Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB Manual⁚ A Comprehensive Guide

This comprehensive guide will provide you with a detailed overview of the Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB turntable, covering its key features, setup, operation, and troubleshooting tips․ Whether you’re a seasoned vinyl enthusiast or a newcomer to the world of analog audio, this manual will help you get the most out of your AT-LP120XUSB․

Introduction

The Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB is a fully manual, direct-drive turntable designed for audiophiles and DJs alike․ It is an updated version of the popular AT-LP120-USB, featuring a number of improvements, including a new DC servo direct-drive motor, adjustable dynamic anti-skate control, and a selectable phono preamplifier․ The AT-LP120XUSB offers a versatile and user-friendly solution for enjoying the warmth and character of vinyl records, whether you’re listening at home or performing live․

This manual is your comprehensive guide to understanding and utilizing all the features and capabilities of the AT-LP120XUSB․ It will walk you through the setup process, explain how to play records, and provide insights into the turntable’s USB recording functionality․ Additionally, we’ll cover essential troubleshooting tips and frequently asked questions to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience with your new turntable․

Key Features

The Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB boasts a range of features designed to enhance your listening experience and provide flexibility for various applications․ Here are some of its key highlights⁚

• Direct-Drive Motor⁚ The turntable features a powerful DC servo direct-drive motor, ensuring precise and stable rotation for accurate playback․ This eliminates the need for belts and provides a smooth, consistent performance․
• Adjustable Dynamic Anti-Skate Control⁚ The AT-LP120XUSB incorporates an adjustable dynamic anti-skate control, which helps to counteract the inward force of the tonearm during playback, resulting in optimal tracking and reduced distortion․
• Selectable Phono Preamplifier⁚ The turntable comes with a built-in phono preamplifier, allowing you to connect it directly to a receiver or amplifier without the need for a separate phono stage․ This feature makes it convenient for both home and studio setups․
• USB Output⁚ The AT-LP120XUSB features a USB output that enables you to connect the turntable directly to your computer․ This allows you to easily digitize your vinyl collection into digital audio files, preserving your music for future enjoyment․
• Three Speed Settings⁚ The turntable supports three playback speeds⁚ 33-1/3, 45, and 78 RPM, allowing you to play a wide range of records․

Setup and Installation

Setting up your Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB turntable is a straightforward process․ Follow these steps to ensure proper installation and optimal performance⁚

1. Unpack and Inspect⁚ Carefully unpack your turntable and inspect all components for any damage․ Ensure you have all the necessary parts, including the turntable base, platter, tonearm, counterweight, headshell, cartridge, USB cable, RCA cable, and user manual․
2. Place the Turntable⁚ Choose a stable, flat surface for your turntable, free from vibrations and direct sunlight․ Make sure the surface is level to prevent the turntable from wobbling․
3. Connect the Power⁚ Plug the turntable’s power adapter into a power outlet and connect the other end to the turntable’s power socket․
4. Connect to Audio System⁚ Connect the turntable to your audio system using the included RCA cable․ If you are using the phono preamplifier, connect the RCA cable to the “PHONO” input on your receiver or amplifier․ If you are using an external preamplifier, connect the RCA cable to the “LINE” input․
5. Install the Cartridge⁚ If your turntable doesn’t come pre-installed with a cartridge, carefully install the cartridge into the headshell following the instructions provided in the user manual․
6. Adjust the Counterweight⁚ Balance the tonearm by sliding the counterweight along the tonearm’s balance bar until the tonearm floats horizontally․
7. Set the Anti-Skate⁚ Adjust the anti-skate control to match the tracking force of your cartridge, as specified in the user manual․
8. Test Playback⁚ Place a record on the platter and start the turntable․ Lower the tonearm gently and listen for any unusual sounds or distortions․ If necessary, make adjustments to the counterweight or anti-skate until the playback is smooth and clear․

Playing Records

With your AT-LP120XUSB set up, you’re ready to enjoy the magic of vinyl․ Here’s how to play your records⁚

1. Select the Speed⁚ Choose the correct speed (33 1/3, 45, or 78 RPM) using the speed selector switch on the turntable․ Make sure the selected speed matches the record you’re about to play․
2. Place the Record⁚ Carefully place the record on the platter, ensuring it’s centered and properly seated․
3. Start the Turntable⁚ Turn the turntable on using the power switch․ The platter will begin rotating at the selected speed․
4. Lower the Tonearm⁚ Gently lower the tonearm onto the record by moving the tonearm lift control lever to the DOWN position․ The tonearm will descend slowly, allowing the needle to gently touch the groove․
5. Enjoy the Music⁚ Relax and savor the rich, warm sound of your vinyl records․
6. End Playback⁚ When you’re finished listening, lift the tonearm by moving the tonearm lift control lever to the UP position․ Stop the turntable by pressing the power switch․
7. Remove the Record⁚ Carefully remove the record from the platter, holding it by the edges to avoid touching the record surface․

Remember to handle your records with care to ensure their longevity and prevent scratches or damage․

USB Recording

The AT-LP120XUSB lets you easily digitize your vinyl collection․ Here’s how to record your records to your computer using the USB output⁚

1. Connect to Your Computer⁚ Use the included USB cable to connect the turntable to your computer’s USB port․
2. Install Recording Software⁚ Download and install free audio recording software such as Audacity․ This software allows you to capture the audio signal from the turntable and save it as digital files․
3. Configure Recording Software⁚ Open the recording software and select the AT-LP120XUSB as the input source․ Configure the recording settings (e․g․, sample rate, bit depth) to your preference․
4. Start Recording⁚ Once everything is set up, start the recording in the software․
5. Play Your Record⁚ Place the record on the turntable, select the correct speed, and start the turntable․ Lower the tonearm onto the record․
6. Stop Recording⁚ When you’ve finished recording the desired portion of the record, stop the turntable and end the recording in the software․
7. Save Your Recording⁚ Save your recorded audio file in the desired format (e․g․, MP3, WAV)․ You can now enjoy your digitized vinyl records on your computer, smartphone, or other devices․

