Audio-Techica AT-LP1240-USBXP User manual

AT-LP1240-USB
XP EDITION
User Manual
Direct Drive Professional Turntable
EN
Manuel de l’utilisateur
Platine professionnelle à entraînement direct
FR
Manual de usuario
Tocadiscos profesional con accionamiento directo
ES

1
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing this Audio-Technica product.
Before using the product, read through this user manual to ensure that you will use the product correctly. Please keep this manual for future reference.
This product can be used only in the countries where the product is sold. Make sure that the operating voltage of the product is correct for the
country you live in.
Package contents
Make sure that you have all the included items listed below before using this product.
If some items are missing or damaged, contact your local Audio-Technica dealer.
• Turntable body
• Dust cover
• Platter
• Slip mat
• Counterweight
• Headshell (AT-HS1) with cartridge (AT-XP5)
• 45 RPM adapter
• USB cable (1.9 m (6.2'))
• RCA audio cable (Approx. 1.4 m (4.6'))
• Power cable
• Stylus target light
• User manual (this document)
After purchase, we suggest that you save all packaging materials for possible future storage, moving, or shipping.

2
EN
Safety precautions
Although this product was designed to be used safely, failing to use
it correctly may result in an accident. To ensure safety, observe all
warnings and cautions while using the product.
Cautions for the product
Warning:
• Do not use a power cable other than the included one. Doing so may
cause a fire, electric shock, damage or malfunction.
• Stop using the product and disconnect the power cable from the
product if the product begins to malfunction, producing smoke, odor,
heat, unwanted noise or showing other signs of damage. In such a
case, contact your local Audio-Technica dealer. Continuing to use the
product may cause fire or damage.
• Do not place any naked flame sources (such as lighted candles) on
the product.
• Do not disassemble, modify or attempt to repair the product to
prevent electric shock, malfunction or fire.
• Do not subject the product to strong impact to prevent electric shock,
malfunction or fire.
• Do not handle the product with wet hands to prevent electric shock
or injury.
• Do not expose the product to drips or splashes to prevent electric
shock, malfunction or fire.
• Do not put foreign matter such as combustible materials, metal, or
liquid in the product to prevent electric shock, malfunction or fire.
• Do not cover the product with a carpet or a cloth to prevent fire or
injury by overheating.
• Store the included plastic bag out of the reach of small children or
away from a heat sources to prevent accident or fire.
• Place the product close enough to the AC outlet to easily grasp the
power cable plug at any time. In case of emergency, disconnect the
power cable plug of the product quickly.
• Connect the product with ClassⅠ construction to the AC outlet with
a protective grounding connection.
Caution:
• Do not install the product on an unstable surface to prevent injury or
damage from the product falling.
• Do not install the product in a poorly ventilated place to prevent
accident or fire by accumulated heat. Make enough clearance around
the product to radiate heat when installing it on a rack.
• Do not store the product in direct sunlight, near heating devices, or
in hot, humid, or dusty places to prevent electric shock, malfunction
or fire.
• Do not place any objects filled with liquids, such as vases, on the
product to prevent electric shock, malfunction or, in the worst case,
fire in the worst case.
• Do not use chemicals such as benzine, thinner or electrical contact
cleaner to prevent damage or malfunction.
For customers in the USA
UL/CSA notice
Safety instructions
1. Read these instructions.
2. Keep these instructions.
3. Heed all warnings.
4. Follow all instructions.
5. Do not use this apparatus near water.
6. Clean only with dry cloth.
7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the
manufacturer’s instructions.
8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat
registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that
produce heat.
9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type
plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other.
A grounding type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong.
The wide blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. If the
provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for
replacement of the obsolete outlet.
10.Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly
at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit
from the apparatus.
11.Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
12.Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket or table specified by
the manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used,
use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid
injury from tip-over.
13.Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for
long periods of time.
14.Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is
required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such
as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled
or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been
exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been
dropped.
Caution:
To prevent electric shock, do not remove the cover. There are
no user-serviceable parts inside. Internal adjustments are for qualified
professionals only. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
Caution: To prevent electric shock, do not use this polarized plug
with an extension cord, receptacle or other outlet unless the blades
can be fully inserted to prevent blade exposure.
The lightning Flash Symbol, with “The Lightning Flash with
arrowhead symbol within an equilateral triangle, is intended
to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous
voltage” within the product enclosure that may be of sufficient
magnitude to constitute a risk of shock to persons”.
The exclamation Point Symbol, with “The exclamation
point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert
the user to the presence of important operating and
maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature
accompanying the product”.
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN

