Best Turntables with USB UK (Digitize Your Vinyl Collection)
Turntables with USB output for digitizing vinyl. Compare Audio-Technica, Denon, and Pro-Ject models with UK prices and software guides.
Not sure which setup is right for you?
Take Our QuizUSB turntables let you connect directly to a computer and digitise your vinyl collection. Useful feature or marketing gimmick? Depends entirely on whether you'll use it.
Why USB Matters
USB output sends audio from the turntable to your computer as a digital signal. Software captures this as a file: MP3, FLAC, WAV, whatever you choose.
Reasons to want USB: - Digitise records unavailable on streaming services - Preserve rare or deteriorating vinyl - Listen to your vinyl collection on the go - Create backups of irreplaceable recordings - Transfer inherited collections to modern formats
If none of these apply, USB adds nothing. Skip to recommendations without USB and save money or get better sound quality for the same price.
**Good USB Turntables**
Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB (around £300): the AT-LP120X with added USB output. Same excellent turntable, same features, same sound quality through regular outputs. The USB is simply additional functionality.
Audio-Technica AT-LP60XUSB (around £140): budget option with USB. Same as the LP60X with USB added. Fully automatic, simple operation.
Pro-Ject Debut Carbon DC (around £400): premium belt drive with USB option. Better sound quality than the Audio-Technica options, for those willing to spend more.
Sony PS-HX500 (around £350): Sony's hi-res USB turntable. Records directly to DSD format for those who care about ultimate quality digitisation.
Software for Recording
Most USB turntables include basic software like Audacity (free, open-source). It works. Import audio, split tracks, export files. Functional but basic.
For better results:
Audacity (free): capable editing, noise reduction, track splitting. Learning curve but powerful.
VinylStudio (around £25): designed specifically for vinyl digitisation. Automatic track splitting, click removal, RIAA correction, metadata handling. Worth the cost if you'll digitise many records.
For Mac users, GarageBand handles basic recording. Adobe Audition offers professional tools at professional prices.
The Recording Process
Connect USB cable to computer. Launch recording software. Set input source to turntable. Press record, drop the needle. Wait while the record plays. Stop recording at the end. Split into tracks, clean up if desired, export.
Recording happens in real time. A 40-minute album takes 40 minutes to digitise. No shortcuts. Plan for slow, methodical work if you have a large collection.
Quality Considerations
Digitised vinyl isn't superior to digital originals. If an album exists on streaming services or CD, that version is technically cleaner. Digitising vinyl captures the vinyl's sound, including surface noise and the analog character.
Some prefer that character. Others find it pointless to digitise something available cleaner elsewhere.
Digitisation makes most sense for: - Records not available digitally - Specific pressings you prefer over available digital versions - Personal recordings or rare releases - Sentimental collections you want portable
The Honest Assessment
Most people who buy USB turntables never use the USB. They intend to digitise their collection "someday." Someday rarely arrives. The time investment is significant.
If you're certain you'll digitise: USB adds roughly £20-40 to equivalent non-USB models. Worth it.
If you're uncertain: skip USB. Buy a better turntable or better speakers with the savings. If you later want to digitise, add an external USB phono preamp (around £100) to any turntable.
**Alternative: External USB Phono Preamp**
A USB phono preamp connects between turntable and computer. Products like the Rega Fono Mini A2D (around £100) or Art USB Phono Plus (around £90) add USB capability to any turntable.
This approach lets you buy the best turntable for your budget without limiting choices to USB models. Add digitisation capability later if the need arises.
Recommendation
If USB is essential: AT-LP120XUSB offers the best balance of turntable quality and USB capability.
If USB is a nice-to-have: buy the best turntable you can afford without USB. Add an external USB preamp if you ever need to digitise.
If USB is an afterthought: skip it entirely. Put the money toward speakers.
Prices approximate at time of writing. Our quiz considers USB needs alongside other factors when recommending turntables.
Find Your Perfect Setup
Answer a few quick questions and get personalised recommendations.
Start the QuizFrequently Asked Questions
What is a USB turntable used for?
USB turntables allow you to connect directly to your computer to digitize vinyl records into MP3, FLAC, or WAV files. This is ideal for preserving rare records, creating digital backups, or playing vinyl rips on portable devices. The USB output sends the audio signal directly to your computer for recording.
What is the best turntable with USB in the UK?
The Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB (£270) is the most popular option, offering excellent sound quality, direct drive, and USB output. The Audio-Technica AT-LP60XUSB (£140) is the budget choice. For higher quality, the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon DC USB (£400) adds audiophile performance with USB digitization capability.
What software do I need to digitize vinyl?
Most USB turntables include basic software like Audacity (free, open-source). For better results, use software like Adobe Audition, iZotope RX for audio restoration (removing clicks and pops), or VinylStudio (£25) which is designed specifically for vinyl digitization with automatic track splitting and RIAA correction.
Does USB affect sound quality when playing records normally?
No, the USB output is independent of the regular phono/line outputs. You can still connect the turntable to your speakers normally - the USB port is simply an additional output for computer connection. Most people use USB turntables primarily for listening, occasionally connecting them to digitize specific records.
Related Guides
Ready to find your perfect setup?
Our quiz matches you with the right turntable, speakers, and accessories.
Take the Quiz - It's FreeNo email required