Vinyl records remain the audiophile’s choice when it comes to recorded music. Most would argue that a well mastered recording from an original analogue tape source pressed on vinyl comes the closest to what it may have been like to be in the studio at the time of the recording. While digital has made incredible advances, there is nothing quite like vinyl’s warmth, dynamic range, and overall sound quality.
There’s also nothing quite like a snap, crackle, and pop to disrupt the listening experience. As any vinyl enthusiast knows, this is a notorious and unique feature of the medium. This reality can not only interfere with a magical moment, but it can also be extremely frustrating. The only sound we want to hear is the sounds that were intended to be heard. So, the question remains, what are the causes of these annoying sounds and how do we fix them?
Snaps, crackles, and pops can be caused by several contributing factors. The most common include the cleanliness of the record, static build-up, dirt build-up on the stylus, recording quality, and record quality. While frustrating, each can be easily addressed, resulting in a much-improved listening experience.
Vinyl Record Cleanliness – This is typically the most common cause of record noise. It also leads to other related issues, such as stylus cleanliness. Dirt in the grooves of a record wreaks havoc on sound quality. Tiny particles, such as dust, dirt, paper fibers, and skin oils, can collect in the record’s grooves and result in noise during playback. Over the course of an album side a needle can travel hundreds of feet. As the needle passes through the grooves of each track it collects more and more particles. The needle also heats up as the record spins, which can also heat up the vinyl. In some cases, the heat from the needle can alter the groove and permanently leave particles embedded in the vinyl. Clean vinyl and a clean stylus can reduce drag and friction. A clean record is the first step toward achieving the best listening experience and preserving the record. The best cleaning option is an ultrasonic disc cleaner. Next best would be a surface spray and microfiber cleaning instrument. In either case, it is important to clean the record thoroughly and allow for it to dry before playback.
Static Build-up – Static build up usually occurs because of a dry environment and is enhanced by the sleeve used to store the record. A paper sleeve does little to alleviate the problem and can store static electricity. This is especially true for glossy paper sleeves. Replace paper sleeves with anti-static sleeves. An anti-static sleeve and good record cleaning as described above should reduce static and its noise causing effect.
Stylus Cleanliness – No matter how good you are at cleaning a record, as a needle travels through hundreds of feet of grooves it is going to inevitably pick up particles. Dust in the air can land on the vinyl during playback and collect on the needle. Therefore, it is important that the needle is cleaned before and after each drop. There are many stylus cleaning options. Brushes, vibrating brush pads, and gel pads are most common. Gel pads and vibrating brush pads are simple and safe. Each requires you to repeatedly drop and lift the needle onto and off the cleaning surface a few times and you are good to go. Brushes can do the job as well. However, the key with a brush is to avoid pulling the brush across the needle in a direction opposite of how it would drag across a record. Always use caution and care when cleaning a stylus. This is not the time to be aggressive.
Recording Quality – No amount of cleaning can make up for a poorly pressed, poorly recorded, or poorly mastered record. While high quality records and first pressings tend to cost more, they are typically well worth the investment. Pressings that use the analogue master tapes as their source are usually the best. First pressings typically use such tapes, as do those labeled as "original master recording" or "mastered from analogue tapes". If purchasing anything other than a first pressing, it is wise to do some research on the reissue. The record label, the pressing plant, the mastering studio, mastering engineer, and the music source are going to play a part in the overall quality of the music. The major labels tend to be great sources of quality, as do reissue labels such as Mobile Fidelity Sound Labs, Analogue Productions, Speakers Corner, Craft Records, Classic Records, Impulse, and Blue Note just to name a few. Note, if it a reissue does not reference analogue tape as its source it is most likely from a digital copy.
Record Quality (Manufacturing) – Not all vinyl is created equal. High quality virgin vinyl is always best. Virgin meaning that the vinyl is not made from recycled material. Recycled vinyl can contain imperfections. These may include dirt and other causing particles introduced during the recycling process. Poorly manufactured vinyl records can result in small bubbles, bumps, pits, warping, and an off-center spindle hole. While bumps, pits and bubbles are obvious sources for noise, an off-center spindle hole and warping can cause speed discrepancies and result in flutter pitch drift, which is most noticeable on long or drawn-out chords and notes.
Record Quality (Vinyl Weight) - Some believe that the weight of the vinyl can help with warping. However, do not make the mistake of believing that vinyl weight equals high quality. A poorly manufactured record is a poorly manufactured record no matter the weight of the vinyl. I’d rather own an original 140-gram first pressing of a 1960s album made from virgin vinyl than a 200-gram reissue made from recycled vinyl, manufactured using poor processes, mastered from digital copies, and distributed by a high-volume low-quality label.
Music is meant to be experienced as it was intended when recorded. Under the correct circumstances and in the right environment it can be a magical and life enhancing experience. It can also be a source of great satisfaction. As many have come to discover, music on vinyl can be breathtakingly beautiful and provide for an experience unlike any other medium. The revealing of once hidden notes and sounds is a common realization. Achieving the full magic that vinyl has to offer takes a little work, but it is well worth the effort. This is especially true when you hear a favorite recording in a very clean and different way for the first time.
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