Audio Technica offers several solid turntables, all of which are easy to use. These turntables function like most other models, and you just need to put your record on the platter, press the start button, and enjoy your music.
I’m Donovan, and I’ve been an avid music lover my entire life. I’m also a vinyl and turntable enthusiast with an extensive record collection. I know through first-hand experience how to use an Audio-Technica turntable.
This post will show you how to use an Audio Technica turntable. I’ll walk you through all the steps to start using and listing records with your turntable and highlight some other related and essential information.
Let’s get after it.
Key Takeaways
- Audio Technica makes multiple turntable models, but they all function similarly.
- The basic operation of an Audio Technica turntable is to place a record on the platter, position the needle, and press the start button.
- Some models have an automatic play feature where you can press the start button without positioning the needle.
- Refer to your user’s manual for any model-specific information on your Audio Technica turntable.
How to Use Audio Technica Turntable
Audio Technica turntables are a popular brand for many modern vinyl enthusiasts. These turntables are easy to use and deliver quality sound. Many also come with built-in preamps, making setting up your system a breeze.
There are several different Audio Technica turntables you can use. Each can have a slightly different setup and come with various features, but they all operate in a similar way. The basic operation of any turntable is essentially the same.
I’ll focus on a few popular models here to give you some tips on how to get started with using your turntable. If you have any model-specific questions, be sure to reference the user’s manual that came with your turntable.
It’s also important to know and understand that some Audio Technica turntable models have modern features, such as USB connections or Bluetooth, that allow you to digitize your vinyl collection or connect to speakers easily.
Utilizing these features isn’t necessarily a part of using the turntable to listen to records. I’ll touch on some of these features in the sections below. But again, if you don’t see the exact information you are looking for, refer to your user’s manual.
How to Use Audio Technica AT-LP60
The Audio Technica AT-LP60 is one of the most popular turntable models that the brand makes. This is a very easy-to-use option that allows you to get everything set up quickly, even if you don’t have any experience with turntables.
The AT-LP60 comes with a built-in preamp, meaning you can connect the turntable directly to powered speakers if you have them. Some models also have a USB out, allowing you to connect the turntable to a computer.
Here is a quick setup guide to using the AT-LP60:
- Place your AT-LP60 on a flat surface close to electrical outlets or an existing stereo system.
- Connect the RCA output of the AT-LP60 either to powered speakers or to an input on your receiver.
- Plug the AT-LP60 into a power source. Also, make sure the rest of your stereo system is powered on.
- Adjust the speed of the turntable to your desired speed. All standard records will be at 33, but this turntable also has the option for 45.
- Place a record you want to listen to on the platter.
- Unclamp the tonearm if it is locked into place.
- Press the start button on the turntable. This will automatically lift the tonearm and cartridge and drop the needle into place at the beginning of the record.
- Adjust the volume on your receiver or speakers as needed and enjoy the music!
Quick Tip: You also have a manual up and down button that controls the tonearm. You can use this rather than the automatic start button if you want to listen to a record starting at a different location rather than the beginning.
Audio Technica AT-LP60 Speaker Setup
A critical aspect of listening to records on your AT-LP60, or any other turntable you choose to use, is setting up your speakers. The type of speakers you use, and their placement, will go a long way toward the audio quality of your system.
If you aren’t using a receiver, you just need to connect your turntable directly to your speakers. Plug the ends of the RCA cables running from the back of the turntable into the speakers.
Be sure to plug the right output into the right speaker and the left output into the left speaker. This will ensure you get the proper stereo signal that is on any records you listen to.
Speaker placement is also critical to your setup. You want your speakers to be placed on the left and right sides of the room you want to listen in. Getting them off the ground is a good idea to help prevent distorted low-end signals.
You also don’t want your speakers set up directly against a wall because this can cause distortion and sound issues. There isn’t one exact way to position your speakers, but keeping these two factors in mind will help improve overall sound.
How to Use Audio Technica AT-LP60XBT
The Audio Technica AT-LP60XBT is basically the Bluetooth version of the AT-LP60. It looks nearly identical to the standard LP60 model, except it has a Bluetooth button, enabling you to connect wirelessly to speakers or headphones.
Using this turntable is essentially the same as using the LP60, except when you want to connect to Bluetooth speakers or headphones. If you’re going to use Bluetooth speakers, you don’t need to hard-wire this turntable into regular speakers.
Make sure you have the turntable and your speakers or headphones turned on to get started. Then press the Bluetooth button on the LP60XBT until it pairs with whatever device you want to listen on.
Once the devices are paired, you can operate the turntable just as you would any other. Follow the instructions in the section above to get a record to play.
You should also ensure that you have your speakers or headphones set to the discoverable mode when attempting to pair them with the turntable. You might need to press a button on these to get them to connect to the turntable.
How to Use Audio Technica Turntable LP120
The Audio Technica LP120 is another popular turntable model. It has more functions and features than the LP60 and is made with DJs in mind. This means it comes with a direct drive design and pitch control slider.
The LP120 also has a USB output, which allows you to connect to a computer or other USB device. You can digitize your record collection this way or simply connect to a computer while you are doing a DJ set.
