Audio Technica AT-LP120XUSB Direct Drive Turntable

Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB Direct-Drive USB Turntable

The AT-LP120XUSB plays 33-1/3, 45, and 78 RPM records and features a professional-grade, anti-resonance die-cast aluminum platter with a felt mat. Its balanced S-shaped tonearm includes adjustable tracking force, hydraulically damped lift control, and a lockable rest, giving listeners precise control when cueing and playing vinyl.

An included AT-VM95E Dual Moving Magnet™ phono cartridge with a 0.3 x 0.7 mil elliptical stylus delivers clear, balanced sound with excellent groove tracking. The cartridge is compatible with every VM95 Series replacement stylus, making it easy to upgrade or tailor playback performance to different records, listening preferences, and budgets.

For flexible system integration, the AT-LP120XUSB includes a built-in switchable phono preamplifier with phono- and line-level output. Connect it to a receiver, amplifier, powered speakers, or another wired audio system using the detachable RCA cable. Its USB output also connects directly to a Mac or PC, allowing you to convert vinyl records into digital audio files with Audacity or other compatible recording software.

Additional features include selectable quartz-controlled pitch lock, variable pitch adjustment, a stroboscopic platter with speed indicator, a removable stylus target light for low-light cueing, damped base construction, an electronic brake, and an external AC adapter that keeps power conversion outside the chassis to reduce noise in the signal chain.

Specifications

• Model: AT-LP120XUSB
• Turntable Type: 3-speed, fully manual turntable
• Drive Method: Direct drive
• Motor: DC servo motor
• Supported Speeds: 33-1/3 RPM, 45 RPM, and 78 RPM
• Operation: Fully manual
• Start and Stop Control: Dedicated start/stop button
• Starting Torque: Greater than 1.0 kgf.cm
• Braking System: Electronic brake
• Wow and Flutter: Less than 0.2% weighted at 3 kHz, JIS
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: Greater than 50 dB
• Turntable Platter: Professional-grade, anti-resonance die-cast aluminum platter
• Platter Mat: Felt mat
• Speed Indicator: Stroboscopic platter with speed indicator
• Pitch Control: Variable pitch slider with ±8% or ±16% adjustment ranges
• Pitch Lock: Selectable high-accuracy quartz-controlled speed lock
• Tonearm Type: Balanced S-shaped tonearm with detachable headshell
• Tonearm Lift: Hydraulically damped lift control
• Tonearm Rest: Lockable tonearm rest
• Effective Arm Length: 230.5 mm
• Overhang: 16 mm
• Tracking Error Angle: Less than 3 degrees
• Tracking Force: Adjustable
• Anti-Skate Control: Adjustable dynamic anti-skate control
• Anti-Skating Range: 0 to 4 g
• Applicable Cartridge Weight: 3.5 to 8.5 g
• Headshell: AT-HS6 universal ½-inch-mount headshell
• Cartridge: AT-VM95E Dual Moving Magnet™ phono cartridge
• Stylus Type: 0.3 x 0.7 mil elliptical stylus
• Replacement Stylus: AT-VMN95E
• Stylus Compatibility: Compatible with all VM95 Series replacement styli
• Phono Preamplifier: Built-in switchable phono preamplifier
• Output Selection: Selectable phono-level or line-level output
• Phono Output Level: 4 mV nominal at 1 kHz, 5 cm/sec
• Line Output Level: 240 mV nominal at 1 kHz, 5 cm/sec
• Phono Preamp Gain: 36 dB nominal, RIAA equalized
• Analog Output: Detachable dual RCA output cable
• USB Output: USB connection for Mac or PC recording
• USB Audio Resolution: 16-bit at 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz, selectable
• Computer Interface: USB 1.1 compliant
• Windows Compatibility: Windows 7 or later
• Mac Compatibility: Mac OS X or later
• Computer Requirements: PC or Mac with an available USB 1.1 or higher port
• Vinyl-to-Digital Recording: Converts vinyl records into digital audio files through a connected computer
• Recording Software: Compatible with Audacity or other suitable recording software
• Target Light: Removable plug-type stylus target light for cueing in low-light environments
• Base Construction: Damped base construction designed to reduce low-frequency feedback coloration
• Power Supply: External AC adapter
• Power Requirements: 100 to 240 V, 50/60 Hz, 1.5 A maximum
• Noise-Reduction Design: AC/DC conversion occurs outside the chassis to reduce noise in the signal chain
• Dimensions: 452.0 mm W x 352.0 mm D x 141.6 mm H
• Dimensions in Inches: 17.80 inches W x 13.86 inches D x 5.57 inches H
• Weight: 8 kg or 17.6 lbs. without the dust cover
• Dust Cover: Removable hinged dust cover
• Included Cartridge: AT-VM95E phono cartridge
• Included Headshell: AT-HS6 headshell
• Included USB Cable: 1.9 m or 6.2 ft. USB cable
• Included RCA Cable: Dual RCA male-to-dual RCA male cable with ground wire
• Included Counterweight: Tonearm counterweight
• Included Platter Mat: Felt mat
• Included Dust Cover: Removable hinged dust cover
• Included Record Adapter: 45 RPM adapter
• Included Target Light: Plug-type stylus target light
• Included Power Accessory: AC adapter
• Documentation: User manual

