How Much Does a Vinyl Record Weigh?
The weight of a vinyl record varies greatly and can be determined by several factors. This includes the size, era, and quality of the record. Once you know how much a record weighs, multiply the weight by the number of records you are shipping. The shipping companies will usually allow for a variance of a couple of pounds.
180 gram vinyl
When it comes to music and vinyl records, the 180-gram standard is the most common. It is the industry standard that ensures reliable playback and does not put too much strain on record players. However, today's records can be made in many different weights. While a 180-gram record is heavier than a similar-weighted 100-gram record, that difference in weight may not be as noticeable as it once was.
While an audiophile might prefer a thicker 180-gram record, it is unlikely that he or she would spend the extra money to get one. Regardless, the weight is important, because a record has to endure a variety of conditions once it leaves the factory. The temperature and storage conditions are not always optimal, which means that the vinyl isn't going to remain flat for long. Additionally, thicker records may be more durable and have a better chance of surviving a long journey. For this reason, a 180-gram record is a great choice for those who would like to experience the quality of the music.
Another benefit of 180g vinyl is that it is more stable while spinning. This means less distortion and noise. This will also give your listening experience a higher signal-to-noise ratio, which measures the amount of music compared to the amount of static and distortion.
Heavier vinyl records resist warping
Heavier vinyl records tend to resist warping better than lighter ones. This is due to the extra weight and pressure that they are put under. Heat and direct sunlight also contribute to warping. Additionally, the extra weight and pressure can cause the vinyl to become soft, which in turn causes it to warp. Luckily, there are ways to fix warped records. For example, you can try covering them with a heavy piece of glass. If the glass isn't thick enough to prevent warping, you should use a thicker sheet.
Another way to prevent warping is to keep your records away from extreme heat. Exposing them to sunlight can ruin the sleeves and the record itself. Even slow exposure to heat can cause warping to occur, so keeping your records away from windows and heating vents is important. It is also a good idea to avoid leaving your records in hot cars.
Traditionally, vinyl records were pressed on 120 to 140-gram vinyl. However, new releases are often pressed on 180 or 200-gram vinyl. Some manufacturers even label these records as audiophile quality, which implies that the lighter versions are not. However, this trend has raised questions among many people.
Cost of production
Several factors affect the price of a vinyl record, including the size and weight of the vinyl, the length of the recording, the design, and the company. This article explains the overall cycle of vinyl production and how the music industry works. To understand the costs involved, it's helpful to first understand the music industry's economics.
Vinyl sales are at their highest level since the early 1990s, and in 2020 the vinyl market is projected to exceed CD sales for the first time. The British Phonographic Industry (BPI) predicts that by 2021 vinyl sales will surpass CDs. And with its growing popularity, the cost of vinyl production will decrease.
Another important factor is the environmental impact of vinyl record production. Record labels use around 60 million kilos of plastic, causing around a million tons of emissions per year. Luckily, there are ways to make vinyl more environmentally friendly. For instance, Needs-Not For Profit (NFP) has developed an injection process for making vinyl records. This method uses 65% less energy and uses recycled PVC.
Sound quality
While digital recordings have become the norm for many music fans, there are still many advantages of vinyl. For starters, it provides a warm, expressive sound that digital recordings cannot duplicate. Moreover, vinyl records can pick up subtle nuances that digital cannot. Despite these advantages, you should keep in mind that the sound quality of vinyl isn't perfect, but it is still superior to CDs and streaming services.
Vinyl records sound best when they are pressed at a high quality pressing facility. However, the quality of sound depends on the source material and the mastering. First-edition records are usually considered more authentic, and vinyl collectors will pay high prices for them. Furthermore, the color of vinyl records does not affect the sound quality, since natural vinyl is translucent white while solid white vinyl is opaque.
Quality control for vinyl records involves checking the disc for visual and audio defects. Once the disc has been checked, it is then placed on the turntable. A diamond-tipped stylus then travels through the grooves of the disc, picking up the waveform vibrations. These vibrations are then sent to the cartridge located at the end of the tonearm. The cartridge then converts these signals into electrical signals that are fed to the amplifier.
