As regular readers will know, we love a giveaway competition at Sound Matters. In this round of our competition series, we’re giving away one of these superb magnet vinyl wall display systems from the Danish-based company, Twelve Inch. Twelve Inch record display systems require no frames—or any visible support. The result is a clean, minimalist look indicative of Scandinavian interior … Read More
Do Record Weights and Clamps Make a Difference?
Like many Hi-Fi optimization topics, record weights and clamps intended for record stabilization divide opinion. In the pro-stabilization camp, many feel that a record weight or clamp can bring stability during playback, while also helping to tighten and focus the overall sound. Over in the anti-stabilization camp, there is a feeling that record stabilizers can put unnecessary strain on turntable … Read More
Do Picture Disc Vinyl Records Sound Worse?
A large part of vinyl’s lasting appeal is the artwork. The larger physical canvas has long given musicians the chance to express their art beyond the music in a way that adds to the overall experience of collecting and listening to music. The whole product becomes a canvas, and that includes printing directly onto the vinyl disc. Enter, the weird … Read More
How to Digitize Your Vinyl Records
In a world increasingly dominated by the convenience and portability of streaming services, some collectors may question the value of digitizing vinyl records. But the truth is there are still plenty of good reasons to capture the sound of vinyl and turn them into convenient digital files that you can take with you wherever you roam. For starters, many of … Read More
Watch Out for These Faults When Buying New Vinyl Records
There are many reasons to love vinyl records. After all, when at their best, they sound great, they look beautiful, and they truly add something extra to the whole listening experience. However, while the resurgence in consumer interest for vinyl records is undoubtedly something to celebrate, there is a growing concern within the vinyl community surrounding quality control. In a … Read More
Ten of the Best Vinyl Record Subscription Services
Across the vinyl community, there is a shared appreciation for the experience of collecting and playing records. We all have an affection for the physical product and the extra dimension it brings to the music we love. As an increasing number of music fans discover the joy of vinyl, there is a growing number of vinyl record clubs available that … Read More
Surface Noise. How Vinyl Speaks to Our Desire for Authenticity
John Peel’s famous surface noise quote is held up as capturing perfectly the sentiment behind vinyl’s unlikely revival in the digital age. Digital music production and playback has allowed us to clean up the noise of analog tape and production techniques to a level of perfection never thought possible throughout most of the 20th century. In many cases, electronic musicians … Read More
It’s Personal. Norman Records are Keeping Independent Online Vinyl Alive and Well
The struggle for independent record stores to compete against large global behemoths—such as Amazon—is a well-documented story. What is perhaps less understood, is the equally challenging position of running an independent online music store. One such outfit is Norman Records, based in Leeds, England. Norman Records started when the internet was in its infancy, and thanks to a huge amount … Read More
What is Half Speed Mastering?
Sound Matters offer a simple explanation of half speed mastering as a practice while gaining some more detailed insights from experienced Mastering Engineer, Barry Grint. (Barry’s work includes award-winning artists George Ezra and Tom Walker, plus many classic projects, including Madonna, Prince, Oasis, and many more). The Basics To understand what the term “half speed mastering” means, we must first … Read More
“Twelve Inch” Magnet Vinyl Display Systems in Review
A big part of what draws music fans into the world of vinyl records is the joy of owning the physical product. Music on vinyl is both practical and beautiful, enticing many collectors to display records in their home as art in its own right. Just like a painting, the pieces you choose to display make a statement about you … Read More