Record Players date back to as long as the nineteenth century. The first device that could record and play sounds termed as “Phonograph” was introduced in 1877. It featured a spiral groove that vibrated as per the sound vibrations that it received. These vibrations were etched or simply recorded on a rotating disc which could be later played again.
Earliest record players required stethoscopes for listening to the produced sounds. However, by the mid of the 29th century, electric phonographs were introduced that featured a horn. This horn collected the signals from a transducer which converted the electrical signals into analog form. Hence the recorded sounds were much more accurately reproduced.
Modern Record Players
Music playing devices have rapidly innovated and the latest electronic music players offer great sound quality and they are easily portable. MP3 players and smartphones have taken over and record players are becoming obsolete with time.
To stay in the game, the record players should be able to adapt to the modern data transmission methods. Adapting to the latest technology is the only way for these record players to survive. Thankfully for those who still love their old record player and wish to continue with it, there is still a way out. Like all other gadgets and equipment, record players have also gone through an evolution with the passage of time.
These innovations have made sure that this amazing groundbreaking invention is preserved and continues to be used for the times to come.
Many of the record players these days can be connected to computers making it easier to copy old tracks for portability. However, there was no innovation that indicated that the record players can even work with wireless systems. So we decided to give it a go and see if the record players can work with the modern electrical music systems wirelessly.
Now there are some record players that have the Bluetooth feature available but they are normally large sized record players. We wanted to see whether a normal sized decent looking record player can be connected to a Mac or not. Basically we wanted to check if this record player can support air play.
Setting up the Transmitter
The first thing to do was to get the output into a female audio jack. Therefore, we first wanted to get the bluetooth working for the record player. Our first choice was Audio Technica AT-LP60. This record player comes with a built-in amplifier feature so unlike other record players, you don’t have to plug your player into an amplifier for better sound. It can even support head phones if used with the correct adapters. Its adapters can convert the output to female audio mini jack.
So now when we have the output through an audio jack, a Bluetooth Audio transmitter is what we require next. This transmitter should send the signals via Bluetooth to the connected speakers and devices. The Gogroove BlueGate TRM BlueTooth Audio Transmitter is a suitable device for this transmission. This device is rechargeable and it can work for as long as 15 hours. It charges through a USB port so you can even plug it with your PC and laptop during work.
Audio Reception
Once we are done with the transmission of the audio, we next thing to do is of course receiving the signals affectively. Older versions (Mac Mini OS 10.7.5) of Macs do not have the right protocols for Bluetooth. Hence they cannot receive Bluetooth audio signals. So we had to arrange for Bluetooth receiver as well. Newer Mac versions can save you from buying a receiver though.
Auris Freeda Bluetooth Music Receiver is what we could find and it worked out just perfectly. These are great to use for Bluetooth audio especially in cars. Just like any receiver, it outputs the received Bluetooth audio signals to an audio output. It does so via audio mini jack. Apple 30 pin dock can also do the job.
Syncing the Two together
The next harder part is to connect the two Bluetooth devices together. These devices do not feature a user interface neither they had too many controls. Just featured an LED that showed the status along with a push button for power. However, once both the devices were turned on, they synced up together with much of a hassle. We got lucky you may say!
A bit of Programming
Once we’re done with setting up the hardware, now we need to setup the software for transmission.
The software that we used for routing the output through Mac’s default audio output is Line-In developed by Rogue Amoeba Software.
Next, the receiver was to be set up. AirFoil is an amazing software also from Rogue Amoeba.
This software can allow all types of audio from Mac to any of the air play devices connected to it. It has an extra special feature too. This features allows your smartphone or computer to act as an AirPlay receiver. It is workable with Windows too.
This software allows reception of audio signals through your Mac to any of your connected AirPlay or hard wired devices with convenience.
You Are Ready to Play
With the software and hardware done, all you need to do now is to sit back and enjoy the tracks. You can listen to them anywhere in your house thanks to the AirPlay support.
Conclusion
So with the AirPlay system workable, there is no longer the need of setting up your record player beside your PC or the laptop. Setup your transmitters and wireless speakers anywhere you like and enjoy the fun. You can attach all your receiver oriented appliances together like TV, wired and wireless speakers. Listen to your type of songs and tracks anywhere in your house.
This not only connects record players with the modern technology, it also preserves this amazing invention. You can keep your favorite record player with you and still use it along with some of the most advanced gadgets around.
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