Vinyl records are renowned for their warm, analog sound that cannot be replicated. However, they are also prone to producing some surface noise, notably the vinyl “crackle.”
There are various potential causes for the crackling sound produced when playing vinyl. The most common reason is wear and tear on the turntable stylus, which inevitably occurs over time. In other cases, the crackling noise could be made worse by dust and debris building up on the record.
In this guide, we’ll explore why vinyl records crackle and how you can reduce this sound if it’s distracting you from your music.
Why Do Vinyl Records Crackle?
Over a century since they were first created, vinyl records are as popular as ever.
One of the common drawbacks of records, in general, is that they produce a crackling sound that is almost always audible when you play them.
The “vinyl crackle” is also commonly referred to as surface noise, and several potential causes exist. Vinyl crackle can be an annoyance for listeners, but learning why it occurs may help minimize the negative impact on the listening experience.
Due to the nature of vinyl records and how turntables work, some surface noise is unavoidable. When vinyl records are manufactured, the groove is engraved into the plastic material, and the stylus can then track the shapes of the grooves to create an analog audio signal.
As the stylus, or needle as it is often called, rubs against the grooves, the friction causes a noise. The role of the needle is to track the vibrations and then convert them into soundwaves to be played back through speakers, but in this process, other imperfections, such as crackling sounds and hiss, are likely also to be picked up.
Furthermore, the vinyl record’s quality and condition also impact the crackling noise’s severity. Wear and tear will inevitably occur to a vinyl record over some time, and may result in a tinny or distorted sound.
Removing the record from the sleeve, placing it on the platter, and moving a needle through the grooves will degrade the condition to some extent, no matter how much care is taken. When dust builds up in the grooves, this can cause small scratches, resulting in the needle skipping slightly or the surface noise increasing.
Another common reason for the vinyl crackle sound is that the record player may need repair or maintenance. Uneven platters, worn-out needles, faulty tonearms, and poor-quality cables can all make crackling sounds worse when you listen to records on your turntable.
Is It Normal for Vinyl to Crackle?
In my experience, it’s possible to improve the sound of a record player through proper care and maintenance, but no matter how well you look after your gear, there is bound to be some crackling noise due to the nature of vinyl records.
It’s not out of the ordinary for records to produce a certain amount of noise. The surface noise may sound like crackling, hissing, or popping, but it’s all part and parcel of using a record player to listen to music.
In the modern day, we’ve become accustomed to listening to music on digital formats, like CDs, or, more recently, on streaming platforms. Digital formats don’t produce crackling or other surface noise – unless they’re deliberately included as part of the song production.
Therefore, when we hear the crackling sound of vinyl, it can be distracting and offputting. However, the older generations are likely to be more familiar with the sonic imperfections of vinyl records, as they experienced them before being introduced to digital formats.
If your record player is crackling, this doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with it, but if the noise becomes too intense, there are some things you can do to minimize it, which we’ll cover in the next section.
How Do I Stop My Vinyl Record From Crackling?
If you suspect that your record player is producing too much noise, whether it be crackling, hissing, or popping sounds, there are several measures you can take to combat this.
- It’s essential to clean your records regularly to remove any dirt, dust, or debris that may accumulate on the surface of your vinyl records. You can use a specific brush or cloth to clean records to wipe any dust off before playing them.
- Along with cleaning your records, it’s vital that you keep your turntables and other components free from dirt and dust. Again, use a soft cloth or brush to gently remove any debris from the turntable, as this will prevent the record from getting dirty.
- The condition of your stylus can also cause noise issues like crackling and hissing, so it’s essential to check it regularly and replace it when it becomes noticeably worn away. If dust has collected on the needle, remove it while taking great care not to damage it.
- Using a spirit level, check that your turntable isn’t wonky. If it is noticeably leaning to one side, this could cause more surface noise to be picked up by the needle.
- Take care when storing your records, and don’t pile them up on top of one another. This will put pressure on them, and vinyl is prone to warping if it is not treated with care. Storing the records on a rack vertically is the best method for preserving them.
If you’ve attempted the steps I’ve just suggested and your turntable is still producing excessive crackling noise, it may be time to upgrade some of your equipment. A turntable weight could be effective at reducing the amount of static produced by the device.
Using a subpar turntable, speakers, amplifier, or another component will increase the chance of poor sound quality from your record-playing system. No matter how well-maintained your record collection is, its sound quality will ultimately be limited if your equipment isn’t up to scratch.