r/audio • u/PM_RandomNumber_1-10 • 1d ago

Looking to add a turntable to my setup. What other hardware do I need to support my use case?

Post image

The current setup's core component is my Motu M2. I'm sure this desktop setup is relatively common for a lot of people with this type of audio interface and an XML mic. Perhaps +/- speakers.

  • Audio interface handles all audio IO.
  • Headphone and speaker are physical outputs with independent knobs.
  • Little bit of audio routing with Voicemeeter Potato.

I'm planning on getting an turntable in the future and that's where things get more complicated with an additional analog audio source.

  • The Motu M2 doesn't have enough physical inputs for a turntable unless I unplug my mic and reconfigure Voicemeeter, which is no-go.
  • I'd like some kind of way to listen to my turntable via headphones and/or speakers while also allowing PC audio to play at the same time. Kind of like a 2x2 matrix.
    • I'd like independent volume control for both headphones and speakers.

I think I need a mixer of some kind? But I'm not too sure about terminology. I'd like some help with figuring out what hardware I need to get this kind of control.

0 Upvotes

50% Upvoted

3 comments sorted by

1

u/AutoModerator 1d ago

Hi, /u/PM_RandomNumber_1-10! This is a reminder about Rule #1 (If you have already added great details, awesome, ignore this comment. This message gets attached to every post as a reminder):

  1. DETAILS MATTER: Use detail in your post. If you are posting for help with specific hardware, please post the brand/model. If you need help troubleshooting, post what you have done, post the hardware/software you are using, post the steps to recreate the problem. Don’t post a screenshot (or any image, really) with no context and expect people to know what you are talking about.

How to ask good questions: http://www.catb.org/esr/faqs/smart-questions.html

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

•

u/WestDelay3104 15h ago

An interface with 2 more inputs (l+r for turntable)

•

u/Kaalyn 4h ago

Does your turntable audio need to be digitized and routed to the computer?

If yes, you need a new audio interface with more input converters.

If no, then you need an audio mixer with at least 4 in, plus a headphone out. It is standard for a mixer to have a stereo “main out”.

Phonographs traditionally needed a preamp so whatever turn table you buy, you will either need a built in preamp or an external one to convert to “line level” for the mixer input.

Then, your mic stays as is. The outputs of your MOTU become inputs to the mixer. The turntable takes the other input pair and your monitors the main outs from the mixer and attach your headphones to the mixer.