how do i play my Optimus LAB 1100 turntable through my laptop?

Question

i've got the plug adapator and have plugged it into the microphone input on my laptop. what do i have to do to make it play

Answer 1

Y adapters are for splitting signals not combining signals, do not use a Y adapter to combine two stereo channels into one mono channel. Doing so can result in damaging your equipment. A laptop's microphone input is a mono input not a stereo input. You need to use the laptop's line input instead of the mic input.

Using the mic input even as a mono line input is a bad idea. Mic inputs are not meant to be used as line inputs. If your laptop does not have a stereo line input you will need to up grade to a better sound card.

Audacity is a free program you can use to record your records to your computer.
http://audacity.sourceforge.net

When you make any connections, be sure to power the computer down, and unplug it. It’s unlikely you’ll damage anything while plugging in a stereo wire, but it’s best to be safe. Look for the Line In (it will be a 1/8” mini jack). DO NOT USE THE MIC INPUT! This input is very sensitive, and a strong signal could possibly fry your sound card.

Setting up a computer properly to record is very important. If not setup properly, you could be left scratching your head as to why the computer isn’t getting a signal, or you could suffer from poor sound quality, so be sure to follow the steps closely.

1 - In your task bar, next to the clock, there should be a small icon that looks like a speaker. Double click on this icon.

2 - The Volume Control window will open. From here click on Options > Properties.

3 - In the new window, under “Adjust Volume For” select Recording. Make sure Line In is checked in the box below, and click OK.

4 - The Volume Control window will change to read Recording Control. From this window, make sure the Select box under Line In is checked.

5 - Play a record on your system. If your connections are made correctly, you should hear the song from your laptop's speakers. If you do not hear anything, be sure your connections are correct, the Line In volume isn’t all the way down, or it isn’t muted in the Volume Control window.

Now you’re all set to begin recording in the program of your choice. When recording, be sure to set the bitrate, and sampling rate to 16 bits, 44,100 Hz (44.1 KHz), Stereo. If you’re recording levels seem too high, return to the Recording Control window following the steps above, and lower the level of the line in.



You may want to consider buying a USB turntable.

Numark TTUSB Belt-Drive Turntable with USB Audio Interface $169.99
http://www.guitarcenter.com/shop/product/buy_numark_ttusb_beltdrive_turntable_with_usb_audio_interface?full_sku=103649810
"Easily transfer your record collection to your computer. With the Numark TTUSB, you can easily digitize your vinyl Belt-Drive Turntable with USB Audio Interface. Plug-and-play compatibility with USB-equipped PCs and Macs. The TTUSB includes everything you need to get music on your computer and edit it. Pack includes audacity software and all the necessary cables to connect with your computer and stereo playback system. Audacity lets you record at a high speed and return your music to the original playback speed; clean up the sound by removing clicks, pops, and other noise; and export to WAV and MP3. The turntable features an adjustable anti-skating control for increased stereo balance, support for 33-1/3 and 45RPM playback speeds, ±10% adjustable pitch control, and a 1/8" stereo minijack input connector to make transferring cassette tapes easy."




LAB-1100 Fully Automatic Belt-Drive Turntable
(420-2023) Operation Faxback Doc. # 49628

http://support.radioshack.com/support_audio/doc49/49628.htm

Make sure you have set LINE OUT ON / PHONO OUT OFF. (NOT Line Out off / Phono Out on.)

1. Open the dust cover.

2. Remove the stylus cover.

3. If you are playing a 33-1/3 RPM record, place it directly over the spindle.

If you are playing a 45 RPM record, place the supplied 45 RPM adapter over the turntable spindle, then place the record over the adapter.

4. Set the 6"/12" selector according to the record's diameter. Then close the dust cover.

5. Press SPEED in or out to set the turntable's speed (33-1/3 or 45 RPM).

6. Press PLAY. The turntable starts to rotate and the tone arm moves to the beginning of the record, lowers to the record, then starts to play.

7. At the end of the record, the tone arm automatically returns to the tone arm rest and the turntable stops. To stop playing the record sooner, press STOP.

Notes: If the tone arm does not automatically return when it reaches the end of the record, press STOP to reset the mechanism.

To protect the stylus from damage, we recommend you replace the stylus cover when you are not using the turntable.

USING THE CUE BUTTON

The cue button raises the tone arm so you can safely move it to a specific section of the record without worrying about accidentally scratching it with the stylus.

1. Press CUE to raise the tone arm.

2. Push the tone arm to a spot directly over the desired part of the record. The turntable starts to rotate.

3. Press CUE again. The tone arm slowly lowers and the record plays.

Note: You can also use CUE to lift the tone arm anytime during play.

Answer 2

Optimus Turntable

Answer 3

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RE:
how do i play my Optimus LAB 1100 turntable through my laptop?
i've got the plug adapator and have plugged it into the microphone input on my laptop. what do i have to do to make it play

Answer 4

You are aware that your microphone jack is only MONO (NOT STEREO) aren't you?

Anyway, you can do the following..

Click Start,
Select All Programs
Select Accessories
Select Entertainment
Select Sound Recorder