Recording from turntables to DAW?

I'm getting nasty static when I try to record into my laptop from the tables. Can anyone tell me how to get the best audio quality?

set up

Numark TTX1's

Ortofon Concords

Vestax pcv-003

Motu 828

Mac Powerbook g4

Logic Platinum 4.8.2

I have the RCA rec outs from the vestax to the line ins on the Motu. Now here's the thing, the cable is RCA to 1/4 in and it's 15 ft long. I also dont have the ground on the vestax connected to anything. Now I know it's a record and I shouldnt expect great sound quality, but how do the pros do this and get such good quality sound? Do I need a better mixer? Better cables?

Thanks

Rick

you need to ground it

It is winter too, and there is a lot of static electricity everywhere.What are you cleaning the records with? I still use the Discwasher D3 and then the Zero-Stat gun before dubbing vinyl to hard drive (or playing for that matter). Some MP3 software has filters to remove the 'scratches' from the records, much like the Burwin filters of the '70's & '80's, they know music has a different attack and decay pattern than static/scratches type of noise, and only removes the noise. Its no big deal anymore, what with cds playing only the music, but back in the day, these were very nice filter boxes to own, I still have one, and a DBX systems too. Never know when vintage stereo equipment will be needed again.!!!

Also, is your cartridge properly equalized (RIAA curve)? You may need to put a phono preamp or a mixing board with a PHONO channel between the cartridge and the line in(unless that is the Vestax). And having it all grounded is a good thing too, though I have not had that problem with my cheap Radio Shack mixer. One last thought, sometimes if the whole room is carpeted you may have to spray liquid Downey Fabric Softener in a mist bottle around the area to reduce the static electricity, this used to be a problem in a few radio stations where I have worked, and this was a very cheap way to reduce the static electricity in the wintertime. Good luck!

It helps if all the equipment is really far away from the PC becuase audio equipment can pick up noise from computer pretty easily.

Damn, I forgot about that one. Good point, and using good quality cables help too!

you need to hook up the ground wire, and if that dosen't work try getting shorter cables (15ft. is a bit much).