If you want to sample from vinyl records, you need a special turntable, right?
No, not really.
Any record player can be used for sampling, but some have certain features that make doing so easier.
The primary such feature is a USB port, because it makes it possible to sample directly from vinyl to your computer.
You also want a record player with good audio quality or you’ll end up with a bunch of low quality samples.
Finally, you obviously want to pay a reasonable price. You want to make sure you’re getting good value for your money and not overpaying for a bunch of flashy features you don’t actually need.
With the hundreds of overpriced and under-performing models on the market, narrowing the field down to the best turntable for sampling takes a lot of research.
We’ve done that research so you don’t have to. Below, we have the top record players for sampling that are available on the market today.
Best Sampling Turntables Compared
| Product | USB | Bluetooth | Cost | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Audio Technica AT-LP60X-USB Check Price |
Yes | Yes | $ | |
Sony PS-HX500 Check Price |
Yes | No | $$$ | |
Pro-Ject Debut Recordmaster Check Price |
Yes | No | $$$$ | |
Numark PT01 USB Check Price |
Yes | No | $$ | |
Audio Technica AT-LP120 USB Check Price |
Yes | Yes | $$$ | |
Pioneer Pro DJ PLX-1000 Check Price |
No | No | $$$$$ |
Best Record Players For Sampling
The following record players are the best values on the market for sampling. That means there are better players out there, but they cost far more. The models below represent the best value for your money. We’ve included options in every price range, except the absolute most expensive.
Audio Technica AT-LP60X USB
This turntable comes complete with a USB slot which makes it easy to record samples, or entire discs, so you can take your music with you. Simply rip music onto a USB and tuck it in your pocket.
The AT-LP60X USB uses a belt drive for a smoother sound with minimal interference. It has a built-in phono preamp, allowing you to connect to external speakers, mixers, receivers, a Sonos system, etc. even if those components do not have a dedicated phono in.
The fully automatic balanced tone arm is equipped with a replaceable diamond stylus. Other features include a die cast aluminum platter and the ability to play at 2 speeds, so you can rip and sample music from 7-inch singles or 12-inch records.
The Bluetooth feature enhances its attractiveness as a top turntable for sampling. Not only can you listen to your music on any Bluetooth-compatible speakers, but you can also connect wirelessly to a computer, a smartphone or other devices.
The AT-LP60X USB is a good record player when used for sampling, but it is somewhat limited in functionality, especially when it comes to mixing or scratching. That is to be expected given the low price tag (it also made our list of top affordable turntables). If all you need is sampling and want the best quality for the lowest amount of money, this is the model to get.
Specifications
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Belt drive motor
- Built-in phono preamp
- 2 speeds: 33 1/3 and 45 RPM
- ATN3600L stylus
- Die-cast aluminum platter
- Dimensions: 5 x 3.84 x 14.70 inches
Best Features
- Connect to speaker with Bluetooth
- RIAA equalized sound
- 7 and 12 inch record compatible
- Available in 2 colors
- Balanced tone arm
- Die-cast aluminum platter
- Diamond stylus is replaceable
- Sample records
Sony PS-HX500
The Sony PS-HX500 is compact and surprisingly lightweight which makes it the most portable unit on this list. It also plays two speeds, so it can handle single track and 12-inch records.
It has a built-in phono preamp, which mean you get both a line out and a phono out and can connect to any type of external component, like speakers or a receiver. The USB port allows easy connection to a PC. You can record samples, or entire albums, in high resolution up to DSD 5.6 MHz.
A die-cast aluminum platter keeps records stable for higher quality sound. The belt drive and the insulated structure serve to keep outside interference to a minimum.
The Sony PS-HX500 does not have Bluetooth capability, but if you don’t need that and only plan to sample to your computer via USB cable, then this is one of the best sampling turntables on a budget.
Specifications
- 2 speeds: 33 1/3 and 45 RPM
- B type USB
- Hi Res audio recorder APP
- Die-cast aluminum platter
- Phono and line output
- Dimensions: 18.5 x 16.32 x 6.2 inches
- Manual tonearm
Best Features
- Record in hi res up to DSD 5.6 MHz
- Built-in phono preamp
- Rip music to USB
- Play 7 inch and 12 inch records
Pro-Ject Debut Recordmaster
We have written about the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon DC many times on this site and it made our list of the best quality record players on the market.
There is a reason for that. It is the best value record player on the market. But it does not have a USB port (or Bluetooth ability), so sampling with it isn’t quite as easy as with a model that has USB.
The Recordmaster is is basically a DC, but optimized for recording samples. It adds a USB port and a high class A/D converter that allows conversion from analogue to DSD 11.2 MHz digital. You can use the included software, called Vinyl Studio Lite, to rip tracks from your vinyl record, then edit and store them on your PC.
It also has a decoupled motor and suspension system that results in low resonance. This means you hear your music without irritating background noises or other interference. This solid steel body of the platter, the stiff 8.6 inch carbon fiber tonearm and the Ortofon 2m red cartridge further decrease unwanted vibrations.
