Vinyl records have made a remarkable comeback in recent years, and for good reason. The sound quality is unmatched, and there's something truly special about the experience of listening to music on vinyl. If you're new to the world of vinyl, there are a few things you need to know before you start spinning.
In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know to use a vinyl record for the first time, from setting up your turntable to handling the record itself.
- Setting up your turntable
Before you can start playing your vinyl records, you need to make sure your turntable is set up correctly. This involves a few key steps:
- Placing your turntable on a level surface: Your turntable needs to be on a stable, level surface to work properly. Make sure the surface is sturdy and won't wobble or tip over.
- Connecting your turntable to your stereo: Most turntables have built-in phono preamps, which boost the signal from the turntable to a level that can be used by your stereo. Make sure you connect the turntable to the correct input on your stereo, and that your stereo is set to the right input.
- Adjusting your turntable's settings: Most turntables have adjustable settings for things like tracking force and anti-skate. These settings can affect the sound quality and longevity of your records, so it's important to set them correctly. Consult your turntable's manual for guidance on how to adjust these settings.
- Handling your vinyl record
Vinyl records are delicate, and mishandling them can damage the grooves and affect the sound quality. Here are a few tips for handling your vinyl record properly:
- Always handle the record by the edges: Touching the surface of the record can leave fingerprints and oils that can damage the grooves. Hold the record by the edges, or by the label in the center.
- Don't bend the record: Vinyl records can warp if they're exposed to heat or pressure. Never bend the record, and don't stack records on top of each other.
- Keep your records clean: Dirt and dust can accumulate in the grooves of your records, affecting the sound quality. Use a soft, dry brush to remove dust from your records before playing them.
- Putting on the record
Now that your turntable is set up and your record is clean, it's time to put the record on the turntable. Follow these steps:
- Remove the record from its sleeve: Hold the record by the edges and gently slide it out of its sleeve. Make sure you don't touch the surface of the record.
- Locate the lead-in groove: The lead-in groove is the first groove on the record, just before the first track. Move the tonearm over the lead-in groove.
- Lower the tonearm: Gently lower the tonearm onto the record, just before the first track. The needle should make contact with the record and begin playing.
- Playing the record
Now that the needle is on the record, you can sit back and enjoy the music. Here are a few tips for playing your record:
- Don't touch the tonearm: Once the needle is on the record, don't touch the tonearm or the record. Moving the tonearm or touching the record can cause the needle to skip or damage the grooves.
- Listen for distortion: If you hear distortion or crackling, it could be a sign that the tracking force or anti-skate is set incorrectly. Check your turntable's manual for guidance on how to adjust these settings.
- Flip the record over: Once one side of the record is finished, carefully lift the tonearm and move it to the record's center.
Source: Vinyl Record First Time Mistakes
