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ION Audio LP DOCK USB/iPod Turntable Review

Author Sam White
Published 19th May 2008
Manufacturer ION Audio
Supplier Micro Anvika
Price £113.03 (Exc VAT)
as reviewed £129.99 (Inc VAT)
Latest Price Click here
Design & Features Score 7 for Design & Features
Sound Quality Score 7 for Sound Quality
Usability Score 8 for Usability
Value Score 7 for Value
Overall Score 7 for Overall
ION Audio LP DOCK USB/iPod Turntable
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The iPod dock itself is located at the rear left corner of the chassis but unfortunately ION doesn't supply any Universal Dock Adapters in the box. No problem I hear you say - I'll just use the dock adaptor that came with my iPod. Well the problem with that is the standard Apple dock adaptors are usually white, which don't look all that great when used with silver-coloured accessories.


Styling issues aside, the controls for the iPod are all well situated to the right of the tonearm. These allow you to navigate the menu system just as you would normally, with a Scroll knob replacing the iPod's ClickWheel controller. Recordings on the iPod are made using the built-in Voice Memo recording function, and the LP DOCK features a dedicated Rec Menu button for that purpose.

Underneath on the bottom panel are connections for the captive mains power lead and the RCA (or ‘phono') audio cable. Depending on your amplifier's input connections, the audio output can be switched between a lower output ‘phono level' normally used for turntables, or a higher volume ‘line-level' output. There's also a gain knob to adjust the overall output of the audio signal but I was able to leave this set at maximum without any problems. A USB connection is available for connecting the turntable to a computer using the supplied lead. When hooked up to a PC the LP DOCK essentially acts just like an external soundcard, appearing as a new USB audio device in the Sound Control Panel.


Of course like any other turntable, a certain amount of setting up is required before the LP DOCK can be put to work. Installing the platter and fitting the rubber drive belt over the motor spindle is straight forward enough. Setting up the tone arm requires slightly more care, but you can't really go wrong following the instructions in the handy quick start guide. Once the correct tracking weight and anti-skate adjustment have been set, all that's left to do is place the felt slipmat on top of the platter, pop your iPod into the dock, and you're ready to start recording.

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Latest 4 of 5 Comments

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comment Ramondo Gee said on 7th January 2009

This equipment has all the promise I am looking for, however, I cannot hear the

comment Ramondo Gee said on 7th January 2009

This equipment has all the promise I am looking for, however, I cannot hear the

comment Ramondo Gee said on 7th January 2009

As I was noting, I cannot hear the vinyl as it is recording. I contacted ION for support but no answer. I am using a DELL Studio 540 with VISTA Home Premium. All of the other data ... more

comment Terry Wilson said on 8th February 2009

Hello! Thanks for your review. Good to hear I have something good. My wife purchased the LP Dock for Christmas (2008) to record vinyl to my PC for transferring onto CD. I too could... more

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