What It's Great At

• High-Fidelity Vinyl Playback: The direct-drive motor, aluminum platter, and AT-VM95E cartridge work together to deliver detailed, stable record playback.
• Playing Multiple Record Formats: Selectable 33-1/3, 45, and 78 RPM speeds accommodate albums, singles, and compatible 78 RPM records.
• Digitizing Vinyl Collections: The built-in USB output makes it easy to record and archive albums on a Mac or PC.
• Connecting to Different Audio Systems: A switchable phono preamp supports receivers with phono inputs, line-level amplifiers, and powered speakers.
• Hands-On Playback Control: Adjustable tracking force, dynamic anti-skate, pitch adjustment, and manual cueing provide precise control over each record.
• Maintaining Accurate Speed: Quartz speed lock, a stroboscopic platter, and an electronic brake support reliable, consistent rotation.
• Cartridge and Stylus Upgrades: Compatibility with the full VM95 stylus range makes it easy to adapt the turntable to different listening needs.
• Reducing Unwanted Noise: The damped base and external power supply help minimize feedback coloration and electrical interference.

FAQ Section

Q: Does the Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB have Bluetooth?
A: No. The AT-LP120XUSB is designed for wired analog and USB connections. For Bluetooth wireless playback, consider a Bluetooth-equipped model such as the AT-LP120XBT-USB.

Q: Can I connect the AT-LP120XUSB directly to powered speakers?
A: Yes. Set the built-in preamplifier to line output and connect the turntable to compatible powered speakers using the included RCA cable.

Q: Does this turntable require an external phono preamp?
A: No. It includes a switchable phono preamp, but you can bypass it when connecting to a receiver or amplifier with a dedicated phono input.

Q: Can the AT-LP120XUSB convert vinyl records into digital files?
A: Yes. Connect it to a Mac or PC with the included USB cable and use Audacity or another compatible recording application to capture your records.

Q: What record speeds does the AT-LP120XUSB support?
A: It supports 33-1/3, 45, and 78 RPM playback. A stylus designed for 78 RPM records may be recommended for the best results with older shellac discs.

Q: Is the AT-LP120XUSB automatic or manual?
A: It is fully manual, so you position the tonearm at the beginning of a record and return it to the rest after playback.

Q: Can I replace or upgrade the included stylus?
A: Yes. The AT-VM95E cartridge accepts every VM95 Series replacement stylus, giving you several performance and price options.

Q: What is the difference between phono and line output?
A: Phono output is intended for a dedicated phono input or external phono stage, while line output uses the turntable’s built-in preamp for connection to standard auxiliary inputs or powered speakers.