ART USB Phono Plus PS

Product overview

The ART USB Phono Plus PS is a phono preamp and USB audio interface: a complete hardware solution for making digital recordings from your records.

It offers the great sound, low noise and essential features of an ART phono preamp and adds extended digital connectivity and an integrated USB audio interface. In addition to stereo RCA inputs and outputs, it features S/PDIF and optical inputs, plus an optical output. Connect the USB port to a computer and record better than CD quality sound with recording software. The headphone output lets you monitor the preamp input, the computer playback or both together, and has an independent level control so you can adjust your listening volume without affecting the recording. Compact and convenient, it is purpose-built for preserving a record collection, and as a class compliant USB audio interface it needs no dedicated driver software with most modern operating systems.

Key features

• Class compliant USB audio interface
• Zero latency hardware monitoring
• Switchable phono or line level stereo RCA input
• S/PDIF and optical inputs
• Stereo RCA, optical and 1/8 inch headphone outputs
• Switchable low cut filter
• Powered by USB or external adaptor

RIAA phono preamp

The built-in low noise phono preamp precisely conforms to the RIAA standard, with up to 45 dB of gain at 1 kHz. The Input switch selects Phono or Line, the Low Cut filter (-3 dB at 22 Hz) removes turntable rumble and other low frequency noise, and the Gain Trim control with the Signal / Clip LED optimises the analogue to digital converter for a wide range of sources. The preamp line out jacks always carry the input preamp signal, for source monitoring or for use as a stand-alone phono preamp, and a ground terminal takes the separate ground wire of a turntable to reduce hum.

Digital inputs and outputs

The S/PDIF coaxial input and the optical input send digital audio straight to the computer over USB (32 kHz to 48 kHz, consumer format); a valid S/PDIF signal overrides the optical input, and either overrides the analogue preamp signal. The optical output carries the playback from the computer.

Monitoring

The Monitor Source switch selects Preamp for zero latency monitoring and cueing of records or tapes, CPU for the playback coming back from the computer, or Both for a mix of the two. The Monitor Output Level control sets the 1/8 inch headphone output, which delivers up to +6 dBu (1.4 V RMS).

Power

The USB bus normally powers the unit. An optional external adaptor (7-12 V DC, any polarity, or 9-12 V AC) automatically overrides USB bus power to reduce the power drawn from the computer. The red Power LED lights when the unit is powered.

In the box

• USB Phono Plus PS phono preamp and audio interface

ART USB Phono Plus PS: frequently asked questions

Can I connect a turntable directly?

Yes. Set the Input switch to Phono; the built-in RIAA phono preamp provides up to 45 dB of gain, and the ground terminal takes the turntable's ground wire.

Does it need driver software?

No. It is a class compliant USB audio interface and needs no dedicated driver with most modern operating systems.

Can the digital inputs feed the analogue outputs?

No. The S/PDIF and optical inputs are sent to the computer over USB only.

Can it work without a computer?

Yes, as a stand-alone phono preamp: the preamp line out jacks always carry the preamp signal. It then needs the optional adaptor or another USB power source.

Where can I buy the ART USB Phono Plus PS in India?

The ART USB Phono Plus PS is available from Shivansh Electronics, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, with delivery across India.

Workflow 1: Digitising a record collection

Record collectors archiving vinyl.

Connections

Setup

1. Set Input to Phono and switch in Low Cut if rumble is heard.
2. Adjust Gain Trim so the LED is green most of the time and red only on peaks.
3. Record in the recording software.

Tip: Set Monitor Source to Preamp to cue records with no latency.

Workflow 2: Tapes and line sources to computer

Archiving tapes, CDs and other line level players.

Connections

Setup

1. Set Input to Line.
2. Set the Gain Trim with the Signal / Clip LED and record.

Tip: Line gain is 6 dB with a maximum input of +19 dBu.

Workflow 3: Digital source into the computer

Transfers from players with optical or S/PDIF outputs.

Connections

Setup

1. Connect the optical or coaxial digital output.
2. Record the digital stream on the computer.

Tip: The digital inputs accept consumer format material at 32 kHz to 48 kHz and go to the computer only.

Workflow 4: Stand-alone phono preamp

Hi-fi systems needing a phono stage.

Connections

Setup

1. Power the unit from the optional adaptor.
2. Set Input to Phono.

Tip: The preamp line out always carries the preamp signal.

Workflow 5: Listening to playback on headphones

Checking recordings and edits.

Connections

Setup

1. Set Monitor Source to CPU.
2. Adjust the Monitor Output Level.

Tip: The headphone level does not affect the recording.

Workflow 6: Computer playback to an optical input

Systems with an optical digital input.

Connections

Setup

1. Select the USB Phono Plus PS as the computer's playback device.
2. Play back: the optical output carries the computer audio.

Tip: Use the optional adaptor to reduce power drawn from a laptop.