With the AT-LP120XUSB, you can easily preserve your vinyl collection for future generations and enjoy your favorite music on any device․

Technical Specifications

The Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB boasts a range of technical features designed to deliver high-quality audio playback and recording․ Here are the key specifications⁚

• Drive System⁚ Direct-drive, DC servo motor
• Speeds⁚ 33-1/3, 45, and 78 RPM (selectable)
• Platter⁚ Aluminum die-cast, 330 mm diameter
• Tonearm⁚ Static-balanced, S-shaped
• Cartridge⁚ AT91R (pre-mounted)
• Output⁚ USB, RCA (phono/line switchable)
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio⁚ 50 dB (USB output)
• Frequency Response⁚ 20 Hz ⎻ 20 kHz (USB output)
• Dimensions⁚ 450 mm (W) x 355 mm (D) x 128 mm (H)
• Weight⁚ 5․5 kg
• Accessories⁚ USB cable, AC adapter, RCA cable, 45 RPM adapter, dust cover, user manual

These specifications highlight the AT-LP120XUSB’s ability to provide a reliable and accurate listening experience, as well as its versatility in connecting to a range of audio systems and recording devices․

Troubleshooting

While the Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB is generally a reliable turntable, you might encounter some issues from time to time․ Here are some common problems and their potential solutions⁚

• No sound⁚ Ensure that the power switch is turned on, the volume on your amplifier is up, and the RCA cables are securely connected․ Check if the phono/line switch is set correctly depending on your amplifier’s input․ Also, verify that the tonearm is properly positioned on the record and that the cartridge is not damaged․
• Distorted sound⁚ A dirty stylus or record can cause distortion․ Clean both with a specialized cleaning solution․ Also, ensure the anti-skate is set appropriately to avoid excessive pressure on the stylus․
• Humming noise⁚ This can be caused by a grounding issue․ Make sure the ground wire from the turntable is connected to your amplifier․ Also, check for any electrical interference from nearby devices․
• Platter won’t spin⁚ Verify that the power switch is on and the speed selector is set to the desired RPM․ If the platter still doesn’t spin, check the power adapter and ensure it’s properly connected․
• USB recording issues⁚ Ensure the USB cable is securely connected to both the turntable and your computer․ Check if the recording software is properly installed and configured․ Also, make sure that the USB output is selected in the turntable’s settings․

If you continue to experience problems, refer to the detailed troubleshooting section in the user manual or contact Audio-Technica customer support for assistance․

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about the Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB turntable, along with their answers⁚

• What is the quartz button for? The quartz button activates the internal quartz lock, which maintains the platter’s speed at a precise rate, regardless of the pitch control setting․ This is useful for achieving accurate playback speed․
• Does the AT-LP120XUSB come with a preamp? Yes, the AT-LP120XUSB has a built-in phono preamplifier, allowing you to connect it directly to an amplifier or speakers without the need for an external preamp․
• Can I use the AT-LP120XUSB with Bluetooth speakers? While the AT-LP120XUSB doesn’t have built-in Bluetooth, you can use a separate Bluetooth transmitter to connect it wirelessly to Bluetooth speakers․
• What kind of stylus is included? The AT-LP120XUSB comes with an Audio-Technica AT-91R cartridge with a conical stylus․ You can upgrade to a higher-quality cartridge and stylus for improved sound quality․
• Can I play 78 RPM records on this turntable? Yes, the AT-LP120XUSB is capable of playing 78 RPM records in addition to 33-1/3 and 45 RPM records․

If you have any further questions, consult the user manual or contact Audio-Technica support for additional information․

Accessories and Upgrades

Enhance your AT-LP120XUSB experience with a range of accessories and upgrades designed to improve sound quality, functionality, and aesthetics⁚

• Cartridge and Stylus Upgrades⁚ Consider upgrading the stock AT-91R cartridge and stylus to improve sound quality and detail․ Popular options include the AT-VM95E, AT-95E, or AT-440MLa․
• Slipmat⁚ Replace the standard slipmat with a felt or rubber slipmat for better grip and reduced static․ Experiment with different materials to find the best sound and feel․
• Isolation Platform⁚ Reduce vibrations and improve sound quality by placing the turntable on an isolation platform, such as a mass-loaded platform or a cork mat․
• Headshell⁚ Upgrade to a higher-quality headshell for improved rigidity and sound quality․ Look for materials like aluminum or carbon fiber․
• Dust Cover⁚ Protect your turntable from dust and scratches with a dedicated dust cover․
• External Phono Preamplifier⁚ While the AT-LP120XUSB has a built-in phono preamp, you can further improve sound quality by using an external preamplifier․

These upgrades and accessories can significantly enhance your listening experience and make your AT-LP120XUSB a centerpiece of your audio system․

The Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB is a versatile and user-friendly turntable that offers a great balance of features, performance, and affordability․ Its direct-drive motor ensures smooth and consistent playback, while the USB output allows you to easily digitize your vinyl collection․ The adjustable anti-skate and selectable phono preamplifier provide additional control and flexibility․ Whether you’re a seasoned vinyl enthusiast or a newcomer to the world of analog audio, the AT-LP120XUSB is a solid choice for enjoying the warm and rich sound of vinyl records․

With its robust build quality, versatile features, and ease of use, the AT-LP120XUSB is an excellent entry point into the world of turntables․ It allows you to experience the magic of vinyl records and easily integrate them into your modern audio setup․ So, get ready to rediscover the joy of listening to music on vinyl with the Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB․