MiaCoop

A vinyl record has been used by humans to record and distribute music for almost 150 years. Due to its analog nature, vinyl provides a much larger and brighter sound compared to CD or digital music formats. However, this privilege imposes certain obligations on the connoisseur of "tube sound": vinyl records are more vulnerable and require special care.

Among the main advantages of vinyl as a sound carrier, two points have always been highlighted: it is convenient to replicate records in large quantities (due to the availability of the hot pressing method) and they are not affected by electric and magnetic fields. In turn, the disadvantages are more numerous and relate mainly to storage: the plates are negatively affected by sudden changes in temperature and humidity, they are subject to mechanical damage and with frequent use inevitably fall into disrepair. The longer you keep a vinyl record, the lower its sound characteristics.

Thus, vinyl is quite fragile and requires no less care than a tiny fluffy kitten. The way you store and care for vinyl has a big impact on the quality of your recordings and their durability.

Below we with sciencegist.com will outline the main measures for vinyl care: they concern both the storage of records and direct "manual" maintenance.

Store records vertically

The most fundamental and simplest condition for preserving the original characteristics of a vinyl record. Store and store vinyl only in an upright position.

If you put the plates on top of each other, over time, inevitably there will be deformations. You can't return their form to them. The lowest plates will suffer the most from storing "on top of each other". Envelopes will also be damaged: they will have round spots, because for a long time they will be tightly pressed together.

So, the vinyl collection should be stored in an upright position: the records should stand" edge-on", next to each other. The ideal way to place records in this way is to buy a special holder for vinyl. A convenient metal holder that resembles a rack or shelf will allow you to correctly place your entire collection in one place.

Use a cover or envelope

A record can only remain without an envelope while it is playing on Your player. In all other cases, the vinyl must be in its original cover or specially purchased envelope.

The envelope will protect the vinyl from dust, contact with liquids and mechanical damage, And the cover will protect Your collection from scratches and dents that can permanently ruin the sound of your favorite album. Given that the original envelope will inevitably wear out over time, we advise you to take care of buying a new inner envelope and outer cover.

Keep the vinyl away from light and moisture

Vinyl has a special relationship with air temperature. Environmental characteristics are extremely important for records, vinyl reacts painfully to moisture, excessive heat or extreme cold.

For example, too high a temperature can soften the plate, cause it to twist or bend. Of course, this will affect the sound quality. Install the vinyl holder away from heating batteries, any heaters, and the bathroom. By the way, the sources of heat may not be so obvious: there is a story of how the cat of some attractive lover of vinyl took a NAP on the record, after which it left traces of the animal. Not even the highest temperature, but more or less prolonged exposure to it, is enough to ruin a vinyl record.

Direct sunlight is no less an enemy for vinyl, so your collection should not be stored in a place where at least some part of the day can fall Intrusive sunlight.

The normal level of humidity in the room is also important: the place where You decide to install a holder with a collection of vinyl should always remain dry. So don't even think about keeping a vinyl collection in a garage or a wooden house. This will lead to the appearance of fungus and mold on the plates.