Making a Record: A Step-by-Step Guide
On August 12th, we commemorate the day of the gramophone record, marking the beginning of a revolutionary era in music and sound technology. This date holds significance as it was on this day in 1877 that Thomas Edison completed the phonograph, the precursor to the modern turntable.
The gramophone record, made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), was a remarkable innovation in its time. Before PVC, shellac records were used, which were made from the secretions of lac beetles. However, PVC proved to be a superior material for storing music, as demonstrated by the gramophone record, CD, and cassette.
The process of making a gramophone record is multi-stage. First, a master recording is created, which is then coated with a nickel layer. This master is subjected to electrochemical treatment to create a matrix. Finally, PVC is pressed to form the record, with special attention given to the groove engraving and quality control for sound fidelity.
The depth and width of the grooves in a gramophone record are crucial for the stereo sound and the bass. The turntable generates a mechanical oscillation from the grooves, converting frequencies into an electrical signal.
The Voyager Golden Records, an example of an analog storage medium worth further research, were an extension of this technology. Equipped with gold-plated copper records, the Voyager 1 and 2 spacecraft were launched in 1977, carrying these records into the cosmos. The Voyager Golden Records contain images and audio information, including music and speeches in 55 languages, intended to transmit data to extraterrestrial life. Remarkably, the Voyager Golden Records have a lifespan of over half a billion years.
While vinyl records have seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years, the next generation after the gramophone record is the CD, which consists of polycarbonate. However, the unique charm and sound quality of vinyl records continue to captivate music enthusiasts, making the gramophone record a timeless symbol of music history.
It is worth noting that PVC can off-gas chemicals over time, which may harm the record surface if not stored properly. Yet, its overall stability, combined with the ability to be recycled for production waste reduction, makes PVC the preferred material for vinyl records.
In conclusion, the gramophone record marked a significant milestone in the history of music and sound technology. Its legacy continues to inspire innovation and appreciation for the art of music reproduction. As we celebrate the day of the gramophone record, we honour this remarkable invention and look forward to the future of music technology.
[1] "Vinyl Record Manufacturing Process." VinylMission.com. Accessed August 12, 2023. https://www.vinylmission.com/vinyl-record-manufacturing-process/
[2] "The Vinyl Record: A Material History." The British Library. Accessed August 12, 2023. https://www.bl.uk/collection-items/the-vinyl-record-a-material-history
[3] "Mastering for Vinyl." The Mastering Engineer. Accessed August 12, 2023. https://www.themasteringengineer.com/mastering-for-vinyl/
[4] "Chemical Off-Gassing and Vinyl Records." VinylEngine.com. Accessed August 12, 2023. https://www.vinylengine.com/library/faq/chemical_off_gassing_vinyl_records.shtml
[5] "The Gramophone Record." The Phonograph Museum. Accessed August 12, 2023. https://phonographmuseum.org/the-gramophone-record/
The gramophone record, an analog storage medium elevated by the use of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), revolutionized the music industry in conjunction with technological advancements like science and engineering. This evolution of sound storage continued with the introduction of compact discs (CDs) and later, digital audio formats, demonstrating the link between the gramophone record and the current state of music technology.
The unique charm and sound quality of vinyl records have sparked renewed interest in this classical format, while the nascent Voyager Golden Records, filled with music and speeches in 55 languages, stood as an extension of the gramophone's legacy, traveling through space to symbolize our continued fascination with music's histories and futures.
