We looked at ION’s Tape Express recently for easy digitization of cassettes, but what do you do with that large collection of vinyl you’ve got stashed away? Well, thanks to this LP-to-iPod conversion system called the ION iPROFILE USB Turntable, you can transfer your old records either directly to your iPod, to your computer, or even hook it up to your stereo for standard record play-back.
Playing and transferring all your old LPs, 12″s and singles, the ION iPROFILE iPod Turntable includes an integrated Universal Dock for iPod, charging and storing converted music in the voice memo section of your 1st/2nd Gen Nano or 5th Gen Classic. These tracks are later updated with song info by the included Gracenote software once you connect your iPod to your computer.
The iProfile Turntable can also connect to your computer over USB, requires no additional drivers and includes easy-to-use EZ Vinyl/Tape Converter software for Linux, Windows and Mac – walking you through your MP3 conversions. Alternatively, you can use your favorite recording software instead (as long as it supports USB audio devices) and with a line-level output (audio in/out cable included) and pre-amp, you can connect this dual-purpose turntable/iPod dock to just about any stereo system for both vinyl or MP3 playback.
Compatible with 33 and 45 RPM records (78s too via software), the ION iPROFILE LP-to-iPod Turntable is available now from Firebox.com (EU only) for £99.95, or on special at Amazon.com (albeit with a seemingly different look) for $199.99.
Sources:
Firebox.com and ION Audio
Will says:
November 5th, 2009 at 12:26 pm
Awesome!! I have used It, It can be used as a regular record player, or connect it to a computer via USB to easily transfer your vinyl records to your hard drive. The built-in iPod docking station on the iProfile enables you to record your vinyl records directly onto your iPod. Easy-to-use vinyl conversion software for Mac and Windows computers is included, so you’ll have all the audio gear you need to play and digitize vinyl.
Best Regards,
Sam says:
November 20th, 2009 at 10:29 am
Ion have produced some excellent turntables but the latest range in the piano black finish look fantastic and are so easy to use. If you’re stuck for Xmas presents this year, an Ion turntable would make an awesome gift!
Ignatius says:
February 16th, 2010 at 8:42 am
Very interesting.I have many vinyl records to be recorded.Where in South Africa can I buy this gadget and what is the price in ZA Rand?
Huki says:
May 4th, 2010 at 11:44 am
How retarded… Why bother tansferring ANY vinyls as if peop enowadays even have any left unless your over 60 years old and kept a few from your childhood as sentimental value but name one song you can download with better than original quality off the web. Total waste of money buying such a gadget.
Huki says:
May 4th, 2010 at 11:49 am
Name one song you can not download off the web… Eggxactly! Pointless gadget and waste of money. It’s like buying a scanner to scan prints lmao! Why bother if you have a HD digital camera to take good photos and a scanner to scan any old pictures. See the redundancy in this logic with this turntable device?
Mark says:
May 4th, 2010 at 4:24 pm
Huki, there are still plenty of old recordings that haven’t even been digitized yet (particularly B-sides and rarities) let alone uploaded and hosted on the Internet. Name one song? There are whole albums out there that are impossible to get hold of in any format.
If you’re lucky enough to have one of these rarities in your possession, you’d naturally want a tool to help digitize it in order to preserve the vinyl – which could be worth a fortune.
Also, if you have a large collection of underground / less mainstream music, you would likely find it faster to rip your own records than hunting them down on iTunes (and having to repurchase them) or on torrent sites (and pull your hair out waiting for seeders).
As for the age thing, kids still collect vinyl new and old, plus modern bands still release collector’s edition LPs. The idea that only elder people own records is a misconception.
The popularity of digital conversion tools is very strong, so I wouldn’t underestimate the number of people that have hung onto their collections. It’s not at all surprising, either. An old music collection – whether it be on vinyl, cassettes or even CDs – becomes imbued with such powerful memories and emotions from your past that it’s impossible to get rid of. Much like old photographs, they become a part of you – and like us, won’t last forever.
Jon Brink says:
June 27th, 2010 at 11:25 am
I read AV Guide’s opinion about this very thing. Couldn’t agree more with you and less with them.