Vinyl records are known for their warm, analog sound. However, they can also be noisy, with pops, clicks, and hisses. So, is vinyl noise normal?
The short answer is yes, some amount of vinyl noise is normal. There are a few reasons for this. First, the vinyl record itself is a physical object, and as such, it is susceptible to wear and tear. Over time, the grooves on the record can become dirty, scratched, or warped, which can all lead to noise.
Second, the turntable is another source of noise. The stylus, which is the needle that reads the grooves on the record, can also become dirty or worn, which can cause noise. Additionally, the turntable’s cartridge and amp can also introduce noise.
Finally, the environment in which the record is played can also affect the amount of noise. If the record is played in a dusty or dirty environment, the dust and dirt can get on the record and cause noise. Additionally, if the record is played in a noisy environment, such as near a speaker, the noise from the speaker can be picked up by the stylus and amplified.
So, how much vinyl noise is normal? There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The amount of noise that is considered normal will vary depending on the age and condition of the record, the quality of the turntable, and the environment in which the record is played.
In general, however, a small amount of surface noise is to be expected. This is the hissing sound that you can hear between tracks. More pronounced pops and clicks are not normal, and they can be a sign of a dirty or damaged record. If you are hearing a lot of noise, there are a few things you can do to try to reduce it:
- Clean your records regularly. There are a number of different ways to clean vinyl records. You can use a record cleaning brush, a record cleaning solution, or a professional record cleaning service.
- Make sure your turntable is properly aligned and adjusted. This will help to ensure that the stylus is tracking the grooves on the record accurately, which will reduce noise.
- Play your records in a clean, quiet environment. This will help to prevent dust and dirt from getting on the record and causing noise.
If you have tried all of these things and you are still hearing a lot of noise, you may need to replace your record. If the record is old or damaged, it may not be possible to completely eliminate the noise.
Here are some additional tips for reducing vinyl noise:
- Use a high-quality turntable with a low-noise cartridge and amp.
- Turn down the volume. The louder the music, the more likely you are to hear noise.
- Avoid playing records with a lot of surface noise.
- Store your records in a clean, dry environment.
