How a record lacquer master is made and just how good it sounds

[Retro]

Vinyl records are basically obsolete, having been completely eclipsed by a multitude of digital formats. However, there still exists a large vinyl enthusiast community, hence records are still being made and sold. I'm not a vinyl enthusiast myself, but can appreciate what some people like about them.

This fascinating video shows exactly how that lacquer master is made with all the careful steps that must be made to make it come out right. It also shows just how good it sounds when played on a regular turntable. There's no clicks and no pops and hardly any noise by the looks of it, plus distortion is significantly lower, too. They demo one in the video and it really does sound good.

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[Hitcore]

Great video, quite the process that goes into it. The fact that this machine is from 1958 and still runs flawlessly also says something about the quality of it.

Vinyl is great. I don't use this format anymore, but I have fond memories of it.

Well now... Let's celebrate this amazing machine! Lyrics wise I've found just the right record for it:

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[Retro]

Indeed it's good quality, has been maintained and has also been upgraded with computer technology. Much like a cassette recorder, this could be thought of as a record recorder. Presumably, with a little modification, it could also play back records.

Notice how the cutter moves across linearly across the master, so there's no end of side distortion caused by mistracking, only the slower linear speed due to the smaller radius. Presumably playback record decks with linear tonearms rather than pivoting were better in this respect.

 

[Hitcore]

Much like a cassette recorder, this could be thought of as a record recorder. Presumably, with a little modification, it could also play back records.

That's a great way of putting it.

Man, there is something about physical media. As previously mentioned, I don't have vinyl anymore. I do however still have a nice collection of CDs. Most of them are 80s and 90s music compilations. Takes me right back, when playing them. Sure, I can put on Spotify, but it's just not the same.