To put music on a record, you’ll need a few things. The first is an audio master of your music, typically a CD, WAV file, or reel-to-reel tape. This is the source material that the record will be cut from.
Then you’ll need a playback machine, usually a cutting lathe, which is a special piece of equipment designed to cut a master copy of the music onto the blank record (vinyl disc).
The cutting lathe is connected to the audio source and is responsible for transferring the waveforms of the sound into physical grooves on the record. It’s operated by a sound engineer using a stylus, or cutting needle, which is based on the design of the original Edison phonographs from the early 20th century.
The cutting needle vibrates as it moves along the record, creating physical grooves that correspond to the waveforms of the music on the audio source. The grooves are then polished up to give them a smooth finish.
The cutting process needs to be adjusted depending on the kind of music that is being cut, so experience and careful attention to detail are key.
Once the cutting is complete, the record has been created and is ready to be pressed. After pressing, the newly-minted vinyl is sent on to the record label where it is ready to be sold and distributed.
How does a record recording work?
A record recording is a type of audio recording. It is a process that captures sound on a thin disc made of a plastic called vinyl. This thin disc is coated with a thin layer of metal, usually aluminum, on its surface that is stamped or etched with microscopic grooves—these grooves are used to store analog sound.
During the record recording process, an audio signal is sent to a cutting head which etches the grooves in the physical disc. As the disc is rotated, this cutting head produces vibrations of varying magnitude.
This produces the sound when the needle of a record player is dropped into the grooves. The grooves vibrate the needle, and the needle vibrates an electromagnet, inducing an electrical current which is then amplified to create the sound.
In the basic setup, a stylus is placed onto the record disc and tracks the grooves, reading their depth and shape. Then, an audio signal is sent to either a professional recording studio or a home recording set-up.
This is how a record recording works.
How is a vinyl record created?
Vinyl records are created by pressing a mold of grooved metal, also known as a stamper or master, in a special machine called a record press. First, a lacquer disc is created by engraving a recording directly onto a blank lacquer disc.
This disc serves as the master and template for creating the stamped copies.
The lacquer disc is then used to create the stamper or master. The master is made by electroforming the lacquer disc in a process called plating, in which nickel alloy is deposited onto the grooved lacquer surface in a matter of minutes and this creates a metal copy of the lacquer that is known as the stamper.
This stamper is then placed into the record press which applies intense heat and pressure to create one side of the vinyl record out of vinyl pellets. The vinyl record is then immediately cooled and then the process is repeated for the other side of the record.
In the end, a vinyl record can take up to 24 hours to create from start to finish. For the most part, this process has remained unchanged since the early 1900s. Today, with the help of modern technology, the process has been made more efficient and produces a much higher quality record.
Why are vinyls so expensive?
Vinyls are an expensive commodity due to a combination of factors. Modern vinyl records are made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) polymers, which are more expensive than the acutely toxic polystyrene used to create records in the past.
Additionally, the production process is longer and more complex than that of CDs and cassettes, resulting in higher costs both in terms of labor and production. The machines needed to cut vinyl records must be carefully maintained and operated, adding even more to the cost.
The artwork for vinyl records is also more detailed, resulting in higher printing costs per product. Finally, the blank vinyl needed for pressing records is becoming harder to find, driving up the cost of existing vinyl.
All of these factors combine to make vinyls an expensive commodity in comparison to other forms of physical media.
Are vinyls made of wax?
No, vinyls are not made of wax. They are made of polyvinyl chloride, which is essentially a combination of chlorine and ethylene. Vinyl records have been manufactured since the early 1900s and are still widely used.
The grooves on a vinyl record are created using a mechanical process that etches the vinyl with metal needles.
The pitch (the speed of the music) of a vinyl record is actually determined by the speed of the record as it spins on the turntable. This is because the grooves are cut using a precise frequency. The greater the rotation of the record the higher the pitch of the music, and the slower the rotation the lower the pitch will be.
Vinyl records often collect dust and dirt, so they must be regularly cleaned and maintained to keep them sounding their best. Special cleaning solutions, record brushes, and anti-static sleeves are commonly used to clean and protect a record.
How were vinyl records made before computers?
Vinyl records were traditionally made before computers by a process known as “cutting,” which involved cutting a raised spiral groove into a lacquer disc. A master record was created by taking a recording of the original music and amplifying it until it was strong enough to move a cutting head (a stylus) to cut the groove into the lacquer.
