vinüülplaati

Vinüülplaat, often referred to as a vinyl record, is an analog sound storage medium. It consists of a flat disc, typically made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), with a continuous spiral groove etched into its surface. This groove contains a modulated waveform that represents the recorded sound.

To play a vinüülplaat, a turntable is used. The turntable rotates the record at a precise speed, usually 33 1/3 or 45 revolutions per minute. A stylus, commonly called a needle, is placed in the groove. As the stylus tracks the groove's modulations, it vibrates. These vibrations are then converted into an electrical signal by a cartridge, which is subsequently amplified and sent to speakers, reproducing the original sound.

The history of the vinüülplaat dates back to the late 19th century with the invention of the phonograph and gramophone. It became the dominant format for music distribution from the mid-20th century until the rise of digital media like CDs and streaming services. Despite the digital revolution, vinyl has experienced a resurgence in popularity in recent years, appealing to audiophiles and collectors for its perceived warm sound quality and the tangible experience of owning physical music. Different sizes of records exist, including the 7-inch single and the 12-inch LP (long-playing record).