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Record

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What is a vinyl record?

A record is a round sound carrier that is recorded with analog data and usually has a center hole. The grooves on both sides of the record are used for sound reproduction. Records are produced in various formats, ranging from short playing times to around 30 minutes per side. Long-playing records (LP) with a diameter of 30 cm and a playback speed of 33 1⁄3 revolutions per minute are particularly common.

Records are also colloquially referred to as records, disks or simply vinyl. The term “record” comes from the time of the gramophoneswhile “shellac record” refers to an older sound carrier that differs significantly from the polyvinyl chloride (PVC) records in use today.

The sound signals are stored in spiral grooves on the surface of the record, which run from the outside to the inside. These grooves represent the sound vibrations of the recorded signal. The pick-up tip of a record player’s pick-up is used for playback, which is deflected accordingly. The conversion back into audible sound signals takes place either mechanically via a membrane and a sound funnel or – as with modern turntables – electromechanically with subsequent amplification by an audio amplifier.

History of the record

The history of the record is an exciting journey through the efforts to record sounds and language, from the first attempts to the groundbreaking introduction of the vinyl record. For centuries, mankind has dreamed of recording and preserving sounds. The first attempts at acoustic recording were made in the 19th century, but the first successes were not achieved until the end of the century.

Thomas Alva Edison succeeded in recording and reproducing the human voice for the first time in 1877 with the phonograph. Subsequently Emil Berliner developed the shellac record, which heralded a revolutionary era in sound recording. The triumphal march of the shellac record began, followed by further technological advances such as the electro-acoustic recording process of the Bell Telephone Company and the introduction of the vinyl record by Dr. Peter Carl Goldmark in 1948.

The vinyl record established itself as the preferred medium for music reproduction and replaced the era of shellac records. The introduction of stereo recordings and records in the 1960s further contributed to the popularity of the vinyl record. However, with the advent of new formats such as the cassette and the CD in the 1980s and 1990s, the vinyl record came under pressure. Record production declined and many record stores were forced to close.

Despite the digital boom, vinyl records have made a remarkable comeback in recent years. It is enjoying growing popularity, especially among young music lovers. Collecting and playing records has become a trend that celebrates nostalgia and retro culture. The comeback of the vinyl record shows that the analog medium has a special appeal even in the digital age and creates an emotional connection to music.

Playback quality of the record

The playback quality of records is a complex issue that poses various challenges. Linear distortions, which cause deviations from the ideally straight frequency response, can be caused by inadequate sampling systems. Non-linear distortions lead to additional harmonics and intermodulation, while interference noises such as crackling, crackling and hissing are often caused by a lack of care or improper storage.

Synchronization fluctuations and rumble are further problems that can impair playback quality. Despite these challenges, the best results can be achieved through special measurement methods and careful optimization of the playback systems. Aspects such as synchronization, crosstalk attenuation, rumble, frequency response and non-linear distortion play a decisive role here. Careful analysis and evaluation is required to ensure high-quality reproduction that meets audiophile standards.

Data and formats

The vinyl record is a versatile medium for storing sound information that has evolved considerably over time. Different formats such as singles, maxi-singles, EPs and LPs offer different playing times and playback speeds. Record production has also evolved in terms of engraving techniques, with microgrooves and stereo grooves being the main techniques used today.

The scanning of records requires different styli depending on the groove size and shape. The maximum playing time of an LP side depends on technical factors and the desired sound quality. With proper care and storage, the life of a record can be virtually unlimited, although mechanical wear can occur when playing with a stylus. This wear can be avoided by optical scanning, e.g. with a laser record player.

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