Turntable and Cassette Player - Frequently
Asked Questions
ION Audio produces a range of
USB Turntable and Cassette players that allow you to easily convert your records or cassettes
into MP3 files on your computer. In this guide, we walk through connecting the device, setting
up and using the included EZ Converter software, and importing your audio into iTunes. We
also cover common questions and troubleshooting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is EZ Vinyl/Tape Converter supported on my computer?
How do I get the latest version of the EZ Vinyl/Tape Converter software and install it?
How do I use the EZ Vinyl/Tape Converter software?
How do I import my converted songs into iTunes?
My sound is distorted or does not sound right. How can I fix this?
I have no sound. How can I fix this?
The software is unable to connect to the audio device. What should I do?
Why does my record or tape player work on one USB port and not another?
The software is asking me to install iTunes. Why?
The software is asking me for a 64-Bit version of iTunes.
Where do I hook up the RCA connections on my computer?
I am only able to record in Mono. What should I do?
Why can I hear my own voice on my recordings?
The song is skipping and repeating while recording.
The track count of my album is incorrect.
I am only able to record for one minute. What should I do?
All of my files are named 'temp'. How can I fix this?
I am unable to export to iTunes. What should I do?
Can I add my music to Windows Media Player?
What do I do if I am getting echoes in my recordings or doubling of audio?
iTunes keeps alerting me it is not the default media player.
How can I add my converted MP3’s to a non-iPod MP3 player?
I cannot find my music in iTunes.
My audio tracks have been imported into iTunes. Where did they save to on my
computer?
How do I burn my converted music to audio CD?
How do I convert my 78 records?
My USB cable is not working. What type of cable does my product use?
How can I add or change track information associated with my converted MP3’s?
How can I get additional assistance with my product?
I need warranty service. Who do I contact?
Is EZ Vinyl/Tape Converter supported on my computer?
EZ Vinyl/Tape Converter is supported on the following computer operating systems:
PC/Windows
Mac OS X
Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8,
Windows 10
OS X 10.4 - OS X
10.11
Downloading, Installing, and Using the EZ Vinyl/Tape Converter Software
Our The EZ Vinyl/Tape Converter (included with your ION turntable or cassete player) is used
to transfer your music to the computer and automatically split the songs up accordingly. Once
you have your songs saved to your computer, you can use a software like iTunes to organize
them and convert them to MP3. Even if your ION turntable or cassette player came with an
installation disc, we recommend visiting our website to make sure you're getting the latest
version of EZ Vinyl/Tape Converter.
Note: The latest version of the EZ Vinyl/Tape Converter for Mac automatically imports your
converted albums into iTunes.
Earlier versions of the Windows edition of the EZ Vinyl/Tape Converter software required
iTunes to be installed on a Windows computer. Make sure you are using the latest version of the
EZ Vinyl/Tape Converter which can be installed and downloaded from this link.
The following video walks through the Windows process of downloading, installing, and using
the EZ Vinyl/Tape Converter, as well as importing audio tracks into iTunes.
Video Chapter links
Where to get the latest version of the EZ Vinyl/Tape Converter - 0:13
Download and installation process - 0:31
Using the EZ Vinyl/Tape Converter - 1:19
Naming and saving audio in the EZ Vinyl/Tape Converter - 2:12
Importing into iTunes - 2:53
Locating Audio Tracks in iTunes - 3:21
Follow the steps below to update both iTunes, and the EZ Converter software.
EZ Vinyl Tape Converter - Installation
For the most current and updated version of the software please visit: www.ionaudio.com/ezvc
Download the correct version for your Operating System. Save it to your computer.
Once the file has downloaded double click the file to begin the installation process.
Follow the prompts, and finish the installation.
Upon completion of the installation you should now have an icon on your desktop.
iTunes - Installation
If you already have iTunes installed on your computer you can update the software from
within iTunes. Please note that iTunes is not required to use EZ Vinyl and Tape Converter
on Windows.
To update on Windows: Open iTunes>Select the Help Menu>Check for Updates>Install
Updates if available
To update on Mac: Open iTunes>Select the iTunes Menu>Check for Updates>Install
Updates if available
For the most current version of the iTunes software please visit: www.itunes.com
Apple will automatically detect your Operating System. Click the download link. Save the file to
your computer. Once the file has downloaded double click the file to begin the installation
process. Follow the prompts, and finish the installation. Upon completion of the installation you
should now have an icon on your desktop. If you are having difficulty exporting to iTunes click
here for help.
Connecting your Turntable or Cassette Player to your Computer
When connecting the device to your computer you will only need to use the USB cable and not
the RCA connection. All of the sound is transmitted through the USB port so the RCA
connection is not required.
