Vinyl records, commonly known as just "records," have existed for over a century. Despite the rise of digital music and other modern audio formats, vinyl has managed to maintain a unique and loyal following. But have you ever thought about how a vinyl record works?
In this blog post, we will delve into the history of vinyl records, how vinyl records are recorded, how they produce sound, and how the record player reproduces that sound.
We will also discuss the significance of vinyl records sound even in the current digital age and how it still holds its place as a beloved audio medium by music enthusiasts and collectors in the digital world.
A brief history of vinyl records
The history of vinyl records goes back almost 150 years when Thomas Edison patented the phonograph cylinder in 1878. Edison's invention led to a phonograph record disc made of music cylinders that could be played back to hear recorded sound. In 1887, Emile Berliner invented the gramophone, a disc-shaped record that rotated on a turntable long-play record.
Over the years, the technology evolved, and vinyl discs became smaller, lighter, and quieter. The first vinyl records were introduced in 1948 by Columbia Records. These records were made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and were seven inches in diameter, capable of playing just a handful of songs.
The history of vinyl records is primarily divided into two generations:
First generation (1948-1989)
The first generation of vinyl records was to record grooves on flat discs made from a lacquer disc coated with a layer of silver or aluminum. The grooves were then etched onto the outer rim of the lacquer, creating a negative image of the sound waves.
Then, a thin layer of metal was applied to the lacquer disc to make a metal master, which could be used to replicate numerous copies of precisely the opposite vinyl record. The metal master would be placed into a pressing machine, heated, and stamped onto the PVC substrate, creating the final vinyl disc. The first vinyl records could hold under twenty minutes of music per side.
Second generation (1989-Present)
The second generation of vinyl records, also known as “long play” or LP records, began to pick up steam in the 1950s. LP records could hold much more music with up to forty-five minutes of playtime per side.
In addition to longer playing times, LP records had better sound quality as they were made from a more advanced process. Instead of using a lacquer disc, a band-limited signal is recorded digitally and sent to a computer. Using a laser, the signal is then cut or engraved onto a metal plate.
The metal plate is then coated in a thin layer of silver or aluminum and placed into a galvanic bath to create a negative image. The negative image is then immersed in a PVC bath, creating a full vinyl recording substrate. Vinyl records made using this technique, noted for their sound quality and durability, are still being produced today.
How vinyl records are recorded
Vinyl records are recorded as analog electrical signals only. Analog signals, or electrical signals, are continuous and fluctuate over time. In contrast, digital records regularly or binary signals, such as compact discs, consist of discrete values with no fluctuations.
Recording a vinyl record begins with a microphone that converts sound waves created by musical instruments or voices into an electrical signal. The electrical signal then gets sent through a mixing console, which can be adjusted, equalized, and combined with other tracks to create a final mix to record and play sound.
Also check out: When Were Vinyl Records Invented? A Look at the History of Vinyl Records >>
The electrical signal is then sent to a cutting lathe, where sound waves are cut onto a lacquer disc using a stylus. The stylus vibrates and flicks back and forth along with the constant speed of the sound waves, which etch grooves into the lacquer disc. These grooves represent a visual image of the sound waves that make up the digital recording itself.
Afterward, the lacquer disc is plated with nickel to create a metal master disc. The master disc, in turn, is used to create a negative image that is pressed into PVC, creating the final vinyl disc.
How vinyl records work and produce sound waves
When a vinyl record spins, it creates sound vibrations when the stylus, attached to the tonearm, rests in the groove of the vinyl surface. The stylus is attached to the record and spins a lightweight metal bar with tiny electrical coils. The sound waves imprinted on the record's grooves cause the stylus to vibrate.
The vibrating stylus then induces electrical energy in the surrounding coils, which sends mechanical energy as an electrical signal through the cartridge system. The cartridge system, in turn, converts mechanical energy from the electrical signal into sound by amplifying the electric signal and passing it through a speaker.
