Recording Audio From Preamplifier RCA Output To USB-C On Macbook Air M1?

[JimCreek]

I have Audacity software on my Macbook Air M1. I have to find a way to input audio from my stereo preamplifier to my Macbook Air to convert the audio on vinyl records to digital audio (i.e. WAV files). I have seen RCA to USB-C adapter cables. Can I use that adapter cable going from my preamp’s RCA output to the USB-C port on my Macbook Air to record on Audacity software?

 

[Horsa]

Could you post a link to one of the RCA to USB-C adapter cables you've been looking at? I need to see what it consists of.

To the best of my knowledge, it is not possible to feed analog audio directly into (or out of) any variant of USB connector. USB deals with digital information only: in order to feed the audio in, you'd have to pass the signals through an ADC (Analog-to-digital converter) unit en route.

Hence my question about the design of those cables. If they incorporate an ADC, you should be good to go. If not, you're dead in the water.

Again, the above is only to the best of my knowledge. I'm not experienced with USB-C. If anyone here has better info on this, I'm sure they will speak up!

 

[JimCreek]

Could you post a link to one of the RCA to USB-C adapter cables you've been looking at? I need to see what it consists of.

To the best of my knowledge, it is not possible to feed analog audio directly into (or out of) any variant of USB connector. USB deals with digital information only: in order to feed the audio in, you'd have to pass the signals through an ADC (Analog-to-digital converter) unit en route.

Hence my question about the design of those cables. If they incorporate an ADC, you should be good to go. If not, you're dead in the water.

Again, the above is only to the best of my knowledge. I'm not experienced with USB-C. If anyone here has better info on this, I'm sure they will speak up!

Hi, thanks for responding to my post. I have been doing some researching and found this: The DigitNow Audio Capture Card. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079CBGDST/?tag=macforums0e4-20

I now realize that analog audio cannot be fed directly to my Macbook Air’s USB C port. The above DigitNow device digitizes the analog audio so it may work with my Macbook Air. I ordered one and will report here as to how it works.

 

[krs]

I bought this USB to Audio adapter a while back since it seems later Mac Minis no longer have an audio input like my 2012 Mini.
Seems to work fine, but I think it's only mono on the audio input side and it has a USB-A connector.
But for my purposes that is fine and one can't go far wrong at $12 Canadian.
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07L56C28R/

Maybe that company has a version with a stereo input and a USB-C connector, or even with a USB-A connector since one can always use a USB-A to USB-C adapter.

PS: I took a quick look on the net.
The company whose adapter I have doesn't make a stereo in/USB-C adapter but others do.
So it's just a matter of picking one with the right type of connectors - and as Horsa said - the adapter must have an A/D converter in it.
Maybe post a link here of the unit you picked to get some feedback before you buy it.

 

[Horsa]

Hi, thanks for responding to my post. I have been doing some researching and found this: The DigitNow Audio Capture Card. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079CBGDST/?tag=macforums0e4-20

I now realize that analog audio cannot be fed directly to my Macbook Air’s USB C port. The above DigitNow device digitizes the analog audio so it may work with my Macbook Air. I ordered one and will report here as to how it works.

Note: The item you have linked to appears to have the old rectangular USB plug on it. It won't be suitable for the USB-C ports on your Macbook. You'll need an adapter as well.

 

[Lifeisabeach]

Hi, thanks for responding to my post. I have been doing some researching and found this: The DigitNow Audio Capture Card. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079CBGDST/?tag=macforums0e4-20

I now realize that analog audio cannot be fed directly to my Macbook Air’s USB C port. The above DigitNow device digitizes the analog audio so it may work with my Macbook Air. I ordered one and will report here as to how it works.

That adapter you chose looks like it should do the job. It does have USB-A, so don't forget to use an A-to-C adapter also. (EDIT: duh... just saw Horsa made the same observation!)

 

[JimCreek]

The DigitNow USB Audio Capture Card works great with the Macbook Air M1. It comes with freeware Audacity software on mini CD. I downloaded it online instead to make sure I got the latest version. The DigitNow has an USB-A connector which will require either a USB-A to USB-C adapter or a USB hub with the required connectors. I connected the DigitNow female RCA pigtail directly to my Schiit Saga preamp.

The Audacity software is not the most intuitive so there is a learning curve. It took me about an hour to set everything up and start digitizing some vinyl. The Macbook comes with the native app called Garage Band which is also capable of digitizing vinyl. The DigitNow is cheap, about $15. I can recommend it.