The stylus was moved across the disc in a spiral pattern controlled by an electrical current, creating the grooves that are read by the stylus of a turntable.
To move from the lacquer to the finished product, a metal stamper was created using a process called electroforming. This method involves electroplating metal onto the surface of the lacquer, creating a negative copy of the contents of the groove.
This stamper was then attached to aluminum plates, which were heated and pressed into a vinyl disc. The disc, which was a replica of the original the master record, was the vinyl record.
The entire process was manual and involved the use of several specialized machines which had to be adjusted manually to achieve a high-quality recording. It was a much more labor-intensive and time-consuming process than manufacturing vinyl records today with the aid of computers.
What is vinyl made out of?
Vinyl is a synthetic material made from a combination of two naturally occurring substances: ethylene, which is derived from petroleum, and chlorine, which is derived from salt. These two substances are combined to form polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a durable material which can be used in a variety of ways.
PVC is used to make many different products including pipes, flooring, and vinyl records. When vinyl records are made, the PVC is heated and then moulded into discs. The discs are then coated with a thin layer of pure polyvinyl chloride and then a lacquer top coat is applied to protect the surface.
The lacquer protects the records from damage and keeps them sounding clear and distinct.
How are modern vinyl records made?
Modern vinyl records are made through a process called lathe cutting. In this process, a small lathe is used to cut grooves into a blank piece of vinyl. The music is transferred to the lathe via a stereo mastering system, which sends out a series of electrical signals that create the grooves in the vinyl.
As the blank vinyl rotates on the lathe, a small sharp cutting stylus is used to carve the grooves onto the surface. This stylus is able to reproduce the intricate details found within the music.
Once the grooves are cut onto the vinyl, it goes through an electroplating process. This process involves using galvanized nickel or zinc to coat the vinyl in a thin metal layer. Once the electroplating process is complete, the metal layer is then coated with a hard lacquer, which acts as a protective seal and helps prevent wear and tear on the record.
The record is then inspected and a label is added. After being tested, the record is packed and shipped off to the customer.
How does sound come from a vinyl record?
Sound comes from a vinyl record by utilizing the phonograph effect. When a stylus (also known as a needle) is placed on the surface of the spinning record, it vibrates and reproduces the record’s grooves.
As the grooves in the vinyl move, the needle reproduces the original sound of the vinyl recording. It passes through an amplifier, before the sound is then sent to the speakers, where it is heard. This process of reproducing sound from vinyl records is known as the phonograph effect and is how all vinyl records produce sound.
Do record players need electricity?
Yes, record players need electricity in order to operate. The power source could be a wall outlet or a set of rechargeable batteries. If you are using a standard turntable, it will require a dedicated phono preamp to bring the output up to line level, which will also have to be connected to an external power source.
If you intend on using a USB turntable, you will need both a power source and access to a computer, in order to transmit the audio signal.
How are records pressed?
Records are pressed using a process called “plastic injection molding. ” In this process, a metal stamping machine heats a special type of plastic (known as PVC or polyvinyl chloride) until it becomes hot enough to melt.
The melted plastic is then injected under pressure into a mold. This mold consists of two sides, with a heavily grooved cutting surface in between. As the molten plastic cools, it is formed into a disc, taking shape in and around the grooves of the mold.
The imprint of the grooves is then transferred to the surface of the record. Finally, the record is cooled, released from the mold, and any excess material is trimmed away. In total, the entire process takes around 20-30 seconds per record.
How do record grooves produce sound?
Record grooves produce sound by the physical vibrations of a stylus (or needle) as it moves along the grooves in a phonograph record. The needle vibrates as it follows the grooves, and the amplifier converts these vibrations into sound waves.
The deeper the groove or the wider the width of the groove, the louder the sound produced. The sound that is created is determined by the shape and width of the groove and varies based on the type of record (e. g.
classical, rock, jazz). The frequency of the groove is determined by the speed of the record, as the needle moves faster or slower in relation to the size of a single groove. The sounds produced vary in terms of tone and harmony depending on the speeds of the record and the type of music being played.
Can you touch the grooves of a record?
Yes, you can touch the grooves of a record if you want to, though it’s not recommended because it can cause the record to become scratched or dirty. Whenever you move, clean or play a record, it’s always best to handle it by its edges, never touching the grooves.
