Connecting a turntable to a computer RCA output good for mini in?<SOLVED>

[GunsForBucks]

Don't want to use wireless options.
It has an RCA red white output and I have a RCA to mini stereo adapter.

Does the RCA output need to be amplified or can it be used directly?
I have tried on traditional turntables 30 or more years ago and didn't have great results.
Looking to buy a turntable but none seem to have a USB out that would make it easy, they all seem geared for wireless.

Any suggestions for turntables or hook up help would be appreciated, thanks!

SOLVED - Depends on the make but the Audio Technica turntable has a switch on the back for line or phono out. So it has a built in pre amp and was like 150 at walmart

[GunsForBucks]

Ah looks like I have a winner, thanks everyone.
Checked the box in store on one and it didn't really have much info.
Looking online I found it has a built in pre amp you can turn on for the desired output, I suppose that stuff is so old school they don't even mention it on the box anymore ha ha.

[GunsForBucks]

Originally posted by Bad 💀 Motha:

More specifically female RCA to 3.5mm Stereo male adapter.

Then plug RCA device into adapter and connect adapter to Line-In (blue) on your Motherboard or SoundCard.

Then check the advanced audio settings in your OS so ensure Line-In is not Muted.

Line in isn't red?

I feel dumb.

[_I_]

on most newer boards you can assign any 3.5mm jack as input or output using the realtek control panel

but record player is un-amplified signal, not rca line level
you may need a phono to rca pre amp
https://www.amazon.com/Turntable-Preamp-Phonograph-Preamplifier-Adapter/dp/B0B4VC2ZLN/ref=asc_df_B0B4VC2ZLN/

[GunsForBucks]

Probably should have opted for a better turntable but the plan is only to play them once and record them so not having a weight setting and having to use paper to level the thing wasn't horrible. Need to dig up an old record cleaner thingy now.

[HypersleepyNaputunia]

most record players need an amp to hear the signal. if you have built in amp in player you are fine with 3.5mm input

thrift store you might find old $20 stereos with phono in, then output from stereo to the computer with 3.5 mm.

[Bad 💀 Motha]

Yes true, you might need to run the turn-table through an Amp and then to the PC

[Tonepoet]

Phono jacks and R.C.A. use the same connectors, but they have different signal levels.[www.yoursoundmatters.com]

Phonograph signal levels may be lower than line level output more typically seen today, and may need a pre-amplifier as such. Some devices have a built-in pre-amplifier though. If your device doesn't have a switch, you'll have to check the spec. of your particular model.

[xSOSxHawkens]

If you plan to do as instructed here, use Mic input (if using the turntable in Phono mode) or use Line Input if you have it amplified.

[Bad 💀 Motha]

The Mic Input is not always backed by an onboard Amp, especially if all you have is Realtek onboard audio.

[xSOSxHawkens]

Originally posted by Bad 💀 Motha:

The Mic Input is not always backed by an onboard Amp, especially if all you have is Realtek onboard audio.

It may not be backed with a specific or dedicated amp, but it will be amplified in some way. Mic input is comparable to phono in that both are low power inputs and require boosting to be heard correctly. Line In will have no boost, and thus for both mic and phono would have audio levels too low (in most cases).

But yes, if they have anything better than realtek, or if they have an amplified line in, they could use that instead.

[Bad 💀 Motha]

Ok yes doesn't hurt to try that and see and even compare the Mic In vs Line In and see if the Mic In allows more robust volume output from the turn-table

[_I_]

still better to use an external amp to bring phono to line level, and use line input
then it wont be distorted, mic amp curve is probably grated for voice not flat

[GunsForBucks]

Well having it built into the turntable eliminates the need for an external unit. Also any additional unit used has the possibility of adding its own noise to the chain. Fewer steps, cleaner the signal.

All good though, it works.