History
The vinyl record, more specifically the 33 1/3 LP (Long Playing), is an analog audio format that was developed in 1948 by Columbia Records. It was first marketed in June of 1948, quickly coming into widespread use and replacing shellac “78” records. These new records introduced sever major improvements over 78s, including the replacement of shellac with vinyl, microgrooves, and a slower playing speed. The combination of microgrooves and slower playing speed allows much more sound to be stored on a record, lending to the name “Long Playing.” Another major improvement from 78 records is the addition of stereophonic sound. The LP format is still being produced today, though a few more improvements like heavier weight and deeper grooves have been added over time.
How It Works
When a record is played, tiny grooves that are etched into the disc’s surface move the stylus, allowing sound to be heard. In order to translate this data into audio, several things are needed. These include a turntable, preamp, receiver, and speakers. Some systems use an all-in-one approach, but most of the time these components are separate.
The typical turntable is made up of many important parts. The platter is spun at a constant speed by a motor, using either a belt drive or directly. To the right of the platter is the tonearm, containing many components of its own. It generally consists of a metal or plastic tube, a counterweight, anti-skate dial, cue lever, and headshell.
The headshell houses the cartridge, the component that creates the initial vibrations. The diamond-tipped stylus moves very slightly as it tracks the groove of a record. It is attached to a magnet that shifts the electric field of coils in the cartridge, and these electrical signals are sent to the preamp. The preamp is a device that amplifies the signal produced by the cartridge and sends it to the receiver. The receiver is responsible for managing the signal and translating it to sound. It often features an equalizer, volume control, and meters to display information about the signal. After being processed by the equalizer, sound can finally be heard when it is sent to the speakers.
The vinyl record and the technology surrounding it have been vehemently engineered and improved over time, and to the present day is renowned as a substantial technological feat.
Sources
- Unger, Amy. “Anatomy of a Record Player – The Klipsch Joint.” The Klipsch Joint. Klipsch, 24 June 2014. Web. 9 Sept. 2016. <http://www.klipsch.com/blog/anatomy-of-a-record-player/>
- Hockenson, Lauren. “This Is How a Turntable Really Works.” Mashable. Mashable, 2012. Web. 12 Sept. 2016. <http://mashable.com/2012/12/20/dj-turntable/#wj1VG6TKI5qh>
- “History of the LP.” History of the LP Record. N.p., Mar. 2013. Web. 12 Sept. 2016. <http://lprecord.umwblogs.org/history/invention/>
Joey's Guide To Vinyl 