If you do need to touch the grooves, make sure your hands are clean and that you use extra caution to avoid scratches. Remember to also always keep your record away from dust, heat and sunlight.
Which side of the groove is left channel?
The left channel of a groove is the side of the groove closest to the center label, which is typically marked with a “L” for left. If you are looking at the record with the label facing up, the left channel of the groove would be the side of the groove to the left of the center label.
The right channel would, of course, be located to the right of the center label. In some cases, the left and right channels may be located close together in the groove, depending on the particular style of record.
There may also be additional grooves in the middle, which may be part of a longer track split onto two sides, or simply be blank space. In either case, the orientation and labeling of the left and right channels should be the same, with the left located closest to the center label.
What is a groove on a vinyl?
A groove on a vinyl is the rounded impression running along the circumference of a record. This groove is created as the recording needle follows the song contained on the record. As the needle runs along the grooves, it vibrates, translating sound vibrations into electrical signals that can be amplified.
Grooves on a vinyl record can range in depth and width and the frequency of the modulation will differ depending on the sound the grooves are representing. Grooves are closely related with other factors such as amplitude, and play a critical role in the sound quality of a vinyl record.
Generally speaking, the deeper the groove, the better the sound quality, but that isn’t always the case. The size and shape of the groove also play a role in determining sound quality.
How deep is a record groove?
The depth of a record groove can vary depending on the standard used to press the record, but the typical depth of a record groove ranges from around 0.002 to 0.003 inches, or between 0.05 and 0.08 millimeters.
Technically, the deeper the groove, the more information can be stored on a record and the better the sound quality will be. However, records with too deep of a groove can run into problems. The sound quality of the record can start to deteriorate and too deep of a groove can lead to skipping when the needle reaches the bottom.
Additionally, too deep of a groove can create a large amount of drag on the stylus, which can cause wear and tear on the needle as well as reduced sound quality. Some record formats, such as 78 RPM shellac discs and 45 RPM singles, have grooves that are much deeper, but these are exceptions within the vinyl community.
Why do vinyls sound better?
Vinyl records sound ‘better’ than digital formats for a variety of reasons. Firstly, analog recordings have an organic quality that is lacking in digital formats. Analog recordings capture the full subtleties of dynamic range, providing a much wider soundstage than digital formats.
Another important factor is the format’s warmth. Vinyl playback has a certain ‘warmth’ that is desired by many music fans. This warmth is created by the sound created by the vibration of the stylus passing through the grooves of the record.
It’s a unique sound that is missing in digital formats. Additionally, vinyls have a physical presence that digital formats lack. Vinyl records also provide a sensory experience that can’t be replicated.
Music fans can physically look at and touch the sleeve artwork, take it out of the sleeve and place it on the record player, drop the needle and feel the warmth emanating from the speakers. This physical act of playing vinyl provides the listener with an experience that is often missing for digital music fans.
What is the Centre of a vinyl record called?
The centre of a vinyl record is called a spindle hole. This is the hole in the centre of the record which is designed to fit onto the spindle of a record player and allow the record to spin on the turntable.
The spindle hole is created using a die that punches the hole into the middle of the record. The size and shape of the spindle hole varies between records, but they are typically circular with a 6 mm diameter and 2 mm depth.
This allows vinyl records to be compatible with a variety of record players.
How do I know if my record is worn?
The best way to know if your record is worn is to inspect it visually. Check the vinyl disc itself for any signs of wear, such as scratches or scrapes. Listen for any extraneous noises, such as clicks, pops, skips, or pitch fluctuations.
If any of these signs are present, your record may be worn. It is also a good idea to check the record jacket for any signs of wear as well. If the jacket is heavily worn, so may be the actual record inside.
Finally, it is a good idea to compare the audio of the record to a digital version of the same song. If there are noticeable differences in the sound of either version, the record itself may be worn or damaged.
Are vinyl records two sided?
Yes, vinyl records are two sided. Each side of a vinyl record is referred to as a “LP side”, where LP stands for Long Play. A standard 12-inch LP record has two sides, while a 7-inch single has one side.
The two sides are denoted as Side A and Side B, and most LPs are designed to play Side A first. The two-sided nature of a vinyl record allows for a large amount of music to be fit onto a single record, which makes it a great format for albums, as the artist can have up to 30 minutes of music on each side.