Acetate Disc
A metal disc coated with lacquer, used to create test pressings or master recordings before mass production of vinyl records.
Album
A collection of audio recordings issued as a single item, typically comprising multiple tracks and released on formats like vinyl, CD, or digital.
Analog Recording
A method of sound recording that captures continuous variations in sound waves, as opposed to digital recording, which samples the sound.
Anti-Skating Mechanism
A feature on turntables that applies a small outward force to the tonearm to counteract the inward pull towards the center of the record, ensuring balanced stylus pressure.
Audiophile Pressing
High-quality vinyl records produced using superior materials and mastering techniques to provide exceptional sound fidelity for discerning listeners.
Automatic Turntable
A type of record player that automatically lifts, lowers, and returns the tonearm at the beginning and end of a record.
B-Side
The secondary side of a vinyl single, often featuring a less-prominent track or exclusive content not found on the album.
Back-Cueing
A DJ technique where the record is manually rotated backward to cue up a specific section of a track.
Belt-Drive Turntable
A turntable where the platter is rotated via a rubber belt connected to the motor, often praised for reduced motor noise and vibration.
Bi-Wiring
A method of connecting speakers using separate wires for high and low frequencies, sometimes used in vinyl playback systems for improved audio quality.
Bootleg Recording
An unauthorized recording or release of live performances, demos, or unreleased tracks, often circulated without the artist’s consent.
Cartridge
The component on a turntable that holds the stylus (needle) and converts mechanical groove vibrations into electrical signals.
Center Label
The circular label in the middle of a vinyl record that displays information such as artist name, album title, and track listings.
Channel Separation
The degree to which left and right audio channels are kept distinct in stereo recordings, affecting the clarity of stereo imaging.
Clamshell Packaging
A protective packaging style for vinyl records, resembling a clamshell, often used for box sets or special editions.
Colored Vinyl
Vinyl records pressed in various colors other than traditional black, including opaque, translucent, and multicolored patterns.
Compilation Album
An album consisting of tracks from various sources, often different artists, curated around a theme or genre.
Counterweight
An adjustable weight at the end of a tonearm used to balance the tonearm and set the correct tracking force for the stylus.
Cue Lever
A device on a turntable that gently raises and lowers the tonearm to prevent accidental dropping of the stylus onto the record.
Cut-off Frequency
The frequency beyond which a vinyl record cannot accurately reproduce sound, often limited by the physical capabilities of the medium.
Deadwax
The area between the last groove of a record side and the label, often containing etched inscriptions like mastering engineer initials or pressing plant codes.
Direct Metal Mastering (DMM)
A mastering process where audio is engraved directly onto a metal disc, offering potential improvements in sound quality and durability.
Direct-Drive Turntable
A turntable where the platter is connected directly to the motor, offering quick start-up times favored by DJs.
Dynamic Range
The difference between the quietest and loudest parts of an audio recording, influencing the overall expressiveness of the music.
Elliptical Stylus
A stylus shape that allows better contact with the record groove walls than a conical stylus, resulting in improved audio fidelity.
EP (Extended Play)
A vinyl record that is longer than a single but shorter than a full album, typically containing 3-5 tracks.
Exclusive Release
A vinyl record available only through specific retailers, events, or regions, often produced in limited quantities.
Flexi Disc
A thin, flexible vinyl sheet used as a phonograph record, often included in magazines or as promotional items.
Gatefold Sleeve
A record cover that opens like a book, providing extra space for artwork, lyrics, or liner notes, commonly used for double albums.
Gram Weight
A measurement indicating the thickness and weight of a vinyl record, with 180-gram vinyl considered heavyweight and often associated with higher quality.
Groove Echo
An unintended faint pre-echo heard before loud sounds on a vinyl record, caused by groove deformation during cutting.
Half-Speed Mastering
A mastering technique where the source material is played back at half its normal speed during the cutting of the vinyl master, enhancing audio quality.
Hand-Etched Matrix
Handwritten inscriptions in the deadwax area of a vinyl record, often indicating special editions or messages from the mastering engineer.
Inner Sleeve
A paper or plastic sleeve that fits inside the outer jacket, protecting the vinyl record from dust and scratches.
Integrated Amplifier
An audio device that combines a preamplifier and power amplifier in one unit, essential for amplifying the signal from a turntable.
