sound input"...

There you go.

Thank god someone finally mentioned it, also dunno wtf everyone else here is on, the 13" MBP has had the combined one for ages now
 
Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU iPhone OS 4_3_3 like Mac OS X; en-us) AppleWebKit/533.17.9 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/5.0.2 Mobile/8J2 Safari/6533.18.5)

I've used a griffin imic to convert mini jack line in to USB.
I used this with a linn turntable and a NAD amp to convert my vinyl in the past.

My son uses this to record his electric guitar into Garageband without using an amp; it may be the brst $20 I've spent in quite a while. Especially since he has the 13" MBP which has the combined line in/out jack; with the iMic, he can play into the MBP via iMic and listen via headphones through the line in/out jack.
 
Griffin iMic.

[url=http://www.griffintechnology.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/support_119x119/imic-0.jpg]Image
[/url]

It has the sensitivity to turn the low level cartridge output into a Mac-friendly USB audio input.

It has:
- software driven RIAA equalisation (app "Final Vinyl" I believe?),
- an adapter for RCA jacks into stereo 3.5mm mini-jack input for the iMic socket - which it then amplifies to the line-level input (but fed in via USB) for the Mac, and
- OUTBOARD low level signal processing for the Mac, so its noise performance is quite good too.

It might no longer be in production, but used Griffin iMics (in white or silver!) come up cheap on eBay quite often.

This is what you want to do...if not the iMic, there are plenty of excellent "Other" options via USB, or external sound card if you will...Behringer makes a decent one for $30 called the U-Control...for $40, the Audio Genie...I think you can even get an M-Audio USB sound card for under a C-Note

Thanks too Mooblie. I had thought of that but for some reason I'd been given the impression that the line-in was the "preferred" route, but I can keep the USB option as an alternative. 23:49 (in France now).

If you enjoy the sound of vinyl, please, PLEASE don't use the in/out combo on the MBP...yes it works, No it doesn't sound great:) Especially if you're a vinyl guy/gal!! The cool thing about the USB cards, including the iMic...once again, as mentioned, you'll not have to tie your Pre-Amp or Receiver in between deck and MBP...as the Pre-Amplification on these USB sound cards does also (in most cases) include a phono stage as well as "Line-In" support...you'll do the same as mentioned above...plug it in to the USB port, plug your RCA jacks from your turn table in to the sound card...go to "Preferences"/"Sound"/"Output" and you will see your USB sound card as an external output option...there ya go!

Red Raven nailed it ahead of me...BEST $20 or $30 (or Euros/Pounds/et al) you'll ever spend...again, if you're in to Sound Quality:)

J
 
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.