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Ever wondered how those grooves in your record actually generate sound? How do records work? In this article, we’ll delve into the workings of vinyl records and explore the fascinating journey of the stylus as it unlocks the magic of music.
Vinyl records are made from a substance called polyvinyl chloride (PVC), with a spiraling groove etched into their surface. This groove holds the key to reproducing sound, as it contains the audio information that produces the music we hear. When a stylus is placed on the vinyl’s surface and set into motion, it unravels the sonic tapestry hidden within.
At the heart of the vinyl playback process lies the stylus. This small needle, typically made from diamond or other hard materials such as ruby, is mounted on a cantilever or tonearm. The stylus carefully traces the intricate grooves. As the stylus glides along the grooves, it encounters microscopic variations in the vinyl’s surface. These variations correspond to the original audio signal that was used to create the record. The groove’s undulations dictate the stylus’s vertical and lateral movements, resulting in the reproduction of sound. The stylus serves as the translator, transforming physical disturbances into electrical signals that can be amplified and played through speakers.
The stylus acts as a transducer, converting the mechanical vibrations of the groove into electrical signals. The cantilever, on which the stylus is mounted, flexes in response to the groove’s movements. This flexion generates tiny electrical impulses proportional to the grooves’ contours. These electrical signals are known as the “cartridge output” and carry the musical information extracted from the record.
The cartridge, usually attached to the tonearm, houses the stylus and plays a vital role in amplifying the minute electrical signals. The cartridge contains a tiny magnet or coil, which responds to the stylus’s vibrations. When the stylus moves, it induces changes in the magnetic field or current flow within the cartridge, resulting in the generation of a low-level electrical signal. This signal must then be amplified to a suitable level for playback. The weak electrical signals produced by the cartridge are sent to a preamplifier (preamp), which boosts the signals to line-level strength. The line-level signals can then be connected to a power amplifier or receiver, which further amplifies the signals to a level that can drive speakers. Finally, the speakers convert the amplified electrical signals into sound waves that we can hear and enjoy.
You can view our range of cartridges, headshells and stylus’ here.
