Inner groove sibilance (IGS) is a type of sibilance that occurs when the stylus reaches the inner grooves of a vinyl record. Sibilance is a high-pitched, harsh sound that is often caused by the stylus being too close to the edge of the record. IGS is a more severe form of sibilance that can be very unpleasant to listen to.
There are a few reasons why IGS occurs. One reason is that the grooves are closer together at the inner grooves. This means that the stylus has less time to track the grooves, which can cause the stylus to be closer to the edge of the record. This can cause sibilance.
Another reason why IGS occurs is because the stylus is moving faster at the inner grooves. This means that the stylus has less time to respond to the changes in the grooves, which can also cause sibilance.
IGS can be a problem for any vinyl record, but it is more common on records that are pressed at high speeds. This is because the grooves are more likely to be closer together on records that are pressed at high speeds.
There are a few things that can be done to reduce IGS. One thing that can be done is to use a high-quality turntable with a good cartridge. This will help to ensure that the stylus is tracking the grooves properly.
Another thing that can be done is to use a record with a wider groove spacing. This will give the stylus more time to track the grooves and reduce the amount of sibilance.
Finally, it is important to avoid playing records at high volumes. This is because high volumes can cause the stylus to vibrate, which can increase the amount of sibilance.
If you are experiencing IGS, there are a few things that you can do to try to improve it. First, you can try cleaning your record with a soft cloth or a record cleaning brush. You can also try adjusting the tracking force on your turntable. If you are still having problems, you may need to take the record to a professional record cleaner or repair shop.
Here are some tips to help prevent IGS:
- Buy your records from reputable dealers: This will help to ensure that you are getting a high-quality record.
- Inspect your records carefully before you buy them: Look for any obvious defects, such as off-center pressing or non-fill.
- Store your records properly: Store your records in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
- Handle your records with care: Avoid dropping or scratching your records.
- Clean your records regularly: This will help to remove dirt and debris from the grooves and prevent them from causing damage.
- Set up your turntable properly: This will help to ensure that the sound quality is as good as possible.
By following these tips, you can help to ensure that your vinyl will sound great for years to come.
Sibilance vs. IGS
Sibilance is a high-pitched, harsh sound that can be caused by a number of factors, including the stylus being too close to the edge of the record, the record being dirty or scratched, or the cartridge being improperly aligned. IGS is a more severe form of sibilance that is caused by the stylus being too close to the edge of the record at the inner grooves.
Sibilance can be annoying, but it is usually not too severe. IGS, on the other hand, can be very unpleasant to listen to and can even damage the stylus.
If you are experiencing sibilance, there are a few things that you can do to try to improve it. First, you can try cleaning your record with a soft cloth or a record cleaning brush. You can also try adjusting the tracking force on your turntable. If you are still having problems, you may need to take the record to a professional record cleaner or repair shop.
If you are experiencing IGS, you will need to take steps to prevent it from happening in the future. This includes using a high-quality turntable with a good cartridge, cleaning your records regularly, and avoiding playing records at high volumes.