Just want the best turntable for sampling? For us, it’s the Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB.
Sometimes an old record has something you adore and just need to sample.
Taking a recording of a recording sounds awful, so you need to directly sample the piece.
Enter a turntable for sampling with digitizing abilities!
Right now, the best turntables for sampling and digitizing vinyl are:
- Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB
- Pioneer DJ Direct Drive Turntable
- Pro-Ject Debut Carbon DC Turntable
- Numark PT01USB
Reviews of the Best Turntables for Sampling & Digitizing Vinyl
Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB
Best Overall
This Audio Technica AT series turntable and its accompanying cables are fantastic for beginners and experts alike, with easy-to-use tools that allow simple speed switching and record scratching for full audio customization.
Unlike many turntables of this type, its audio quality remains untouched by its motor, so you’ll get clear sound, all the time. The turntable’s amp adds some warmth to the sound, too, for more indulgent audio that works well with modern music.
On top of the sound, the turntable has some excellent features, including a high-quality magnetic cartridge. This lets you hear a vaster frequency range, whether you use the turntable alone or connected to speakers, amps or headphones.
If you need to use a hard drive, it’s totally viable via the USB connection. Also, the conversion feature from analog to digital works well—but it could be better, as it dampens the bass somewhat, making it muddy.
That said, you may find it difficult to use this feature as the instruction manual isn’t great. Some users found this a hindrance to learning how to use the turntable. For example, you have to move the needle into place yourself.
However, others felt the price is fair thanks to the bright and clear high notes and the product’s robust casing.
PROS
- Robust casing.
- Sound quality unimpacted by the drive.
- USB and hard drive compatible.
- Comes with an array of cables.
CONS
- Unclear instruction manual.
- Bass notes get muddy going from analog to digital.
Pioneer DJ Direct Drive Turntable
Best for Professionals
This Pioneer option is a high-torque direct drive that won’t give you a “wow and flutter” effect—the effect sounds in at under 0.01 percent. Because of this, the Pioneer Pro PLX-1000 is a top pick among professionals for sampling as well as DJing.
The sturdy model can withstand a lot of abuse due to the direct drive, which is perfect for the busy environment of clubs and at home.
Be careful with this turntable despite its robust nature, as it lacks a magnetic cartridge for the needle to rest on. Instead, it moves the needle itself, but the mechanics drop the needle quite heavily, which can be damaging without a cartridge. However, you can buy and install a cartridge yourself if needed.
Once you overcome the needle issue, you’re ready to go and play your 33⅓ and 45 RPM vinyls.
However, the lack of a 78 RPM speed is slightly disappointing, but some customers don’t mind as much as it’s so rare. Even so, potential customers feel it would be nice to see the full package for this price.
Luckily, there are plenty of other features that make up for it, such as its ability to shift the speed, and therefore the pitch, by 8, 16 and 50 percent in either direction. That can make for some interesting audio effects for sampling.
The effects also sound wonderful live. One customer has been a DJ for over 30 years and was loyal to another table, but has high praise for this one.
However, other live performers found the turntable’s lights are too bright and irritate your eyesight when playing in dark booths. For this reason, you may wish to stay with studio use.
PROS
- Pro-level quality.
- Extremely high torque power.
- Very little wow and flutter.
- Three excellent pitch shifting options.
CONS
- Bright lights can be irritating.
- No cartridge.
Pro-Ject Debut Carbon DC Turntable
Best Belt Drive Turntable
A widely popular choice for audiophiles and creators, the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon has to be the best of the belt-driven products for various reasons.
One is its stable tonearm, constructed of sturdy carbon fiber, ensuring it won’t break. Plus, the arm’s stiffness works to reduce vibrations in the cartridge, helping keep unwanted sound effects at bay and ensuring clear sound production.
Pro-Ject has also updated the Debut Carbon’s cartridge from prior models. It tweaked the weight and platter size, creating smoother movements and higher sound quality. This is great if you want to listen and sample premium sounds.
You can listen to these sounds at two speeds, 33 and 45. The lack of 78 makes sense as customers generally regard this as an entry-level, beginner-friendly sampling turntable.
Be aware that customers complain of a humming sound, despite the smooth and advanced design. One customer eliminated 95 percent of this irritant by switching out the provided cabling to Hosa’s. A Hosa hum stopper is also useful to eradicate the hum.
Users also felt the turntable’s anti-skate is cheap and detaches easily, but besides that and the humming, they had no issues. They love the sound quality, hearing new details in the music they listen to frequently.
PROS
- Incredible sound.
- Beginner-friendly.
- Premium-quality cartridge.
CONS
- It’s a “hummer.”
- Cheap anti-skate.
Numark PT01USB
Best for Connectivity
This cheap turntable for sampling is highly connective, equipped with a USB that’ll have you connected and playing in no time. This also means you can play the vinyls through the PC instead of through speakers, providing more versatility.
It’s also versatile in its mobility. You can power this vinyl player with batteries (not included), so you can grab the turntable and a laptop and get sampling and mixing even on your commute.
Record-wise, the turntable plays all three sizes of records, though it’s belt-driven so just play them—no scratching! While the turntable’s overall construction is durable, it won’t withstand physically manipulating the vinyls.
