If you are looking for the best turntable for sampling, the most important things to consider are the portability, drive and connectivity type. I’ve summarized my favorite products below based on these features. Keep reading if you want to know more about why these features are so important.
Turntables are primarily used to play different types of vinyl. While older varieties merely had a single function—to read music from your discs—newer versions have multiple capacities, allowing you to not only scan your vinyl records but also to convert them into digital forms, play cassette tapes, read CDs and DVDs, and even detect audio files from your smartphone or computer. Simply put, modern turntables permit you to play different sound formats derived from multiple audio players.
That said, many turntables are used for sampling, which means capturing a particular part of a complete track to mix in with other samplings to create DJ remixes.
But can you use any turntable to obtain such samplings? Not really.
While most turntables allow you to sample parts of any audio track, not all of them provide you with direct, easy access to such renderings. The best turntable for sampling requires a few elements.
Basically, sampling requires a USB connection. When a turntable supports USB connectivity, you can directly connect your turntable to your PC, allowing you to convert vinyl records into digital files via dedicated software.
Next, the best turntable for sampling must deliver high-quality audio. By doing so, your digitized versions consequently sound better, allowing you more room to tweak such audio files to your liking.
Finally, you want to find a turntable that doesn’t cost a considerable chunk of money. While there are, of course, a myriad of expensive offerings in the market, your ultimate goal here is to find the best turntable for sampling that doesn’t require you to overspend.
So, in this article, I will be enlisting several of the best turntables for sampling that belong to the mid-range price levels. I based my findings on the indicated specs of these options and their corresponding user after-sales reviews. Let’s dig into the list.
The Best Turntable for Sampling Comparison
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
|---|---|---|
Best Overall  |
| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
Best 3-Speed Option  |
| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
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| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
Best Aesthetics  |
| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
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| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
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| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
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| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
Audio-Technica AT-LP60XUSB-GM – Best Overall
Key Features
- Connectivity: Bluetooth
- Drive: Belt Drive
- Speeds: 33 1/3, 45 RPM
- Stylus: ATN3600L, replaceable
- Dimensions: 5 x 3.84 x 14.70 inches
The Audio-Technica AT-LP60XUSB-GM is incorporated with a USB slot that allows easier recording and digitization of entire audio files or samples. You can plug your USB stick into this turntable to start doing so.
The AT-LP60XUSB-GM is embedded with a belt drive that permits smoother sound rendering with decreased noise and distortion. Its high-quality audio output is obtained via a built-in preamp that makes it easier to connect to various receivers, speakers, mixers, and so forth. Furthermore, these external devices aren’t required to have a phono in to be able to receive audio.
This turntable’s balanced and automatic tonearm uses a fully replaceable diamond stylus. This device is also equipped with a die-cast aluminum platter with the capacity to play two speeds, 33 1/3 RPM and 45 RPM, permitting you to rip files from both 7-inch and 12-inch vinyl discs.
Because this turntable is Bluetooth-enabled, you can conveniently connect this device to other Bluetooth-compatible receivers and speakers to listen to your favorite tunes. Via Bluetooth, you can wirelessly connect this turntable to your smartphone or computer, as well.
While the AT-LP60XUSB-GM is an efficient sampling aid, it is somewhat limited to scratching and mixing. Nonetheless, if your only goal is to find the best turntable for sampling, then this little gem should be good enough for you.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Directly converts vinyl records into high-quality digital files
- High-quality audio output
- Replaceable diamond stylus
- Bluetooth-enabled
- USB-enabled
Cons
- Limited speeds
- Not recommended for scratching
Numark PT01USB – Best 3-Speed Option
Key Features
- Drive: Belt Drive
- Speeds: 33 1/3, 45, 78 RPM
- Output: RCA, headphone jack, USB
- Power Source: via AC adapter, battery
- Dimensions: 11.9 x 11.9 x 4 inches
The Numark PT01USB is another excellent turntable for sampling. Because this turntable option is solidly constructed, it is easier for you to bring it along during travel. Its lightweight and compact build are designed for heightened portability. It even comes with a carrying case for such mobile activities.
This turntable has built-in speakers, but you can also connect it to external speakers to further enhance its sound quality. Nonetheless, it is a perfect sampling aid. Its built-in speakers make it easier for you to obtain the samples you need without connecting them to high-end external speakers.
This turntable is incorporated with pitch control, enabling you to manage its pitch with a plus or minus ten percent function. It can play three speeds: 33 1/3, 45, and 78 RPM. Its package includes a dust cover, as well, for added protection.
Aside from its USB slot, this turntable has RCA outputs and a dedicated headphone jack. It runs via an AC adapter, allowing you to connect it to a power source, although you can simply use batteries for it, as well.
This Numark turntable uses the EZ Vinyl Converter, free software developed by the company that enables you to convert vinyl records into .wav or .mp3. This software is available for Mac and PC, allowing you to separate complete vinyl albums into distinct and separate tracks automatically.
