gramofon

A gramophone is a device for the mechanical recording and reproduction of sound. It was the first device invented that could both record and play back sound. The sound is recorded as a groove on a rotating disc or cylinder. A stylus, attached to a diaphragm, traces the groove. Vibrations of the diaphragm are amplified acoustically by a horn.

The gramophone was invented by Emile Berliner in 1887. Berliner's invention was a significant improvement over earlier sound recording devices like Thomas Edison's phonograph, which used cylinders. Berliner's disc-based system was more practical for mass production and distribution of recordings. Early gramophones were hand-cranked, requiring the user to manually turn a turntable at a consistent speed. Later models incorporated spring-wound motors for more reliable playback.

Sound reproduction on a gramophone is a purely mechanical process. The acoustic energy of the stylus vibrations is amplified by the horn, making the recorded sound audible. No electricity is required for playback, making it a self-contained audio system. The quality of sound reproduction varied greatly depending on the recording quality, the stylus, and the gramophone's construction.

The gramophone played a crucial role in the development of the music industry, making music accessible to a wider audience. It remained the primary format for sound recording and playback for many decades until the advent of electrical recording and magnetic tape technology. While largely superseded by electronic audio devices, gramophones and their recordings, often referred to as "records," are still collected and appreciated by enthusiasts for their historical significance and unique sonic character.