ESI PHONORAMA

To digitise records, the signal from a turntable must be suitably pre-amplified and correctly grounded. The ESI PHONORAMA combines a USB phono preamp with an audio interface for MC and MM cartridges. This lets you record vinyl and analogue line sources such as cassette decks or CD players on your computer.

The stereo RCA input can be switched between Line, MC and MM. When using a turntable, you also connect the grounding wire to the unit’s ground terminal. You select the appropriate input via the Control Panel; the phono preamp is disabled for Line signals. A pair of input level LEDs indicates when the signal reaches 0 dB.

The interface transmits the signal to a PC or Mac via USB and also draws its power through this connection. On your computer, you can control the input and playback levels, adjust channels individually or together, and mute the signal. The switchable input monitoring feature routes the input signal directly to the output. Direct input monitoring is therefore possible even without playback through the recording software.

For connecting to amplifiers or active monitors, there are two analogue output channels via 6.3 mm stereo jacks; a headphone output is also provided, which can also be used as a Line output. The phono input accepts turntables with MC or MM cartridges, while Line mode is intended for sources such as a cassette deck or CD player. The stereo RCA input with Line, MC and MM modes covers the typical sources for archiving analogue recordings.

Under Windows, the PHONORAMA supports ASIO 2.0; Windows 8/7/Vista in 32- and 64-bit versions and Windows XP in 32-bit are listed. Mac OS X uses Core Audio. The included BIAS SoundSaver Express software is for recording and restoring vinyl and tape; authorisation requires an email address and an active internet connection. SoundSaver Express for recording and restoration complements the interface with suitable archiving software.

With USB operation, a selectable phono or Line input, and headphone and Line outputs, the unit is suited to a computer setup for digitising analogue recordings. It is particularly suitable if you want to record records with MC or MM cartridges as well as Line sources, and then edit the files on your computer. For archiving vinyl and tape on PC or Mac, pay particular attention to the appropriate cartridge type, the listed operating systems and the required software authorisation.