Limited Edition
A vinyl release produced in a finite quantity, often featuring unique attributes like colored vinyl, special packaging, or bonus content.
Lock Groove
A continuous loop at the end of a record side where the stylus remains until lifted, sometimes containing hidden tracks or messages.
LP (Long Play)
A 12-inch vinyl record played at 33â…“ RPM, typically holding up to 60 minutes of music across both sides.
Master Lacquer
The original disc onto which the audio is cut during the mastering process, used to create the metal stamper for pressing vinyl records.
Matrix Number
An alphanumeric code inscribed in the deadwax area of a vinyl record, identifying the specific pressing and mastering details.
Misprint
A vinyl record that contains errors in its labeling or packaging, which can become collectible items due to their rarity.
Mono (Monaural)
Sound reproduction using a single audio channel, as opposed to stereo, which uses two distinct channels.
Moving Coil Cartridge
A type of phono cartridge where the coils move within a magnetic field, known for high fidelity but often requiring specialized equipment.
Moving Magnet Cartridge
A phono cartridge design where a magnet moves near fixed coils, commonly used and compatible with most standard phono inputs.
Needle Talk
The audible sound produced by the stylus tracking the grooves of a vinyl record, sometimes heard when the volume is low.
Obi Strip
A paper strip wrapped around Japanese vinyl records and CDs, providing information in Japanese and often sought after by collectors.
Off-Center Pressing
A vinyl record where the center hole is not perfectly aligned, causing pitch fluctuations during playback.
One-Step Pressing
A premium vinyl pressing method that eliminates multiple stages of stamper creation, aiming to preserve the closest possible sound to the master recording.
Original Pressing
The first batch of vinyl records produced for a particular album, often more valued by collectors for their authenticity.
Outer Sleeve
The main protective cover of a vinyl record, usually adorned with album artwork and information.
Phono Input
A specialized input on amplifiers or receivers designed to accept the low-level signal from a turntable’s phono cartridge.
Picture Disc
A vinyl record with images embedded within the vinyl, often collectible but sometimes offering lower sound quality due to manufacturing processes.
Pitch Control
A feature allowing adjustment of the playback speed of a turntable, used by DJs for beatmatching and creative effects.
Platter
The rotating platform on a turntable upon which the vinyl record sits during playback.
Poly-lined Inner Sleeve
An inner sleeve lined with plastic to reduce static electricity and provide better protection against scratches.
Pop and Click
Common imperfections heard during vinyl playback, caused by dust, scratches, or imperfections in the vinyl surface.
Preamp (Preamplifier)
An electronic amplifier that prepares a small electrical signal for further amplification or processing, essential for boosting the turntable’s output to line level.
Pressing Plant
A facility where vinyl records are manufactured, each with unique equipment and standards that can affect the quality of the final product.
Promo Copy
A promotional version of a vinyl record distributed to radio stations, reviewers, and retailers, often before the official release date.
Quadraphonic Sound
An early surround sound system using four audio channels, attempting to create a more immersive listening experience on vinyl records.
Reissue
A new release of a previously issued album, potentially remastered or featuring additional content like bonus tracks or new artwork.
Remastered
Audio that has been digitally enhanced or cleaned up from its original recordings, often used in reissues to improve sound quality.
Run-In Groove
The area on the outer edge of a vinyl record where the stylus is placed before it reaches the first track.
Run-Out Groove
The silent groove at the end of a record side that leads the stylus to the center label area.
Shaped Vinyl
Records pressed into non-circular shapes, such as hearts or logos, primarily for aesthetic appeal and collector interest.
Shellac Record
A brittle, heavy record format made from shellac resin, predominantly used before the advent of vinyl, playing at speeds like 78 RPM.
Sleeve Notes
Written content found on the album’s outer or inner sleeves, providing information about the music, artists, or recording process.
Slipmat
A circular mat placed on the turntable platter, allowing the vinyl record to be manipulated by DJs without damaging the platter or affecting motor speed.
Split Release
A vinyl record featuring tracks from two or more artists, often sharing equal space on the release.
Stamper
A metal disc created from the master lacquer, used to press grooves into vinyl records during manufacturing.
Stereo
Audio reproduction using two separate channels, creating a sense of width and spatial orientation in the sound.
