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 has built-in Bluetooth, so you can send audio wirelessly to your computer, headphones, or speakers without running cables across your desk. If you want to record vinyl directly into music software on your PC, you will need to use the USB connection instead — Bluetooth does not carry the audio signal in a way that recording programs can capture. The method you choose depends on whether you are listening in real time or making digital copies of your records.

Both connections work, but they serve different purposes. Bluetooth is simpler for everyday listening. USB is what you need if you plan to edit, store, or organize recordings of your vinyl collection on your computer.

Key Takeaways

  • Bluetooth wireless connection lets you listen to your turntable through computer speakers or headphones, but cannot be used to record audio into music software.
  • USB connection allows you to record vinyl directly into music software like Audacity or Adobe Audition, and is required if you want to digitize your record collection.
  • The turntable must be in pairing mode the first time you connect via Bluetooth, which takes about 30 seconds and only needs to happen once.
  • USB recording requires you to select the turntable as your input device in Windows Sound Settings or your recording software before you start.

Connecting via Bluetooth for wireless listening

Turn on the turntable and press and hold the Bluetooth button on the back panel for about three seconds until the Bluetooth indicator light blinks. The turntable is now in pairing mode and will stay there for about five minutes. On your PC, open Settings, go to Bluetooth & Devices, and click "Add Device." Select "Bluetooth" from the list of device types. Your computer will scan for nearby devices and should show "Sony PS-LX310BT" in the results. Click it to pair.

Once paired, the turntable will reconnect automatically whenever both devices are on and within range. You do not need to repeat the pairing process. If you want to connect the turntable to a different device later, press the Bluetooth button again to put it back in pairing mode and pair it with that device instead.

After pairing, play a record and check your PC's volume settings. Right-click the volume icon in your system tray, select "Open Volume mixer," and make sure the Sony turntable is not muted. If you are using external speakers or headphones, make sure they are also turned on and set as your output device.

Connecting via USB for recording into your computer

Plug a USB cable into the USB port on the back of the turntable and connect the other end to an available USB port on your PC. Windows should recognize the turntable automatically. Open Settings, go to System > Sound, scroll down to "Advanced," and click "Volume mixer." Under "App volume and device preferences," you should see the Sony turntable listed as an input device. If it does not appear, restart your computer and check again.

Before you start recording, open the recording software you plan to use — Audacity (free), Adobe Audition, or any other program that records audio. In that software's settings or preferences, find the input device menu and select "Sony PS-LX310BT" or "USB Audio Device" as your input. Place a record on the turntable, cue it to the track you want to record, and hit record in your software. The audio will flow directly from the turntable into your computer.

USB recording gives you the cleanest signal path because the audio does not go through Bluetooth compression. This matters if you are making archive copies of records you own or if you want to edit and enhance the recordings later.

Troubleshooting Bluetooth connection problems

If the turntable does not appear in your PC's Bluetooth device list, make sure the turntable is powered on and the Bluetooth button is held down long enough — three full seconds, not a quick tap. Also check that your PC's Bluetooth is turned on. Go to Settings > Bluetooth & Devices and toggle Bluetooth to "On" if it is off. If it is already on, try turning it off and back on again.

If the turntable was previously paired with another device, it may try to reconnect to that device instead of your PC. Press the Bluetooth button on the turntable again to re-enter pairing mode, then try pairing with your PC again. If the connection keeps dropping, move the turntable and PC closer together — Bluetooth works best within 30 feet but can be blocked by walls, metal objects, or other wireless devices like microwaves.

Troubleshooting USB connection problems

If your PC does not recognize the turntable when you plug in the USB cable, try a different USB port on your computer. Some ports deliver power more reliably than others. Also check that the cable itself works by testing it with another USB device. If the turntable still does not show up in Sound Settings, restart your PC with the turntable already plugged in — sometimes Windows needs a restart to load the driver.

If the turntable appears in Sound Settings but your recording software cannot see it, open the software's preferences and look for an "Audio Input" or "Recording Device" menu. Select the Sony turntable from that list. Some programs default to your PC's built-in microphone, so you have to manually switch to the turntable. If you are still stuck, try unplugging the USB cable, waiting 10 seconds, and plugging it back in.

Choosing between Bluetooth and USB

Use Bluetooth if you want to listen to records through your PC's speakers or headphones without cables. It is convenient for casual listening and works well if your PC is in the same room as the turntable. Bluetooth is also the only option if you want to listen wirelessly while moving around.

Use USB if you are recording vinyl into your computer for any reason — whether you are digitizing a collection, editing tracks, or archiving records you own. USB also gives you a more stable connection if your Bluetooth signal is weak or if you have many other wireless devices in your home competing for bandwidth. Once you have set it up, USB recording is just as simple as Bluetooth listening, and the audio quality is better.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use both Bluetooth and USB at the same time?

No. The turntable can only send audio through one connection at a time. If you have the USB cable plugged in, the turntable will use USB. If you want to switch to Bluetooth, unplug the USB cable first. You do not have to re-pair — the Bluetooth pairing stays saved on your PC.

Do I need special software to record from the turntable?

No special software is required. Any audio recording program that lets you choose your input device will work. Audacity is free and widely used for recording vinyl. Windows also has a built-in Voice Recorder app, though it is simpler and has fewer editing features than Audacity.

Why is there no sound coming through even though the turntable is connected?

Check that the turntable is turned on and the volume knob on the back is not set to zero. Make sure your PC's volume is not muted — right-click the volume icon in the system tray and check. If you are using external speakers, make sure they are powered on and set as your output device in Sound Settings.

Can I connect the turntable to my PC and speakers at the same time?

Yes, but only through Bluetooth. Pair the turntable with your PC first, then pair it with your speakers. The turntable will remember both pairings and can switch between them. You cannot use USB with multiple devices at once — the USB cable only connects to one computer.

Will recording from USB damage my records?

No. Recording is a passive process — the turntable plays the record the same way it always does, and the audio signal is simply sent to your computer. The stylus and record experience no extra wear from recording.