Aha!

[pyat]

I've just realized I can record all my LPs and tapes to MP3 format if I get an adaptor and plug it into the microphone jack. I can even do it on the Portable Mousehold, so I don't have to move the record player upstairs.

*is genius!*

Soon, I'll be able to listen to Golden Avatar while driving! Hmm. All those years wasted, drooling over USB turntables...

EDIT: Wait - would it need to be plugged into the line-in port on the sound card? Cause the Aspire One doesn't have a line-in, just the mic jack. The Fortress Computer in the basement may need to serve instead - it'll just need a longer cable.

Comments

[momentrabbit.livejournal.com]

Sure, give it a try. Nothing to lose.

The situation is this: most turntables put out a sub-line signal, requiring a pre-amp before the 'line in' jack on an amplifier. Most mic jacks 'expect' a sub-line signal - that's why you often find the '20 db boost' option in the advanced properties for mic jacks, to goose the signal up further. So, you *might* get away with plugging a turntable's unamplified signal through a dual phono F to 1/8" stereo M jack adapter.

Or, y'know.. go crazy. (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882698003) n.n

[pyat.livejournal.com]

I think I'll give it a shot on the Aspire One, since it allegedly has a stero mic. It's also possible the mic doubles as the line in, isn't it? Since it's small and stuff?

[archai.livejournal.com]

There is one other thing to consider, which is this. Most mic jacks also expect an electret mic (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electret_microphone) and apply a biasing voltage for the transistor they expect to see downline. Most, if not all, audio gear should be AC coupled and not be bothered by a DC offset from the far end of the cord, though.

Beyond that, and the preamp you mention, I *think* there is functionally very little difference between mic and line in jacks.

Oh, and Pyat, it's not like you can blow anything up, here. As I understand it, the WORST that could happen is you saturate whatever transistor is listening for the signal from the record player, and that just makes the recording clip.

[pyat.livejournal.com]

Also, I do have a nice 70s amp in the basement, with lots of flickering needle gauges and stuff!

[momentrabbit.livejournal.com]

Oooooooh. n.n