Most of us know how to use a record player. Yes, anyone can use it, but the point is that everyone doesn’t know how to use it correctly.
And not using it correctly can cause your record player severe damage. If you already have a record player or going to get one, then this write is for you.
Here in this article, you can learn a lot of things like how to use a record player, its major components and a lot of other things.
How does Record Player work?
Playing a record is a different experience and quite different from iPhones or CDs as it does not play music with few button clicks.
Record players demand more from the listener as it gives a much greater experience.
Each record player is different and ends up giving you a unique experience. You may find a machine with a tonearm that is automatic and gets moved by its anti-skating feature that gets the needle to the centre of the groove.
However, the rest of the machines do not have such a helping hand and makes it on you to move the arm.
Here are the steps you should follow to make your record player work.
Flat Surface
You need to find a flat surface to place your record player. If you do not put your record player on a flat surface, it will not work or risk damaging its functions.
Manual
Reading the manual is a must as it will help you know how to start and stop your machine. Also, it will let you know the specific locations of the model like;
- The cueing lever controlling the tonearm
- The counterweight of the metallic tonearm at the base.
- The record size adapter that is manipulative for the measurements of the disc should get noticed.
- The speed gauge you need to adjust according to the revolutions per minute on the records.
Corresponding tracking weight on the manual for adjusting the counterweight on the tonearm to set the weight prior to plugging in the record player.
Place on Turntable
To take your record out from its sleeve:
- Open your palm and allow the disc to slide out.
- Put your finger in the hole right in between the disc.
- Make sure you do not touch the record and if you really need it, then hold the sides in between your palms as though they are in parallel legs of the H.
- Make Sure About the Correct Speed:
Before placing your record on the turntable, assure about the speed as it should match the need of record.
You can find the needed speed in the right middle of the inscription detailing.
Clean Disc
Make sure you know how to clean your vinyl records, and your discs are clean. If fingerprints, dirt or dust spoil your disc, then it will affect the sound.
Play
Once you are sure that the speed is correct, press play; while playing, the cueing lever will get up and hover over the spinning record.
You must need to press on the cueing lever of tonearm if your table is manual. Get in line with the tonearm and the outer rim of the record to let the needle meet the first groove. After get gently lead down to meet the record.
To stop playing the music, pull up the cueing lever as it will lift the tonearm off the record. Lead the tonearm back to its spot. Now you can press the stop button.
Now that you are familiar with using a record player and making it work, here are some other things you should know about this music playing device.
Basic Design of Record Player
There is a typical component that all the models of record player have, and that is the platter, also referred to as the turntable.
It is for holding the vinyl records and spins them at a consistent speed it needs. The platter can be made up of aluminium or any other kind of metal.
Some of the models cover the platters with thick plastic or felt for preventing scratches or static that could damage the record.
After that comes the arm that is one of the most important parts of any record player.
The arm equips two important components essential for playing a record: the cartridge and the needle.
The needle has a diamond tip that runs along the grooves of the record ends up making vibrations that get into the cartridge.
Further, the cartridge has a magnetic field that changes the vibrations into electrical signals. Then the electrical signals get amplified to get set to the speakers for the output.
Equipment of Record Player
There are many things in a record player that make it stand out from all other devices for its sound.
Here is some info about its equipment that makes it an ultimate choice.
Preamp
If you don’t know much about the vinyl record and get a new record player for yourself, it would be best to begin using a record player with a built-in preamplifier.
You can find a lot of beginner level and entry-level models that equip preamp making things easy for you.
However, if your record player does not come with a built-in preamp, then you need to get a phono preamplifier separately.
It is for the conversion of the phono signals into a line-level signal for easy processing and getting it ready for the output of speakers. This requires amplification again on an amplifier.
The preamp is for boosting the weak signals from the record player to the same level as other sound signals.
This is why getting a model with a built-in preamp makes it easier for you to set up your player and make it ready to use.
Speakers
If you have a record player that comes with built-in speakers, then the mystery is solved. You can begin listening to record straight away.
However, if your player does not have speakers, then you need to get external speakers.
And the point is that even if your player model has speakers, there are a lot of chances that you still want to get good external speakers.
Generally, the built-in speakers are not too much loud and do not give the desires sound quality. This is why you may need to get a new set of speakers.
The setting of the speakers is quite simple. If you got a record player with a built-in preamp, all you need is to plug in the speakers to the record player using red and white RCA cables.
If you have a record player with an external preamp, you need to ensure both the speaker and record player are correctly connected to the preamp.
The turntable gets connected to the input, and the speakers or the amplifier, if the speaker has no power, gets connected to the output.
Stylus
Often the stylus is called a needle as it is the hardened tip of the metallic armour tonearm on which you gently place on records.
That stylus reads the grooves that transform the vibration of the audio recording.
Cartridge
The needles lead the tonearm that encloses the cartridges. Going through the metallic arm, the vibrations change into the electrical signals; this is what the cartridge does as it gets in contact with a magnetic coil.
Final Words
Now, these are some details to help you with how to use a record player. This can help you start your path as a new audiophile. However, make sure to adjust speed according to the speed of your record.
The needle should get touched with care to the surface of the record for avoiding scratches over it. Also, keep the vinyl clean for high-level quality.
If you want to know more about Record Players then check other blog posts on our website.
