Vinyl records, despite the digital age, are experiencing a resurgence of interest. Understanding their functioning and the production of their distinctive sound helps appreciate why they remain so popular.
45 RPM record being played
The vinyl record: a sound sculpture
The vinyl record is made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), hence its name. It is engraved with microscopic grooves that contain analog sound information. These grooves are not continuous and smooth lines; they are shaped according to the sound frequencies and dynamics of the music. The shape of these grooves is a direct translation of the recorded music.
There are several formats of vinyl records, the most common being the 33 RPM (33⅓ RPM), which can hold between 20 and 30 minutes of music per side, and the 45 RPM, which is generally used for singles. One of the peculiarities of vinyl is that each format has a limited recording capacity, often forcing artists to carefully choose what they want to include, reinforcing the idea of an album as a coherent work of art.
Album “The Dark Side Of The Moon” by Pink Floyd
The turntable: the heart of vinyl playback
The turntable is where the vinyl rests. When it spins at a constant speed, it allows the music engraved in the grooves to be read correctly. The rotation speed, expressed in revolutions per minute (RPM), is essential: playing at the wrong speed will result in sound that is too fast or too slow.
Turntable from the 2000s
The tonearm supports the cartridge and stylus, which interact directly with the record. The precision of its movements on the grooves directly influences the quality of the sound produced.
Tonearm from the 2000s
The phono cartridge plays a crucial role in converting the stylus vibrations into an electrical signal. This signal then passes through a preamplifier, then an amplifier, before being transmitted to the speakers. There are two main types of cartridges: moving magnet (MM) or moving coil (MC), each offering advantages in terms of sound quality.
Phono cartridge from the 2000s
The stylus, is the tip that comes into contact with the groove of the vinyl. Its fineness and condition greatly influence the sound quality. A worn stylus can not only degrade the sound, but also damage the record.
A stylus from the 2000s
Why does vinyl have a unique sound?
One of the reasons vinyl enthusiasts prefer this medium is the richness of analog sound. Unlike a compressed digital file, which loses some information, vinyl reproduces music more completely, with all the frequencies captured during recording. The sound produced is warmer, deeper, and more authentic.
Moreover, listening to vinyl is an active process: you have to physically handle the record, place the stylus on the groove, and sometimes manually adjust the tonearm at the end of a side. This interaction creates a tangible connection with the music, turning listening into a ritual.
The gramophone, invented in 1887 by Emile Berliner, is the first device to play flat discs, revolutionizing music listening.
The 78 RPM record, introduced in the early 20th century, is a shellac format used for music, spinning at 78 revolutions per minute.
Vinyl turntables, which appeared in the 1920s, are devices that play vinyl records using a rotating platter and a needle.
Columbia Records launches the 33⅓ RPM Long Play (LP) vinyl, more flexible and durable than shellac, with a capacity of 22 minutes per side, marking the beginning of the modern vinyl record era.
The 45 RPM record, launched in 1949 by RCA Victor, is a compact format for playing singles at 45 revolutions per minute.
In 2051, the holographic vinyl player projects 3D clips, offering an immersive and futuristic musical experience.