It also has an internal phono preamp and a line out, which makes it possible to connect to any external component like a set of speakers. It comes with a dust cover and is available in four colors: the walnut pictured above, black, white and red.
As you might expect given the high build quality and the numerous features, the Recordmaster is not cheap. In fact, it is the second most expensive model on this list. If you want the best value for your money, the cost is definitely worth it. But only if your budget can handle it.
Specifications
- Belt drive synchronous motor
- Pre mounted Ortofon 2m red cartridge
- 6″ carbon fiber tone arm with integrated head shell
- MDF body and glossy finish
- Decoupled motor and suspension system
- Manual 2 speed change
- Steel platter and dust cover
- Dimension: 7 x 17.6 x 4.7 inches
Features
- Plastic cover to protect from dust
- Low resonance motor feature
- 2 speed plays 2 types of records
- USB port
- Increased platter size
- Good stability without vibration
Numark PT01 USB
The Numark PT01 USB is another great record player for sampling. It is solidly made, making it durable enough to take n the road with you. It is also compact and light enough to make it a good portable option. It even has a carrying handle.
It has built-in speakers, so you don’t need to connect to an external stereo or speakers. Obviously the sound quality o the internal speakers is not as good, but if you are just sampling, you probably don’t need the best audio quality. It can be quite convenient to just use the player as is and quickly get the samples you need.
It also has pitch control of plus or minus ten percent and can play all three speeds: 33 1/3, 45 and 78 RPM. It comes with a hard dust cover for protection. protects the PT01 USB and has a carrying handle for convenience.
In addition to the USB for recording samples, the Numark PT01 also has RCA outputs to connect to external speakers and a headphone jack. It can run on AC power or on batteries (not included), which makes it truly portable.
Numark make their EZ Vinyl Converter software available for free. You can use this to record vinyl to .wav or .mp3. The software runs on both Mac or PC and automatically separates a recorded album into individual tracks.
Specifications
- Built-in speakers
- Belt drive with 33 1/3, 45 and 78 RPM speed options
- USB feature
- RCA output and headphone jack
- AC Adapter or battery power
- Dimensions: 11.9 x 11.9 x 4 inches
Best Features
- Dust cover
- Plays 7″, 10″ and 12″ records
- Sample records
- Handle for portability
- Hard casing
- Free software for Windows and Mac OS.
Audio Technica AT-LP120 USB
The high torque motor makes the Audio Technica AT-LP120 USB ideal for sampling records. The USB port makes it easy to record any samples taken directly to an external storage device.
The AT-LP120 plays all three speeds: 33 1/3, 45 and 78 RPM. This means you can sample from any size of vinyl: 10″, 7″ and 12″.
An aluminum cast platter and a hydraulically damped S-shaped tone arm with a AT95E dual magnet phono cartridge serve to reduce vibrations and keep them from interfering with the audio. A built-in phono preamp means you can connect to any external devices, even those without a dedicated phono in.
When you buy this turntable, you also get a dust cover, the software needed to record samples, and all the cables required.
Specifications
- Professional cast aluminum platter
- USB output
- Direct drive high torque motor
- 3 speed 33 1/3, 45 and 78 RPM
- Quartz speed lock
- Phono preamp included
- Balance and hydraulically damped S-shaped tone arm
- AT95E dual magnet phono cartridge
- Stroboscopic platter
- Diamond stylus
Best Features
- PC and Mac compatible software included
- Reduced vibration and background noise
- Convert vinyl to digital
- High torque motor
- Sample records
- Play back and reverse/forward operation
- Target light for ease in cueing
Pioneer Pro DJ PLX-1000
Final sampling turntable on our list is the Pioneer Pro DJ PLX-1000. It is the highest quality and the most expensive model, but that is because it is a professional level DJ turntable.
It has an analog signal path and was actually designed to resemble the famous Technics SL-1200. The shape of the tonearm and the pitch range especially remind of that classic turntable model.
The PLX-1000 has a high-torque direct drive system, multi-pitch control, club-grade build and sound quality, and detachable power and audio cables. The solid build means excellent vibration damping and ultra-precise, high-grade audio playback.
What it doesn’t have is a USB port. That means you can’t sample directly to a computer, but if that is all you need, you probably would not want to spend this much on a record player anyway.
The Pioneer Pro DJ PLX-1000 is for DJs who will use it to perform as well as sample. In that capacity, it is one of the best options on the market and is actually an incredible bargain. Even more so, since it makes a great successor to the famous, but unfortunately discontinued, Technics SL-1200.
Specifications
- Built with an analogue RCA output
- Has a universal type S-shaped tone arm
- Has interchangeable audio and power cable connections
- Dimensions: 22.3 x 18.6 x 10.8 inches
- Weighs 6 kg
Best Features
- High-torque direct drive system for greater rotation speed stability
- Minimize vibrations for better sound quality
- Multi-tempo feature to slow down or speed up tracks by up to 50%
- Reset tempo button to revert the tempo of a track to its original setting
- Gold plated RCA jacks
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