plaatopname

Plaatopname is a Dutch term that refers to the recording of audio intended for a release on a vinyl record (plaat) and, more broadly, to the recording session that produces the master for a record. The word reflects the historical connection between the act of recording and the production of a physical record.

Historically, plaatopname originates from the era when records were the primary release medium. In such sessions, engineers captured performances onto magnetic tape or directly into a recording system, after which a master would be prepared for pressing vinyl. The mastering step often included creating a lacquer master that could be used to press metal stampers for vinyl production. Although the physical medium has evolved, the term is still used in Dutch to describe the initial recording phase of a project.

Process and scope. A platenopname typically involves selecting songs, setting up acoustics and microphones, recording multiple takes, and choosing the best performances. Overdubs, rhythm and vocal tracks, and instrumental layers may be added during or after the main sessions. After recording, the material is mixed and subsequently mastered for the chosen release format, which could be vinyl, CD, or digital distribution. In studio practice, plaatopname can describe both studio recordings and live-in-studio performances, depending on how the artist’s material is captured.

Equipment and methods. Historically, analog multi-track tape and analog consoles were common; today, digital audio workstations and hybrid setups are prevalent. Regardless of medium, platenopname emphasizes the recorded performances that form the source material for a release. In contemporary Dutch usage, the term remains a generic reference to the recording phase of a music project.