Pros
- Plays 33 1/3, 45, and 78 RPM
- Allows record sampling
- Portable, uses either AC adapter or battery
- Carrying case
- Free software for either PC or Mac
Cons
- May have an issue with its speed accuracy
Audio-Technica AT-LP120XBT-USB-BK Direct Drive Turntable – Best Output Compatibility
Key Features
- Drive: Direct Drive
- Speed: 33 1/3, 45, 78 RPM
- Output: USB, RCA
- Connectivity: Bluetooth
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio: > 50 dB
The Audio-Technica AT-LP120XBT-USB-BK’s high torque motor allows it to be a perfect sampling device. It has a USB port that also allows you to obtain audio files directly from a compatible storage device, including a USB stick or an external hard drive, for instance.
Because this direct drive turntable plays all three speeds—33 1/3, 45, and 78 RPM, it can easily read files from 7-inch, 10-inch, and 12-inch vinyl records. It uses a hydraulically damped S-shaped tonearm, a cast aluminum platter, and an AT95E dual magnet phono cartridge. Then, it permits a reduction in vibrations that merely interfere with audio playback. Additionally, its built-in phono preamp allows easy connection to external devices, including speakers and mixers, even when such gadgets aren’t equipped with a dedicated phono.
Its package includes free software to enable sample recording, a dust cover, and all the cables it requires. A popular pick across audio equipment stores, this device might also be a perfect fit for your sampling needs.
Pros
- Free software for both PC and Mac users
- Decreased vibration and background noise
- Vinyl-to-digital conversion
- High torque motor
- Target light for convenient queuing
Cons
- No tonearm height adjustment function
1byone Belt-Drive Turntable with Wireless Connectivity – Best Aesthetics
Key Features
- Drive: Belt Drive
- Speeds: 33 1/3, 45, 78 RPM
- Outputs/Inputs: RCA, USB
- Connectivity: Bluetooth
- Power Consumption: 6 watts
The 1byone Belt Drive Turntable is another popular choice for many turntable users. This turntable has an attractive, unique design that quickly brings to mind the retro years of turntable playing. Its wooden base is a work of art as its manufacturer highlights the fact that it has been sanded and polished multiple times, then painted repeatedly, before finally being baked and shaped at high-temperature levels. The result is a turntable that is strikingly beautiful without a heavy price tag attached to it.
This turntable’s popularity, however, isn’t merely because of how it looks. It is also capable of a variety of functions, including vinyl-to-digital conversion. It allows you to play files via a USB connection. This player is lightweight and small, weighing only five pounds, and has the dimensions of 14.8 by 11.4 by 5 inches. Hence, it is a portable turntable that you can easily bring along anywhere you go.
Because it is intended for sampling, this turntable is equipped with built-in full-range speakers, as well. You can, however, connect this player to your preferred external loudspeakers to fully maximize and enhance its audio quality. This turntable is also packaged with a dust cover.
Pros
- Attractive retro look
- Portable and compact
- Vinyl-to-digital conversion
- Built-in speakers
Cons
- No option to switch off internal speakers when using external ones
Sony PS-LX310BT Belt Drive Turntable – Best Audio Quality
Key Features
- Drive: Belt Drive
- Speeds: 33 1/3, 45, 78 RPM
- Outputs: RCA, USB
- Connectivity: Bluetooth
- Dimensions: 17 x 4 3/8 x 14 1/2 inches
The Sony PS-LX310BT Belt Drive Turntable doesn’t really require too much fanfare. It’s a turntable that garners a lot of attention—and buyers—already due to its simple, no-nonsense design and specific functions.
With this turntable, you get to play three speeds: 33 1/3, 45, and 78 RPM. You get to have the ability to turn your vinyl records into digital ones, allowing you to bring them along with you and sample from them whenever you want. Because it has a USB slot, you can easily connect it to your computer and obtain all the audio files you want. Its Bluetooth connectivity permits you to connect it to various audio devices, including your smartphone and tablet.
Using its RCA line out, you can connect this turntable to your preferred external speakers. It provides you with high-quality audio feedback, allowing you to listen to your favorite tunes or splice out specific parts for sampling.
This fully automatic unit is a variant designed for your convenient and swift ratification by a turntable driven by a belt drive. It’s also a lightweight alternative—a highly portable device that merely weighs 7.9 pounds. It even comes with a dust cover to help protect it from the elements.
Pros
- Plug-and-play
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Vinyl-to-digital recording
- Superb audio quality
- Minimalistic design
Cons
- Limited stylus options
- Fragile materials
Victrola Pro Series – Best 2-Speed Alternative
Key Features
- Drive: Belt Drive
- Speeds: 33 1/3, 45 RPM
- Outputs: USB, RCA
- Connectivity: Bluetooth
- Software Inclusion: Yes
If you want a player that allows you to listen to vinyl and digitize these tracks to use them for sampling, you should also check out the Victrola Pro Series USB Record Player. This 2-speed turntable variant is a belt-driven alternative that plays both 33 1/3 RPM and 45 RPM. It has a dedicated USB slot that allows you to connect it to your Mac or PC to obtain the audio files you want to sample or listen to. You can also connect it to your external loudspeakers to fully appreciate its sound.