Test Pressing
An initial batch of records produced to evaluate the quality of the pressing and sound before full-scale production begins.
Tonearm
The pivoting arm on a turntable that holds the cartridge and stylus, allowing it to track the grooves of a vinyl record.
Tracking Force
The downward pressure exerted by the tonearm and stylus onto the vinyl record, adjustable for optimal playback and to prevent record wear.
Translucent Vinyl
Vinyl records made with a see-through material, often in various colors, adding an aesthetic element to the physical record.
Turntable
A device designed to play vinyl records, consisting of a spinning platter, tonearm, cartridge, and other components.
Virgin Vinyl
High-quality vinyl material that has not been recycled, often resulting in better sound quality and durability.
Warp
A deformation of a vinyl record caused by heat or improper storage, leading to playback issues like skipping or pitch variation.
White Label
A vinyl record with a plain white label, typically used for promotional copies, test pressings, or anonymous releases.
Wow and Flutter
Terms describing variations in pitch (wow) and speed (flutter) during playback, often due to inconsistencies in the turntable’s motor or belt.
180-Gram Vinyl
Heavier vinyl records that are 180 grams in weight, marketed as offering superior sound quality and resistance to warping.
45 RPM LP
A full-length album pressed to play at 45 revolutions per minute instead of the standard 33â…“ RPM, often to improve audio fidelity.
7-Inch Single
A small vinyl record, typically playing at 45 RPM, used primarily for singles and holding one track per side.
10-Inch Record
A medium-sized vinyl record format, used for EPs, singles, or special releases, playable at either 33â…“ or 45 RPM.
33â…“ RPM
The standard rotational speed for most full-length vinyl albums (LPs), allowing for longer playback time per side.
78 RPM Record
An early record format that spins at 78 revolutions per minute, usually made of shellac and predating vinyl records.
Azimuth Adjustment
Fine-tuning of the angle of the cartridge or stylus relative to the record groove, affecting stereo balance and imaging.
Bi-Directional Groove
A vinyl groove that can be played in both directions, sometimes used for special effects or hidden messages.
Center Spindle
The fixed rod on a turntable platter around which the vinyl record centers and rotates.
Cue Sheet
A document listing the tracks and timings on a record, often used in radio broadcasting and DJing.
Decibel (dB)
A unit of measurement for sound intensity; in vinyl playback, it relates to signal levels and dynamic range.
Ground Wire
A wire that connects the turntable to an amplifier or receiver to eliminate hum caused by electrical interference.
Lead-In Groove
The outermost groove on a vinyl record that guides the stylus to the first track.
Loudness War
A trend in music production aiming for higher overall volume levels, sometimes at the expense of dynamic range, affecting vinyl mastering.
Matrical Number
Alternate term for matrix number, identifying specific pressings of a vinyl record.
Overhang
The distance by which the stylus extends beyond the center spindle when the tonearm is positioned over it, important for correct alignment.
Phonograph
An early device for playing recorded sounds, particularly vinyl records; the term is sometimes used interchangeably with “record player.”
Plinth
The base of a turntable, designed to house components and absorb vibrations, contributing to overall sound quality.
RCA Cable
A type of audio cable commonly used to connect turntables to amplifiers or receivers.
Resonance
The amplification of certain frequencies due to vibrations in the turntable or tonearm, which can affect sound quality.
Sibilance
Excessive emphasis on “s” and “sh” sounds during playback, often due to stylus alignment or pressing issues.
Soundstage
The perceived spatial locations of sound sources during playback, contributing to the sense of depth and realism in recordings.
Speed Selector
A switch or dial on a turntable that changes the rotation speed to match the vinyl record’s required RPM.
Spindle Adapter
A device that fits over the turntable’s center spindle, allowing playback of records with larger center holes, such as some 7-inch singles.
Sub-Platter
An intermediate component beneath the main platter of a turntable, contributing to rotational stability and speed accuracy.
Surface Noise
Background noise heard during vinyl playback, including hiss, pops, and crackles, often due to dust or vinyl imperfections.
Tracking Angle
The angle at which the stylus contacts the record groove, critical for accurate sound reproduction and minimizing distortion.
Vertical Tracking Force (VTF)
The downward pressure exerted by the tonearm and stylus onto the record, requiring precise adjustment for optimal playback.
Vertical Tracking Angle (VTA)
The angle of the tonearm relative to the record surface, affecting how the stylus sits in the groove.