3
Safety precautions
FCC Notice
Warning:
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is
subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause
harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Caution:
You are cautioned that any changes or modifications not expressly
approved in this manual could void your authority to operate this
equipment.
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with
the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC
Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection
against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment
generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not
installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause
harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no
guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If
this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television
reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and
on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or
more of the following measures:
– Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
– Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
– Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that
to which the receiver is connected.
– Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
For customers in Canada
IC statement:
CAN ICES-3 (B)/NMB-3(B)
Notes on use
Turntable body
• Do not set and use the product in locations that are considerably hot
or humid, dirty, or subject to extreme vibrations.
• The product should be positioned on a flat, level surface.
Cartridge
• Attach the protector to protect the stylus when the product is not in
use.
• Do not touch the stylus of the cartridge with your finger.
• Do not allow the cartridge's stylus to bump against the platter or the
edge of the record.

4
EN
Part names and functions
Overall diagram
11 Speed range button
Select +/- 10 or 20% speed range.
• +/-50% is selected by pressing both the 10 and 20 buttons
simultaneously.
12 Quartz button
Turns the pitch function on and off. When the quartz is activated
the platter will hold the RPMs at 0% pitch, regardless of the pitch
slider position and speed range control settings.
13 Pitch adjust slide control
Use in conjunction with pitch button to vary the platter’s rotational
speed. In the center detent position quartz lock is active.
14 45-RPM adapter
Adapt 7" records with large center holes to fixed center spindle
15 Feet
Adjust the level of the product.
16 Stereo output terminals
Connect the RCA audio cable. Connect it to either the amplifier's (DJ
mixer's) PHONO input jack or its line input jack. The red terminal is
the right channel and the white terminal is the left channel.
17 Ground (earth) terminal
Connect the amplifier's ground (earth) terminal to this terminal
using the RCA audio cable's ground line.
18 Pre-amplifier selector switch
If connecting to an amplifier's (DJ mixer's) PHONO input jack, set
this switch to the PHONO position. If connecting to the LINE/AUX
jack of an amplifier (DJ mixer), set this switch to the LINE position.
19 USB output
Use this output to connect your turntable to the USB input of your
computer.
20 AC inlet
Use to connect the included power cable.
1Power dial
Controls power to the unit.
2Dual start/stop buttons
Engages and disengages the motor/platter.
3Platter speed buttons
Select 33 or 45 RPM platter speed. 78 RPM is selected by pressing
both the 33 and 45 buttons simultaneously; both buttons should
be illuminated.
4Platter
Cast aluminum platter mounts directly to center spindle/motor shaft.
5Strobe dots (on platter edge)
Operate in conjunction with stroboscopic light located under the
power dial to provide visual indication of accurate platter speeds.
6Spindle
7Removable stylus target light
Provides illumination directed at the stylus position for easier
cueing in low light. Easily plugs into jack on top of turntable deck.
8Start control knob
Rotate the start control knob to increase or decrease platter start
time between 0.2 – 6.0 seconds. (Minimum setting is the quickest
start; maximum setting is the slowest start to reach selected speed.)
9Brake control knob
Rotate the brake control knob to increase or decrease platter brake
time between 0.2 – 6.0 seconds. (Minimum setting is the quickest
stop; maximum setting is slowest.)
10 Reverse control button
Controls platter’s rotational direction.
1
2
2
12
13
14
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5
Part names and functions
Tonearm
21 Counterweight
Balances the tonearm and provides adjustment for proper
downward tracking force on the stylus.
22 Tracking force gauge ring
Use to adjust the tracking force.
23 Tonearm height lock
Locks the tonearm height setting.
• Always fully unlock before attempting to make a height adjustment.
24 Anti-skate control dial
While the record is playing, a force acts on the stylus tip to pull it
inward. This force can be counteracted by setting the same values
for anti-skate and the tracking force.
25 Tonearm lift control lever
Controls action of tonearm lift.
• Lift mechanism is hydraulically damped to slow tonearm descent.
26 Tonearm rest with clamp
Use the clamp to secure the tonearm so that it does not move.
27 Tonearm lift
Moves the tonearm vertically to and from the face of the record.
28 Tonearm height adjustment dial
Raises and lowers the tonearm to allow it to remain parallel to the
record surface.
29 Locking ring
Rotate the ring to the left (counterclockwise) to secure the
headshell. To remove the headshell, rotate the ring to the right.
30 Headshell
The cartridge (AT-XP5) is attached to the headshell (AT-HS1).
29
30
21
25
26
27
28
24
23
22

