Vinyl records are cherished for their warm, immersive sound, but occasionally, you may encounter situations where your 45 revolutions per minute (RPM) vinyl sounds unusual or strange. In this article, we delve into some common reasons why your 45 RPM vinyl may sound weird, helping you troubleshoot and improve your listening experience.
- Misalignment or Incorrect Tracking Force:
One possible cause of weird sound on your 45 RPM vinyl is misalignment or improper tracking force of your turntable’s stylus. If the stylus is not properly aligned with the record grooves or if the tracking force is set too high or too low, it can result in distorted sound, excessive surface noise, or fluctuating pitch. Ensure that your turntable’s cartridge and stylus are aligned correctly and that the tracking force is set according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Dust, Dirt, or Damage on the Record:
Dust, dirt, or scratches on the surface of the 45 RPM vinyl can also contribute to weird sound artifacts. Dust and dirt can cause pops, crackles, and intermittent noise, while scratches or damage to the record can result in skips or jumps in the playback. Clean your records regularly using a carbon fiber brush or a record cleaning solution, and handle them with care to minimize the risk of scratches or damage.
- Worn-out or Damaged Stylus:
A worn-out or damaged stylus can significantly impact the sound quality of your 45 RPM vinyl. Over time, the stylus tip can wear down, leading to reduced fidelity and distorted sound reproduction. Inspect the condition of your stylus regularly and replace it when necessary. A worn-out stylus not only affects the sound quality but can also damage your records further.
- Poor Quality Pressing or Manufacturing Defects:
Sometimes, the weird sound may be attributed to poor quality pressings or manufacturing defects in the 45 RPM vinyl itself. This can manifest as excessive surface noise, warping, or non-fill issues, where the vinyl material does not completely fill the grooves during pressing. Unfortunately, such issues are beyond the listener’s control and may require obtaining a replacement copy or seeking a higher-quality pressing.
- Inadequate Equipment or Setup:
The sound of your 45 RPM vinyl can also be affected by inadequate turntable equipment or suboptimal setup. Using a low-quality turntable, cartridge, or inadequate amplification can result in poor sound reproduction, lack of detail, or imbalanced frequency response. Ensure that you have a high-quality turntable setup, including a good cartridge, phono preamp, and suitable amplification, to achieve the best possible sound quality from your 45 RPM vinyl.
Conclusion:
When your 45 RPM vinyl sounds weird, it can be frustrating, but identifying the cause is the first step towards resolving the issue. Misalignment or incorrect tracking force, dust or damage on the record, worn-out stylus, poor quality pressings, or inadequate equipment/setup can all contribute to the unusual sound. By troubleshooting these factors, ensuring proper care and maintenance of your records, and investing in high-quality equipment, you can enhance your listening experience and enjoy the full potential of your 45 RPM vinyl collection.
