Push 2: Recording from vinyl
- Live Versions: All
- Operating System: All
The video above shows how to record audio from vinyl using an audio interface and Push 2. This tutorial will show you the additional steps necessary to connect your turntable and set the recording level.
Note: Push 2 itself does not have audio inputs. In order to record audio from your turntable, or any external source, you'll need to use an audio interface, unless your turntable has a USB output.
Step 1 - Connect your turntable
Connecting a turntable with a phono output (eg. - Technics 1200/1210)
Classic, fully analog turntables with a phono output need to be connected to a phono preamp in order to boost the volume to a sufficient level for listening and recording. This could be a DJ mixer, a mixing desk with a phono preamp or a dedicated standalone phono preamp. Connect the outputs of the turntable to your phono preamp, then connect the Master Out, Record Out or Line out on the preamp to a pair of inputs on an audio interface. Also be sure to connect the ground wire of the turntable to an earthing screw, otherwise you will get a hum.
Connecting a turntable with a line output (eg. - Stanton ST.150 M2)
If your turntable has line outputs then you can directly connect the line out of the turntable to a pair of inputs on your audio interface, without the need for a phono preamp in between.
Connecting a turntable with USB connection (eg. - Audio Technica AT-LP120-USB)
If your turntable has a USB port then you may not need to use an audio interface, as the turntable has a built-in phono preamp and analog-to-digital convertor capable of sending audio over USB. Firstly, install the appropriate USB driver from the manufacturer's website. Then connect the USB cable directly to a USB port on the computer. We recommend not to use a USB hub, but if there's no other option then the hub should be powered.
Step 2 - Enable the correct inputs in Live
In Live's audio preferences choose the audio interface, or turntable driver if using a USB enabled turntable. Then enable the inputs which are connected to the turntables in Input Config.
Step 3 - Adjust the gain of the signal
If using a phono preamp of some kind, make sure that the audio signal from the turntable is not clipping (peaking over 0db). At the same time, it shouldn't be too low, otherwise you'll introduce noise when boosting the volume afterwards.
Once the gain is set correctly, create a blank audio track in Live. Set the Audio From to the correct inputs, then arm the track for recording. Adjust the level of the inputs on the audio interface until the signal is as loud as possible without clipping in Live.
If necessary you may need to adjust the level of one input to ensure even panning of the stereo signal.
If connecting directly to the audio interface or computer, without a phono preamp, then you only need to adjust the level on the interface or within Live respectively.
Step 4 - Follow the video tutorial
Now that you've got everything connected and you've adjusted the gain correctly, you can follow along with the video tutorial in order to record and process audio from vinyl.
Additional Tips
- Clean your vinyl beforehand with a static free cloth.
- Clean the turntable needles - if possible use brand new needles.
- Always connect the ground wire (if there's one on the turntable) to a suitable earthing screw to eliminate ground hum.
- We recommend recording at a bit depth of at least 24 bits.