1. If your ION Audio device came with a wall adapter plug it in to an electrical outlet.
Note: Some devices are powered by the USB port on your computer, and do not require
this connection.
2. Plug the USB Cable into the ION Audio device, and then directly into a USB port on
your computer.
USB Connection Difficulty
It is important to mention that not all USB ports are the same. In most cases the USB connection
on the back of a computer tower is faster and more powerful. On a Laptop the USB port closest
to the power supply is the better choice. Please consider that these are generalities, and are not
always the case.
If the software is unable to connect to the audio device try different USB ports on your computer
until the device is recognized. Make sure you are going directly into a port on the computer and
not through a USB hub. If you have tried all available USB ports, and the software is still unable
to connect to the audio device try switching the USB cable. See more on cables here.
Setting up your Computers Audio Settings
Setting up the sound correctly can help resolve many common issues experienced during
playback. Some of the more common issues include: No Sound, Distortion, and Mono Playback.
Some turntables ship with a protective cover to protect the needle. Make sure you remove this
before trying to play the turntable. The Turntable will show in your computer as one of the
following USB Audio Codec/PnP Audio Device/Microphone Array. We want to make sure this
is not the default playback device. We do however want to use this device for recording. Make
sure all other programs are closed while making changes to sound settings. Your turntable or
cassette player will need to be plugged in while making these changes to your sound settings.
Below are setup instructions for Windows 7/8, Vista, XP, and Mac OS X.
Windows XP Sound Settings
1. In the lower-left of your screen, click Start button .
2. Select Settings, then Control Panel.
3. In the window that opens, click Sounds, Speech, and Audio Devices.
4. Choose Sounds, and Audio Devices.
This will open the Sounds and Audio Devices Properties.
5. At the top of the window, click on the Audio Tab.
6. Under Sound Playback Default Device, choose your sound card.
(i.e. Realtek, SoundMax, Sigmatel, Sound Blaster, Conexant)
7. Under Sound Recording Default Device choose the USB Device.
(i.e. USB Audio Codec, PnP Audio Device, or Microphone Array)
8. Do not make any changes to MIDI Music Playback Default Device.
9. Next, click on the Voice tab and mirror these settings.
10. Click Apply to save, then click OK to exit.
Windows 8, 7 and Vista Sound Settings
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=ION+Audio+Tape+2
Playback Settings
1. Click the Start button on Windows Vista and Windows 7. For Windows
8, see below.
2. Select Control Panel.
Note for Windows 8: Open Control Panel by swiping in from the right edge of
the screen, tapping Search (or if you're using a mouse, pointing to the upper-right
corner of the screen, moving the mouse pointer down, and then clicking Search),
entering Control Panel in the search box, tapping or clicking Apps, and then
tapping or clicking Control Panel.
1. Double-click Hardware and Sound it may only say Sound.
2. Double-click Sound, the Sound Settings window will open.
3. Under the Playback tab click on your sound card speakers.
(i.e. Realtek, SoundMax, Sigmatel, Sound Blaster, Conexant, IDT)
4. Click Set Default at the bottom of the window.
IMPORTANT: Make sure the USB Audio Codec/USB PnP Audio Device is NOT your
Default playback device.
Recording Settings
1. Click on the Recording tab.
1. Click on the Microphone Array (USB Codec, PnP).
2. Click Set Default.
3. Click Properties on the bottom of that window.
Microphone Properties window will open. See figures below.
4. Click on the Levels Tab.
5. Set the level as close to 5 (Windows 7/8) or 25 (Vista) as you can, The microphone is
very sensitive and needs be set this low to avoid distortion.
6. Click on the Advanced tab.
7. Set the Sample Rate to 2 Channel, 16 bit, 44100 Hz or 44800 Hz.
8. Uncheck both Exclusive Mode boxes.
9. Click Apply, then OK to exit. In some cases a restart is required for the level to save at
5 or 25 depending on your Windows version.
Microphone Properties (Steps 6-10)
Mac OS X Sound Settings
1. Click the Apple icon in the top left corner of your computer screen.
2. Select System Preferences…
3. In the window that opens, See Hardware, and click Sound.
4. At the top of the new window that opens click on the Output tab.
5. Click on Internal Speakers to set this as the default.
6. Select the Input tab.
7. Click on the USB Audio Codec/PnP Audio Device to set the default (Adjust the Volume
to desired level).
Note: If Line in or Internal Microphone is selected as your default you may hear your
voice during recording.
Using the EZ Vinyl Tape Converter Software
The latest version of the EZ Vinyl/Tape Converter for Macs automatically import the converted
audio into iTunes, while the latest version of the EZ Vinyl/Tape Converter for Windows allows
you to save your audio directly to your computer to any location that you choose. Windows
users can then import the audio tracks into whatever audio software you choose.
