The Sony PS-LX310BT connects to a PC through Bluetooth wireless or a USB cable, depending on what you want to do

The Sony PS-LX310BT is a turntable with built-in Bluetooth, which means it can send audio to your computer without wires. You can also connect it with a USB cable if you want to record vinyl directly into music software. The method you choose depends on whether you want to listen to the turntable through your computer speakers, record the audio, or both.

Bluetooth is the simpler route for listening — you pair the turntable once, then it connects automatically when you turn it on. USB is necessary if you plan to record vinyl into software like Audacity or Adobe Audition, because Bluetooth does not carry the audio in a way that recording software can capture.

Key Takeaways

  • Bluetooth pairing takes about two minutes and lets you listen to vinyl through your computer speakers without cables.
  • USB recording requires a USB cable and lets you capture vinyl into music software, but the turntable must be set to USB mode in its settings.
  • The turntable appears as an audio input device in Windows or Mac settings once connected, and you may need to select it as your default input.
  • Bluetooth and USB cannot be active at the same time — you must choose one mode or the other.

Connecting via Bluetooth for wireless listening

Turn on the turntable and hold the Bluetooth button on the back panel for three seconds until the Bluetooth light blinks. On your PC, open Settings, go to Devices, then Bluetooth & other devices. Click Add Bluetooth or other device, select Bluetooth, and wait for the turntable to appear in the list. Click it to pair.

Once paired, the turntable will reconnect automatically when you turn it on and your PC is nearby with Bluetooth enabled. You can then play vinyl and hear it through whatever speakers or headphones your computer is using. The audio quality over Bluetooth is good for casual listening but slightly compressed compared to a wired connection.

If the turntable does not appear in your Bluetooth list, make sure it is in pairing mode (the light should blink, not stay solid). If it still does not show up, restart both the turntable and your PC, then try again. Some older PCs have weak Bluetooth radios, so moving the turntable closer to your computer can help.

Connecting via USB for recording vinyl

Plug a USB cable into the USB port on the back of the turntable and into an available USB port on your PC. The turntable should appear in your Windows Device Manager or Mac System Report within a few seconds. You do not need to install drivers — Windows and Mac recognize it automatically.

Before you record, check the turntable's settings. Press the Mode button on the back until the display shows USB mode. This tells the turntable to send audio through the USB cable instead of Bluetooth. If you skip this step, your recording software will not receive any audio.

Open your recording software (Audacity, Adobe Audition, or whatever you use) and go to the audio input settings. Look for an option that says Sony PS-LX310BT or USB Audio Device, and select it. Set the recording level to around 70 percent to avoid distortion, then hit record and play your record. The audio will be saved as a file on your computer.

Choosing between Bluetooth and USB

Use Bluetooth if you want to listen to vinyl through your computer speakers or headphones without setting up cables. This is the fastest way to get sound, and it works from anywhere in your room as long as the turntable is on.

Use USB if you want to record vinyl into a file, edit it, or upload it to a music service. USB also gives you a slightly cleaner audio signal because the data is not compressed. However, you must have the turntable physically near your PC and in USB mode.

You cannot use both at the same time. If you switch from Bluetooth to USB, you must change the mode on the turntable and unplug the Bluetooth connection in your PC settings. This prevents audio from trying to come through both paths at once, which causes confusion and dropped connections.

Fixing audio that does not appear in your PC

If you connected the turntable but hear nothing, first check that it is set to the correct mode. For Bluetooth, make sure the Bluetooth light is solid (not blinking), which means it is connected. For USB, check that the display shows USB mode and the cable is plugged in firmly on both ends.

Next, check your PC's audio settings. On Windows, right-click the speaker icon in the taskbar, select Open Volume mixer, and look for the Sony turntable in the list. Make sure it is not muted and the volume slider is not at zero. On Mac, go to System Preferences, Sound, and select the turntable as your input device.

If the turntable still does not appear, try unplugging it (or turning off Bluetooth) and plugging it back in after ten seconds. Restart your PC if that does not work. If you are using USB and the turntable does not show up in Device Manager or System Report, the USB cable may be damaged — try a different cable.

Recording settings that prevent distortion

When you record vinyl through USB, the turntable sends audio at a fixed level. If your recording software is set too high, the audio will clip and sound harsh. If it is set too low, you will hear background noise.

Start by setting your recording software's input level to 70 percent. Play a loud part of a record and watch the level meter in your software. The meter should reach about 80 percent of full scale on the loudest peaks — not all the way to the top. If it goes higher, lower the input level. If it stays below 50 percent, raise it slightly.

Once you have the level right, record a test track of about 30 seconds, then play it back. Listen for any crackling or distortion. If you hear it, lower the input level by 5 percent and try again. This takes a few minutes but prevents you from ruining a whole record.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Bluetooth and USB at the same time?

No. The turntable can only send audio through one path at a time. You must choose USB mode or Bluetooth mode in the turntable's settings. Switching between them requires changing the mode on the turntable itself.

Do I need to install software or drivers for the turntable?

No. Windows and Mac recognize the turntable automatically when you plug in the USB cable. Bluetooth also pairs without any software. You do not need to read anything from Sony or any other source.

Why does my Bluetooth connection keep dropping?

Bluetooth has a range of about 30 feet, but walls and other devices can interfere. Move the turntable closer to your PC, make sure no other Bluetooth devices are trying to connect at the same time, and restart both devices. If it keeps dropping, try USB instead.

Can I record vinyl if I only have Bluetooth?

No. Recording software cannot capture audio from Bluetooth on most PCs. You must use the USB cable and set the turntable to USB mode. This is a limitation of how Bluetooth works, not a problem with the turntable.

What if my PC does not have a USB port?

You can use a USB hub or a USB-C adapter to add ports. Make sure the hub is powered (plugged into power) if you are using multiple devices at once, because the turntable draws more power than some unpowered hubs can provide. Bluetooth is your other option if USB is not practical.