äänilevyä

An äänilevy, often translated as gramophone record or simply record, is an analog sound storage medium. It typically consists of a flat disc, usually made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), with a continuous groove running spirally from the edge to near the center. This groove contains a modulated waveform that represents the sound.

The sound is reproduced by a stylus, commonly called a needle, that travels within the groove. As the disc rotates, the stylus vibrates, and these vibrations are converted into an electrical signal by a cartridge. This signal is then amplified and sent to loudspeakers, where it is converted back into audible sound.

Äänilevyt are played on a turntable, which is a device that rotates the record at a constant speed. The speed is crucial for accurate sound reproduction and is standardized at either 33 1/3 revolutions per minute (RPM) for LPs (long-playing records) or 45 RPM for singles. Older formats, like the 78 RPM record, also existed.

The history of the äänilevy dates back to the late 19th century with inventions like the phonograph and gramophone. While digital audio formats have largely replaced them in mainstream consumption, äänilevyt have experienced a resurgence in popularity among audiophiles and collectors due to their perceived warm sound quality and the tangible nature of the physical medium. They are often associated with genres like rock, jazz, and classical music.