The LP120 has a built-in preamp, so you don’t need to use one with the setup. That means you can connect the turntable directly to wired speakers rather than using a preamp or receiver. A receiver will still give you better overall control over your audio output.
Follow these instructions to use the Audio Technical LP120:
1. Assemble the LP120 if you just purchased it new. You might need to install the tonearm, cartridge, or counterweight if these are not already set up. Be sure to balance the arm and make other necessary adjustments.
2. Place the turntable on a flat surface where you want to use it.
3. Connect the LP120 to the speakers. You can connect the RCA outputs directly to powered speakers, connect to a receiver as part of an existing stereo setup, or use the USB feature to connect to a speaker system with a USB device.
4. Plug the turntable into a power source. Make sure the other pieces of your stereo setup are also plugged in.
5. Open the dust cover and place a record on the platter.
6. Make sure the tonearm is not locked in place.
7. Press the start button on the turntable. This will move the tonearm and stylus into position at the beginning of the record. The needle will drop automatically, and music should play from your stereo system.
8. Make any adjustments on the speed slider or play around with scratching records if you use the LP120 in your DJ setup.
Quick Tip: Just like with other Audio Technica turntables, you can also manually lift the needle and tonearm to position it at any point on a record. Press the up/down button to lift the arm and press it again to lower it into position.
How to Record From Audio Technica Turntable
The USB out option on many Audio Technica turntable models allows you to record your vinyl records onto a computer or other device. Utilizing this feature can help you make backups of your vinyl or record a DJ set you make.
The first step to recording is ensuring your turntable is set up properly. You don’t necessarily need to be plugged into speakers, but this can help you know exactly what you are recording.
The USB function of an Audio Technica turntable will work with Mac and Windows operating systems, so you should have widespread connectivity to make it happen.
You’ll also need to have software on your computer that helps you transfer the vinyl recordings to digital versions. Audio Technica recommends that you use Audacity for this, which is a free recording software platform that is easy to use.
You can use other software options, but I’ll keep this focused on Audacity here. So go ahead and download Audacity onto your computer to get started.
Follow these steps to record from an Audio Technica turntable:
1. Download Audacity or another audio recording software onto your computer.
2. Plug your Audio Technica turntable into a power source.
3. Connect the turntable to your computer using a USB cable.
4. Open Audacity and create a new file. Select the USB input as the recording input.
5. Play a record on your turntable. Be sure to hit record in the audio software program as well.
6. The record will play and record onto your computer. You can save the file wherever you like and convert it into the digital file of your preference.
7. Repeat the process for any other records you want to record.
Audio Technica Turntable Not Spinning
If your Audio Technica turntable is not spinning, you won’t be able to listen to records. This is typically an easy problem to fix, so it’s good to know what steps to take to troubleshoot the issue is good.
First, ensure that your turntable is plugged into a power source and that the source is working. If you don’t have power to your system, it obviously won’t spin.
If you have power to the turntable, but the platter is still not spinning, the belt is likely broken. You’ll need to replace the belt to get it working again. You might need to buy a new belt if you don’t have one.
A broken belt may sound like a big deal, but it’s actually very easy to replace. Just follow the directions for doing this that come with your turntable. It’s always a good idea to have an extra belt or two around just in case it breaks or wears out.
FAQs
Here are a few quick answers to some of the most commonly asked questions related to how to use an Audio Technica turntable.
Do I need a receiver for my Audio-Technica turntable?
Many Audio Technica turntables have a built-in preamp that allows you to connect directly to speakers without a receiver. You can still use a receiver to get better control over audio quality and other functions, but you don’t need to with models that have a preamp.
What do you need for Audio-Technica turntable?
For most Audio Technica turntables, you just need speakers and records to listen to music. This is assuming you are using a model with a built-in preamp. If you are using a model without a preamp, you’ll also need a preamp or receiver to amplify the signal.
How do I connect my Audio-Technica turntable to my stereo?
If you already have an existing stereo setup, you should be able to plug your Audio Technica turntable into the phono input on your receiver. You can also connect to another input if your turntable has a built-in preamp.
Do Audio Technica turntables need speakers?
You’ll need to use speakers to listen to records on your Audio Technica turntable. While many Audio Technica turntables come with built-in preamps, you still need to connect it to speakers to hear the sound amplified.
Are Audio Technica turntables good?
Audio Technica turntables are a frequently used option by many people who want an easy way to listen to vinyl records. These aren’t necessarily high-end models that deliver the best sound but are still high-quality and very easy to use.
Do you need an amplifier for Audio-Technica LP120?
The Audio-Technica LP120 has a built-in preamp, so you don’t need to use a stand-alone amplifier with it. This makes the turntable very easy to set up and a good option for anyone looking to listen to vinyl without much knowledge of it.
Final Thoughts
Using an Audio Technica turntable is simple, and hopefully, the instructions in this post got you pointed in the right direction with doing so. Remember that you should always have your turntable on a flat surface before setting everything else up.
Utilizing the features of an Audio Technica turntable, such as Bluetooth or USB connections, is a great way to expand your vinyl collection and modernize it. Making digital backups of hard-to-find records is always a good idea.
What Audio Technica turntable do you like the best? Why? Let me know in the comments below.