Because it is Bluetooth-enabled, you can also connect it to various similarly enabled devices, including your tablet, smartphone, and other gadgets. This turntable comes with dedicated software installed on your computer to easily tweak multiple audio files and convert them into other digitally readable formats to extract samplings with ease.
A turntable that merely costs $124.89 as of writing, this affordable unit uses a diamond stylus and a metal tonearm. Because it is belt-driven, it can minimize vibrations from your audio feedback, as well.
Pros
- Software included
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Vinyl-to-digital recording
Cons
- Limited speeds
LP&No.1 Pro USB Record Player– Best Budget Choice
Key Features
- Drive: Belt Drive
- Speeds: 33 1/3, 45 RPM
- Outputs: RCA, USB
- Connectivity: Bluetooth
- Weight: 8.28 pounds
Finally, if you want to purchase the best turntable for sampling but don’t think overspending should be part of the plan, you can opt for the LP&No.1 Pro USB Record Player. This alternative turntable is a budget-friendly player that uses a belt drive. It can play two speeds—33 1/3 RPM and 45 RPM.
This automatic-return variant allows you to easily play your favorite vinyl records with its auto-stop and auto-return function. Because it has an RCA line out, you can conveniently connect it to your external speakers to fully appreciate and maximize its audio feedback.
Nevertheless, you can also use its Bluetooth connectivity to sync with various Bluetooth-enabled devices, including your smartphone and tablet, allowing you to play music directly from your turntable to your gadgets. Because it is also designed for sampling, you can convert your favorite vinyl tracks into digital format via a USB connection. This function permits you both easy audio file storage and sample extraction.
A turntable that merely weighs 8.28 pounds, this alternative is also highly portable. You can conveniently bring it along during your out-of-town trips or gigs. This turntable is integrated with a die-cast aluminum platter that helps reduce vibrations during playback. It also uses a straight tonearm rather than the S-shaped one used by many of its competition.
Without the heavy price primarily associated with efficient, high-end variants, this turntable is a reasonable consideration if you prefer working under a more manageable budget. Nonetheless, you need to note that this turntable isn’t equipped with built-in speakers, and you’ll need to connect it to your external speakers to obtain audio feedback.
Pros
- Vinyl-to-digital recording
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Portable
- Affordable
Cons
- No built-in speakers
Buying Guide
While we already have a list of the best turntable options for sampling within the mid-price levels, it is essential to bear in mind several elements when purchasing such audio source devices:
Plug-and-Play Alternative
Many turntables are plug-and-play devices that do not require any added software for them to work when connecting them to your computer, smartphone, and other similar gadgets. The necessary phono preamp allows you to connect them to your external speakers, as well, without requiring these receivers to be equipped with a separate phono in function. Make sure that you check your prospective device for this capability.
Portability
A lot of these turntables for sampling are portable. This means that they are mostly lightweight and small compared to the more comprehensive alternatives that are meant for direct mixing and scratching. Without any added accessories, you should be able to carry them along with you wherever you go and conduct instant, easy vinyl-to-digital recordings with the use of your laptop.
Built-in Speakers
Another item that you should check would be the chance of having a turntable with incorporated speakers. When your turntable already has built-in speakers, you don’t have to bring along with you external speakers to obtain the audio from your turntable. Nevertheless, most of these mid-level variants are equipped with internal speakers that do not produce high-quality sounds. The best way around it is to carry efficient and high-quality loudspeakers to maximize and enhance your turntable’s sound quality. Put simply, internal speakers are merely meant for emergencies and should not be relied on for high-quality audio output.
Belt Drive Turntables versus Direct Drive Turntables
Most people believe that belt-driven turntables are far better than direct-driven options. This is because belt-driven alternatives are designed so that their motor vibrations do not transfer to your vinyl records during playback. Because of this design, its sound quality is perceived as cleaner and clearer. Nevertheless, this is a personal preference because many turntable users still think that direct-driven turntables also produce superb audio feedback.
FAQs
Can I sample vinyl records?
Legally speaking, sampling an audio file requires you to obtain permission from the copyright holders of the record. This is especially true when sampling an audio track for commercial purposes.
How do I record vinyl to my computer?
Connect your turntable to your computer via the provided USB port. Open your dedicated extraction software and create a new file. Follow the instructions provided there and start recording.
Can you sample really old music?
As stated, you must obtain permission from the copyright holders of any audio record that you wish to sample. This means you need to contact the composer and the record label company to legalize your sampling of their track.
Conclusion
To summarize our discussion, here are the best turntables for sampling:
- Best Overall—Audio-Technica AT-LP60XUSB-GM
- Best 3-Speed Option—Numark PT01USB
- Best Output Compatibility—Audio-Technica AT-LP120XBT-USB-BK
- Best Aesthetics—1byone Belt Drive Turntable with Wireless Connectivity
- Best Audio Quality—Sony PS-LX310BT
- Best 2-Speed Alternative—Victrola Pro Series
- Best Budget Choice—LP&No.1 Pro USB Record Player
