I have Audacity software on my Macbook Air M1. I have to find a way to input audio from my stereo preamplifier to my Macbook Air to convert the audio on vinyl records to digital audio (i.e. WAV files). I have seen RCA to USB-C adapter cables. Can I use that adapter cable going from my preamp’s RCA output to the USB-C port on my Macbook Air to record on Audacity software?
MacBook Air 13″, macOS 13.0
Hi there Jim,
The answer to your question would depend on several factors, but the USB-C connection isn't one of them. It's still USB, so as long as the connection you have has a USB-C connection, or you have an adapter to connect from your audio source to your Mac via USB-C, you're good to go on the Apple side of things.
Of course, there are the factors of compatible software/compatible hardware/etc. that you'd need to verify with what you use to connect your preamp to your Mac, but this would depend upon third-parties which you'd need to contact to verify these things, such as Audacity Support as one example.
Cheers!
UPDATE: The DigitNow USB Audio Capture Card works great with the Macbook Air M1. It comes with freeware Audacity software on mini CD. I downloaded it online instead to make sure I got the latest version. The DigitNow has an USB-A connector which will require either a USB-A to USB-C adapter or a USB hub with the required connectors. I connected the DigitNow female RCA pigtail directly to my Schiit Saga preamp.
The Audacity software is not the most intuitive so there is a learning curve. It took me about an hour to set everything up and start digitizing some vinyl. The Macbook comes with the native app called Garage Band which is also capable of digitizing vinyl. The DigitNow is cheap, about $15. I can recommend it.
Recording Audio From Preamplifier RCA Output To USB-C On Macbook Air M1?