6
EN
Preparation for use
Placing the platter
This product requires some assembly before using it for the first time.
Do not connect the power cable until assembly is complete.
1. Set the platter on the spindle.
• To avoid damaging the spindle when seating the platter, align the positions
of the spindle and the platter's hole, and then slowly seat the platter.
• Make certain that the platter is fully seated on the spindle.
2. Place the slip mat on top of the platter.
Setting up the turntable
• Position the product on a level surface.
• To avoid the effects of vibrations and acoustic pressure, do not
mount the product next to such items as speakers.
• The product may pick up radio static if placed next to a radio.
Therefore, try to keep the product away from radios.
• If the product is near equipment (cell phone, etc.) that emits strong
radio waves, noise may occur.
Leveling the turntable
After positioning the product where you want to use it, adjust the feet
so that the product is level.
• Use a level (sold separately) as needed to ensure that the product is
level.
Assembling the tonearm
1. Remove the cable tie used to secure the tonearm at the time of
delivery.
• Use the clamp to temporarily secure the tonearm to the tonearm rest.
2. Insert the headshell into the tonearm.
• Hold the right and left edges of the headshell so that you do not damage
the stylus or cut the cartridge’s wires.
3. With the headshell inserted, turn the locking ring
counterclockwise (to the left).
4. With the tracking force gauge ring facing forward, attach the
counterweight to the back of the tonearm, and slowly turn it
counterclockwise (to the left).
Tonearm balance and tracking force
In order for the cartridge to pick up sound correctly from the record’s
grooves, the tonearm’s balance and tracking force must be adjusted
to fit the specifications of the cartridge. If the tonearm’s balance and
tracking force are not properly adjusted, the record or the cartridge’s
stylus may become damaged.
• Do not drag the cartridge’s stylus across the record or platter when
adjusting the tonearm’s balance or tracking force. Doing so may
damage the stylus.
Spindle
Platter
Slip mat
Locking ring
Tracking force gauge ring

7
Preparation for use
Setting tonearm balance
1. Remove the cartridge's protector.
2. While lightly holding the headshell so as not to move the
tonearm, unlatch the clamp.
• The tonearm is tilted because the balance has yet to be adjusted.
3. While still lightly holding the headshell, turn the counterweight to
adjust the tonearm’s balance.
• Adjust the balance so that the tonearm is level when you release the headshell.
4. Return the tonearm to the tonearm rest and latch the clamp.
Setting tracking force
1. While supporting the counterweight so that it does not move,
turn the tracking force gauge ring so that its “0” position lines up
with the centerline on the back of the tonearm.
• The tracking force is not adjusted simply by turning the tracking force
gauge ring.
2. Turn the counterweight and the tracking force gauge ring
together counterclockwise (to the left) until the centerline value
matches the recommended tracking force value for the cartridge
you are using.
• Refer to the cartridge maker’s specifications for the recommended tracking
force value.
• The standard tracking force value for the cartridge provided with this
product is 3.0 g.
Setting the anti-skate adjustment
While the record is playing, a force acts on the stylus tip to pull it
inward. This force can be counteracted by setting the same values for
anti-skate and the tracking force.
Adjust the anti-skate control dial to have the same value as the tracking
force value.
• The standard tracking force value for the cartridge provided with this
product is 3.0 g.
Installing/removing the dust cover
• The dust cover is designed to protect the product's sensitive
components when the product is not in use. It should remain off
while records are playing.
• Using the dust cover during play may result in record damage or
sound degradation.
• Always remove and replace the dust cover carefully.
Tonearm Counterweight
Adjust so that tonearm is level
Clamp
Centerline
Tracking force
gauge ring