You can always manipulate the sound in post after you’ve used the included EZ Vinyl Converter software. This software is great for beginners who don’t have any other software they can record, listen and edit with.
Even so, it’s best if you stick with listening to the records via the computer and the software provided, as users complained the turntable’s sound quality is low. They describe the speakers’ sound as tinny and prefer to listen through headphones or computers for a richer audio experience.
The Numark is truly a best turntable for digitizing vinyl only, not for listening to vinyls around the house. If you want a machine that works both ways, go for the Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB, but note that users state that it’s perfect for its intended purpose anyway.
It’s more a best turntable for sampling rather than using as a record player—and it’s definitely the best USB turntable for sampling while away from home.
PROS
- Highly connective.
- Portable.
- Durable build.
CONS
- Sound isn’t great without headphones.
How to Pick a Turntable for Sampling and Digitizing Vinyl
We’re with you… picking a turntable is no easy task.
But, what you can do is go through these aspects to ensure you get one directly suited to your needs.
Type
There are two types of turntable:
- Belt drive
- Direct drive.
Our top pick is direct, as they’re more robust, though if you value sound quality above strength, we recommend you go for a belt drive table. The Pro-Ject Debut Carbon DC Turntable is an excellent belt-driven option.
Belt Drive
If you’ve ever heard an old record play with a “fluttering” sound, known as “wow and flutter,” that’s down to the motor and how it spins the disc. Belt drives aren’t spun using the device’s motor. As a result, the motor vibrations aren’t likely to touch the record or muddy the sound quality.
This leads to a higher-quality sound as you listen, along with a consistency you won’t find in direct drive spun records.
However, we’ll admit that belt drive turntables feature a fragile mechanism. If you dream of manipulating records with your hands as all the movie DJs do, think again.
During instances of “scratching” or any other form of manipulation, the mechanism has a high probability of breaking.
With that said, steer clear of such performances and belt drive turntables have a vastly greater sound-quality than a direct. This makes them excellent turntables for sampling as well as using as a record player.
Direct Drive
Don’t count out direct drive just yet—there are two instances where this type is desirable:
- You’re trying to recreate the classic, old fashioned record sound—the “wow and flutter.”
- The samples include scratching sound effects and other forms of physical manipulation.
In the latter case, the more manipulation you want, the higher torque direct drive turntable you should get.
Most live-performing turntablists prefer direct drive turntables for their ability to withstand scratching. If you want that sound in your samples, then definitely go with direct drive, as belt drive turntables are plainly too weak.
When making the belt vs. direct choice, determine whether you value sound quality over style and decide based on that.
Magnetic Cartridge
Some people cite this as the most vital element in your turntable.
This area houses the needle, and you want to make sure it’s as high-quality as possible. Ideally, you want to look for:
- Elliptical stylus in the cartridge for superior vinyl groove tracing.
- A stiff but light cantilever for the best frequency reproduction—aluminum is best.
- Moving coil construction for better sound.
A weak magnetic cartridge and needle on a high-quality turntable can ruin the sound. On the other hand, a higher-quality magnetic cartridge on a cheaper turntable can make the player sound better than it is.
If you’re on a tight budget, this is one part of the table you never want to flake out on.
Torque Power
Torque power is something to consider in-depth if you’re scratching.
Higher is always better, as it leads to a quicker recovery. After you scratch the vinyl and let go, the player returns to its previous speed faster with a higher torque power turntable.
This is important for a smooth transition between the scratch and the regular music, leading to a more enjoyable listening experience.
Quartz Lock
Another consideration if you’re going direct drive, quartz lock tech on the record player helps you monitor the record’s speed with accuracy. Monitoring the record’s speed can ensure the turntable maintains a stable speed for better-sounding music.
There are some belt-driven tables with this feature too, but it’s rarer—you won’t find it in the belt drives above.
Keeping track of speed also helps you check for faults in your gear. For example, if the turntable changes speeds without prompting, it needs repairing.
Speeds
Record players usually come equipped with three speeds, measured in revolutions per minute (RPM):
- 78.
- 45.
- 33⅓.
A 78 RPM setting is rare, with most records only needing a 33⅓ speed. The next most common record speed is 45 RPM, which maxi-singles and EPs typically require.
Despite 78’s rarity, consider a record player with all three so you can be ready to spin a 78 RPM record just in case. It’s better to be prepared than count out a feature you don’t think you’ll use.
Shifting Pitch
Some direct drive turntables can change their speeds to play with the pitch.
Turntablists often use this feature for effect rather than need, but it can also correct a bad recording’s pitch.
When looking for this feature, the wider and higher the shifting range, the better. You get more space to play with sound through this aspect.
That said, you don’t need this feature, and it’s best for live performances. You can also use it to cut down on your editing time later. You can easily change a sound’s pitch in post; it’s just nice to have more than one option.
Best Turntable for Sampling and Digitizing Vinyl: The Winner
For us, the best turntable for sampling and digitizing vinyl is the Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB based on its high torque, great compatibility features and fantastic sound quality.
The turntable touches on the key elements all of the best turntables for sampling and digitizing should have. On top of that, there’s no wow and flutter, yet it’s a direct drive tool.
The absence of irritating noise along with the robust build is a combination that’s hard to ignore in a record player!
