Recording 78 rpm records
PLEASE NOTE: THIS PAGE IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION
Introduction
Notes for section:
- Ideally use a TT with 78rpm and adjustable speed - though can use lower speed dunbbing.
- Use a proper 78 stylus - see below - may need a separate headshell/cartridge.
- Clean your records.
- Processing to remove noise - and review results.
- Export to WAV/MP3 in the normal way.
Use a special Stylus for 78rpm records
Note that you should not use a normal stylus (needle) to play 78's. The grooves on a 78 are significantly larger than the grooves on an LP and the normal stylus will bottom out in the grooves. This will result in noisier transfers and could potentially damage your stylus. Check the web site or manual for your turntable to see if the manufacturer supplies a special 78 rpm stylus or cartridge. If not, search the web for "78 rpm stylus".
78s may hiss if you use the wrong stylus. The hiss comes when the narrow "long play" 33-1/3 stylus will rest on the floor of the 78 groove. The wider 78 stylus will rest on the vibrations in the wall of the groove which is much quieter and more accurate. You can only get a very bad approximation of the 78 music by using the wrong stylus. On loud passages, a narrower stylus designed for vinyl will bounce around the groove like shaking a penny in a tin cup.
Not only will you get a bad recording if you use the wrong stylus - you are also likely to damage your stylus and possibly the cartridge.
Use a spare headshell
The safest way to swap bewtween stylus types (if you are doing this often) is to use a separate headshell and cartridge. This way you will not be continually swapping the stylus on your cartridge - a risky procedure.
