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Sound carrier

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What are sound carriers?

Sound carriers are exclusively acoustic recordings of the sounds of a performance or other sounds, i.e. physical media for the storage and transmission of sounds. They are media that preserve music, speech and sounds and make them available for reproduction independently of space and time. According to the legal definition in Section 1 (2) sentence 1 of the German Protection of Young Persons Act, carrier media are physical media with texts, images or sounds that are suitable for transmission or intended for direct perception.

History of sound carriers

The history of sound carriers begins with the first pin rollers, which were used to control the sound structure of musical instruments such as glockenspiels. An important milestone was the development of the shellac record by Emil Berliner in October 1896, which ushered in the age of records heralded the age of records. Later, long-playing records were introduced to extend the playing time, followed by singles with 45 revolutions per minute. Despite the invention of the audiotape in 1928 and the introduction of the music cassette in 1963, the record remained the dominant sound carrier for a long time. It was only when Philips and Sony introduced the compact disc (CD) as a new digital sound carrier in September 1982 that the record was gradually pushed out of the mass market.

It was not until 1989 that the CD overtook the LP in terms of sales figures, marking a turning point in the history of sound carriers. Subsequently, the recording companies developed into multi-product companies that offered various types of sound carriers. Overall, sound carriers have undergone a long history of development, from the earliest forms, such as the stylus cylinder, to modern digital technologies, such as the compact disc. Each of these developments has had a major impact on the music industry, changing the way music is recorded, distributed and consumed. In a world dominated by digital media, physical recordings still hold a special place in the hearts of music lovers. But what types of recordings are there and why are they still relevant despite the digital boom?

Classical sound carriers

Records (Vinyl)

Records, also known as vinyl, have been experiencing a remarkable renaissance in recent years. With their warm sound and nostalgic flair, they offer audiophiles and music lovers a unique listening experience.

Cassettes (Compact Cassettes)

The cassette, which was very popular in the 80s and 90s, is also experiencing a renaissance. Its characteristic sound and retro flair make it a coveted collector’s item for lovers of vintage sound.

CDs (Compact Discs)

The CD has lost popularity in recent years, but is still an important part of the sound carrier landscape. Their digital sound quality and portability make them a practical option for music lovers on the go.

Modern sound carriers

Digital downloads

With the proliferation of online platforms, music lovers can easily download their favorite tracks and store them on their devices. This digital form of music consumption offers convenience and instant access.

Streaming services

Streaming services such as Spotify and Apple Music dominate today’s music market. They allow users to stream millions of songs on demand, which is a convenient alternative to owning physical sound carriers.

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