Warp Factor
A measure of the degree to which a vinyl record is warped, influencing the severity of playback issues.
Zero Balance
The point at which the tonearm is perfectly balanced horizontally, used as a starting point for setting tracking force.
Zero-Stylus Pressure
A condition where the stylus exerts no pressure on the vinyl record, typically when the tonearm is balanced and floating freely.
Zenith Alignment
The rotational alignment of the stylus tip within the cartridge, crucial for minimizing distortion and achieving accurate channel balance.
Zoetrope Vinyl
A vinyl record designed with animations that come to life when the record spins and is viewed under a strobe light or filmed.
12-Inch Single
A larger vinyl format typically played at 45 RPM, offering improved sound quality and extended versions of tracks, popular in dance music.
2-Step Vinyl Mastering
A streamlined vinyl mastering process involving fewer steps than traditional methods, aiming to preserve audio fidelity.
4-Channel Stereo
An early form of surround sound using four discrete audio channels, requiring specialized equipment for playback.
Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC)
A device that converts analog signals from vinyl playback into digital format, used for digitizing records.
Auto-Return Turntable
A turntable feature where the tonearm automatically lifts and returns to its resting position at the end of a record.
Balance Weight
See Counterweight; used to adjust the tonearm’s tracking force.
Bi-Amping
Using separate amplifiers for high and low frequencies in an audio system, potentially enhancing sound quality during vinyl playback.
Cantilever
The tiny rod that extends from the cartridge to the stylus tip, transmitting vibrations from the stylus to the cartridge’s transducer.
Clarity Vinyl
A term used by some manufacturers to describe vinyl records pressed using high-purity vinyl formulations for improved sound.
Decoupled Counterweight
A counterweight design that isolates it from tonearm vibrations, aiming to reduce resonance and improve sound quality.
Dust Bug
A device that brushes dust off the record surface ahead of the stylus during playback.
Elliptical Diamond
A stylus tip shape made of diamond with an elliptical profile, enhancing groove contact and audio detail.
Flutter
Rapid variations in the speed of a turntable’s rotation, causing pitch instability in audio playback.
Headshell
The detachable part of the tonearm where the cartridge is mounted, allowing for easy cartridge swapping.
High-Output Moving Coil
A moving coil cartridge design that produces a higher electrical output, making it compatible with standard phono inputs.
Low-Output Moving Coil
A moving coil cartridge with very low electrical output, requiring a step-up transformer or preamp with higher gain.
Microline Stylus
A stylus shape designed to mimic the cutting head used to make master records, offering precise groove tracing and reduced wear.
Phono Stage
An amplifier circuit that boosts the low-level signal from a phono cartridge to line level and applies necessary equalization.
Quartz Lock
A feature in some direct-drive turntables using a quartz crystal to maintain precise rotational speed.
Record Clamp
A device used to secure a vinyl record firmly to the turntable platter, reducing vibrations and improving contact.
Record Cleaning Machine
A device designed to clean vinyl records thoroughly, removing dust, dirt, and static buildup.
Record Weight
Similar to a record clamp, a weight placed on top of a vinyl record to flatten it and minimize vibrations during playback.
S-Shaped Tonearm
A tonearm design with an S-shaped curve, intended to improve tracking and reduce distortion.
Spherical Stylus
A stylus with a conical tip, less expensive and durable but offering less precise groove tracking compared to elliptical or finer shapes.
Step-Up Transformer
A device that increases the voltage output of low-output moving coil cartridges, making them compatible with standard phono stages.
Strobe Disc
A tool used to check and adjust the rotational speed of a turntable by observing the visual effect under specific lighting.
Subsonic Filter
An electronic filter that removes very low-frequency sounds below the range of human hearing, preventing unnecessary speaker movement.
Tangential Tracking Tonearm
A tonearm design that moves in a straight line across the record, maintaining a constant angle to the grooves, similar to the original cutting lathe.
Vibration Isolation
Techniques or devices used to prevent external vibrations from affecting turntable performance, such as specialized feet or platforms.
Wow
Slow variations in the playback speed of a turntable, causing noticeable pitch fluctuations in audio.
Zero-Tracking Error
An ideal condition where the tonearm maintains perfect alignment with the record groove at all points, minimizing distortion.