All of the steps and windows are the same for both a Mac and a Windows computer minus the
very last step where a Windows user will choose a location for the audio track and a Mac user
will automatically have the audio track convert into iTunes. The following steps walk through
the process on a Windows operating system.
EZ Vinyl/Tape Converter Walkthrough - Windows
1. First, connect the ION turntable or tape player to the computer with the USB cable and
ensure that it is powered on.
2. Next, open and run the EZ Viyl/Tape Converter software. A window that says step 1:
get connected will open up.
3. Press Next. In step 2: Get the music ready to play, there are two very important items
that can greatly affect your recordings: GAIN and the Split recording into tracks.
The GAIN slider is located next to the display meter. Its purpose is to control how loud
or soft you would like the recording to be. Bringing the slider up will increase the volume
and down will decrease it. It is very important to make sure the level on the meter is not
staying in the red. This is called clipping and will cause your recordings to sound very
distorted
The second item is the Split recordings into tracks feature. When this box is checked
off the software will automatically advance the recording to the next track when it detects
4-6 seconds of silence This option can be toggled on or off.
Note: This feature may not function properly on certain types of recordings such as
spoken word, live recordings, and classical music. Songs with break downs and gaps of
silence could trick the software into thinking the track is over and advance it to the next
song prematurely. In this case is it best to un-check the box and record the songs
manually.
4. Once the GAIN is set to the proper level and you have toggled the Split recordings into
tracks function on or off, click on the record button to start recording your audio.
5. When the recording is complete, choose next. Then name the Artist, Album, and Track
title in the appropriate locations.
Changing where the songs are stored
By default the audio recordings are saved to the Music folder. If you wish to save them in a
different location, such as your Desktop for example, here is how.
1. Click on the folder icon.
2. Highlight Desktop then click Make New Folder.
3. Name your folder, then click OK. Now by default all of your music will be recorded into
that folder.
EZ Vinyl/Tape Converter Troubleshooting
The EZ Converter software tries to make the recording of your Vinyl and Cassettes as simple as
possible. Let’s take a moment to understand a few features of the software.
Split-Track Function
The EZ software allows the ability to automatically create new tracks. How this works is the
software listens to the silences and reads them as a separation between tracks.
This is not a perfect technology. Sometimes within a song there is a silence before the track has
ended. The software may think this is the end of the track, and split the track. In other instances
certain records may have songs that overlap or blend into each other. The software then has a
difficult time separating the two tracks. The end result is multiple tracks merged into one track in
your final recording.
Troubleshooting track count and recordings that are the incorrect length
Some instances your recording may only record for 1:00 then stop. This is also corrected with
the solution below.
To remedy these problematic albums it is recommended to un-check the box in Step 2 Split
recording into tracks.
In Step 3 there will be a new track button you can press each time you want the software to
create a new track. The recording process will continue, as you split the tracks. This is the most
accurate way to record. If you do not click new track, the result will be one long continuous
track.
Naming Your Files
Once you have recorded your songs Step 4 will allow you to name the Artist, Album, and the
Track titles as well as select your save location. The tracks in white are tracks that the software
recognized. If the tracks are not able to be entered or grayed out then the software did not detect
or split the tracks correctly. Refer to the Split Track Function to correct this issue.
Windows users: Click on the yellow folder icon at the top of the window to change the save
location of your tracks. Select the location where you want to store your files and click Ok to
confirm your choice.
Recording Both Sides of an Album or Cassette
Currently the only way to record both sides is two record one side, name your tracks, and then
export the recording. After the files have exported you will need to start back at Step 1 to record
the other side of your album. You can change the track numbers or add information to the file
after importing the files to iTunes. See more on adding or changing track information here.
Importing into iTunes
To import your audio files into iTunes, the simplest method is to drag your songs directly into
the iTunes window or onto the iTunes icon.
A second method is to locate the files through the iTunes browser. To do this:
1. Open iTunes.
2. Click on File in the upper left hand corner of iTunes. If the File menu is not there press
CTRL + B at the same time and the menu will appear.
3. To add a single file to iTunes, click on Add File to Library... To add a folder of songs,
click on Add Folder to Library...
4. Navigate to the file or folder which contains the songs you want to import and then click
Select Folder.
Echoes in Recording or Doubling of Audio - What to Do
Windows Vista, 7 and 8
1. Open your Control Panel
2. Click Hardware and Sound or just Sound
3. Go to the Recording Tab.
4. Click on USB PnP Audio Device and then click on Properties.
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