The cartridge system is made of electrical energy, a tiny magnet, and a metal cantilever. The magnet and cantilever work opposite to how the stylus behaves- the magnet induces a magnetic field in the air particles of the metal bar, which then induces an electrical signal in the surrounding magnet and electrical coils together.
The significance of vinyl in the digital age
Even though digital music has overtaken physical music sales, vinyl records have grown in popularity. This is partly thanks to the resurgence of record players and the nostalgia of collecting physical music.
There is also the distinctive and total sound quality that vinyl records offer. The warmth and depth of vinyl records' recorded sound add an organic dimension to the music that is difficult to replicate with digital music. This sound quality is why vinyl records remain prominent in the music industry and are highly valued by record collectors.
Also check out: How to Clean Vinyl Records >>
Record collectors and enthusiasts carelessly keep their vinyl records in pristine condition to ensure optimal playback sound and quality. Records must be stored upright in a cool, dry place, away from dust and paper fibers that can accumulate on the surface of the vinyl.
Regularly cleaning the vinyl surface and the stylus is essential to keep records properly and ensure proper playback sound.
The future of vinyl records
In the digital age, vinyl records hold a unique place in music. While digital music is the new norm, there is still a demand for vinyl records' warmth and depth. The resurgence of vinyl record players and the growing number of independent record stores show that vinyl records are here to stay.
In recent years, audio companies have been placing renewed attention on producing high-quality turntables and cartridges that can record and reproduce sound accurately. These new technologies, combined with the classic stylus and cartridge system, offer a unique listening experience that digital music cannot replicate.
In conclusion, while the technology behind how vinyl records work now may seem outdated, they offer a listening experience that digital music cannot replicate. From the way vinyl records are recorded, produced, and played back, each element plays a crucial role in the sound quality that vinyl records offer. It is no wonder that vinyl records remain an essential part of music history and continue to flourish even in the age of digital music.
Custom vinyl records from Print Your Vinyl
At Print Your Vinyl, we offer a unique service that combines the nostalgia of vinyl records with the ability to create customized content.
We understand the importance of owning physical media and want to provide our customers with a way to create custom vinyl records that reflect their individuality and style.
You can upload your audio files and artwork to our production team using our website. From there, we will create a vinyl record with your music, custom artwork, or personal message imprinted on it.
Our skilled engineers use the latest technology to create a vinyl recording substrate that meets our high sound quality and durability standards.
Whether you are a musician looking to produce your music on vinyl or a fan looking for a unique way to commemorate a special occasion, we offer a range of products and services to meet your needs.
We believe custom vinyl records are more than just a physical medium for music; they reflect our individuality and love for music. Our team takes great care in producing custom vinyl records that not only look good but sound great too. That's because we believe that music should be felt, heard, and experienced.
So, whether you make vinyl records work, you're a fan of how vinyl records work, or simply looking for a unique way to showcase your music, Print Your Vinyl has got you covered. We are committed to delivering high-quality custom vinyl records for all your needs.
Interested in ordering your own custom vinyl record?
Conclusion
Vinyl records are often called "analog" due to their recording and playback nature. Analog signal processing involves the manipulation of continuous signals, such as sound waves or electrical currents, which continuously vary over time.
Modern record players still use the same basic technology as their predecessors, with the stylus and cartridge system remaining the crucial technology reproducing vinyl sound.
Despite the rise of digital music, vinyl records remain popular among enthusiasts, record players, and collectors. The unique warmth and depth of sound that vinyl records offer and the nostalgic experience of owning and playing physical media make them a treasured addition to any music lover's collection.
The history of vinyl records is a testament to the evolution of technology and its influence on the music industry. From the earliest music cylinders to the advanced technology used in modern-day LP records, the recording and playback of music have come a long way.
Yet, despite all of the technological advancements, vinyl records remain as relevant today as they were over a century ago.
Vinyl records have left an indelible mark on the music industry and continue to play a significant role in shaping the sound we know and love today.
With the continued resurgence of vinyl records in the digital age, their importance and influence on music will undoubtedly continue long into the future.