8
EN
Preparation for use
Setting pre-amplifier selector switch
This product has a built-in phono equalizer function. You can use the
product, even if you do not have a phono amplifier or connectable
equipment with a built-in phono amplifier, by connecting an active
speaker, etc.
Use the pre-amplifier selector switch to set the output, as shown below.
Connectable
equipment being
used
Position of
pre-amplifier
selector switch
Where to connect the
RCA audio cable
Device with phono
input
PHONO Phono input jack and
ground (earth) terminal of
connectable equipment
Device without
phono input
LINE AUX or line input jack of
connectable equipment
PC sound card LINE Sound card's line input jack*1
Device with USB
input
LINE USB input of your
computer*2
*1An audio adapter (sold separately) may be required to connect the
RCA audio cable to the PC sound card's line input jack.
*2Use included USB cable instead of RCA audio cable to connect.
Connecting to connectable equipment (active
speakers, amplifiers, DJ mixer, etc.)
Connecting to audio source
Align the settings for the pre-amplifier selector switch and connect
the RCA audio cable to an input jack that is compatible with the
connectable equipment you are using (amplifier, receiver, active
speakers, sound card, etc.).
The RCA audio cable's red jack is for the right (R) channel, and the
white jack is for the left (L) channel.
• Depending on the equipment you are connecting, a ground (earth)
terminal may exist near the phono input jack. If this is the case,
connect to it using the ground line from the RCA audio cable. This
will help prevent a low humming noise that might otherwise be heard
during playback.
Connecting to computers with USB input
Follow the settings for the pre-amplifier selector switch to connect the
included USB cable to the USB input of your computer.
The included USB cable connects the product to your computer
without need for special drivers.
Audacity (refer to http://www.audacityteam.org for details) and other
compatible third-party recording software packages are available,
allowing you to record from the product to your computer.
• Be sure to set the pre-amplifier selector switch to the LINE position.
Connecting the power cable
Finally, after all audio connections are made, attach the included
power cable to the product. Then connect the power cable’s plug to a
convenient AC outlet.
With PHONO input*
With PHONO input*
Without PHONO input
Without PHONO input
Or LINE
connection
To outlet
To
USB port
To outlet
Connectable
equipment
(amplifier,
DJ mixer,
etc.)

9
Playing a record
Before playing a record
1. Remove the cartridge's protector.
• If the tonearm is fixed to the tonearm rest, unlatch the clamp.
2. Turn the power dial to the ON position.
• The speed selector and strobe illuminator will light up.
3. If desired, plug in the stylus target light for illumination of the
stylus tip position on the record.
4. Place the record on the platter so that the center hole aligns with
the spindle.
• If playing a 45 RPM record, attach the 45 RPM adapter (see the diagram to
the right below).
5. Set the platter rotation speed (33/45/78) to match that of the record.
• To set the platter speed for 78 RPM, press both the 33 and 45 RPM buttons
simultaneously.
Playing a record
Lower the volume of the amplifier, speakers, etc. sufficiently.
1. Press one of the start/stop button.
• The platter begins to rotate.
2. Raise the tonearm by lifting the tonearm lift control lever to the
UP position.
3. Position the tonearm over the desired location (groove) on the
record.
4. Lower the tonearm by moving the tonearm lift control lever to the
DOWN position. The tonearm descends slowly onto the record
and play begins.
• Alternatively, you can skip steps 2 to 4, and use your fingers to lift the
headshell, move the tonearm over the desired location on the record, and
then place the headshell down to begin playing the record.
• Do not subject the product to strong impact during playback.
Setting pitch
1. Press the quartz button to turn the pitch function off.
• The internal quartz lock holds the platter at the precise rated speed (0 %
pitch), regardless of the pitch slider position and speed range control settings
when the quartz button is on.
2. Use the pitch adjust slide control in conjunction with the pitch
buttons to vary the platter’s rotational speed by as much as +/-
50%.
• When the pitch adjust slide control is in the center detent position, the
quartz lock is active.
Measuring pitch
Four rows of strobe dots on the platter edge are designed to measure
and verify the platter speed (pitch).
Confirm the moves of strobe dots illuminated by the stroboscopic light
located under the power dial.
When the corresponding row of strobe dots appears to be stationary,
the turntable will be at the operating speed percentage indicated below.
If the dots appear to be moving to the right, the platter is moving
below rated speed. If they appear to be moving to the left, the platter is
moving above rated speed.
+7.2 % change in pitch when the dots in the top row are stationary [point
to top row of dots]
+3.3 % change in pitch when the dots in the second row are stationary
[point to second row of dots]
0 % change in pitch (normal speed) when the dots in the third row are
stationary [point to third row of dots]
-3.3 % change in pitch when the dots in the bottom row are stationary
[point to bottom row of dots]
Adjusting platter start speed and brake speed
Rotate the start control knob to increase or decrease platter start time
between 0.2 – 6.0 seconds. (Minimum setting is the quickest start;
maximum setting is the slowest start to reach selected speed.)
Rotate the brake control knob to increase or decrease platter brake
time between 0.2 – 6.0 seconds. (Minimum setting is the quickest stop;
maximum setting is slowest.)
45-RPM
adapter
At 33-1/3 RPM At 45 RPM
Record
Slip mat
Platter
Tonearm lift
control lever
Protector