The slowest record speed is determined by the type of record. For example, 78 RPM records have the slowest recorded speed of any type of disc record. 78 RPM records are the oldest type of disc record, and the slowest speed they can play at is 78 revolutions per minute.
For vinyl records, which are the most popular type of disc record, the slowest recorded speed is 33 1/3 RPM. 45 RPM vinyl records also exist, which spin at 45 revolutions per minute. Tape cassettes have the slowest recorded speed of any type of record, at 4.
76 cm per second.
Was there ever a 16 rpm record?
Yes, there were 16 rpm records. They were used in the late 1940s and early 1950s as an alternative to 78 rpm records. They were primarily intended for use by educational institutions, radio stations, and voice recordings.
They were also used as an alternative to 33 rpm records, due to their longer recording times and higher fidelity. 16 rpm records typically need to be played on a special turntable, as the speed and pitch of the pitch will make them incompatible with standard turntables.
They generally have a deeper sound than 45 rpm and 78 rpm records, and are typically played at a lower pitch. A few record labels released albums on 16 rpm records, such as RCA and Columbia, but they were not widely adopted by the public at that time.
Today, the 16 rpm record is considered a rare collector’s item, sought after by those looking to complete their record collections.
What were 16 RPM records?
16 RPM records were a type of vinyl record format which was introduced in the late 1950s and remained popular until the late 1970s. They played at 16 revolutions per minute (RPM) and were designed to reduce the size of the records, with much smaller grooves than the 78 RPM records.
This allowed for more music to fit on the record and for them to be cheaper to manufacture.
16 RPM records were mainly used for spoken word recordings, such as language-teaching programs and educational documentaries, as well as background music for radio, film, and television soundtracks. They were also used for novelty records and children’s stories, such as those produced by Walt Disney.
Many 16 RPM records were also released as promotional items and as part of special series, like the famous Broadway show records and the Storytone discs that came with monitors of the same name. As the format faded in popularity during the late 1970s, manufacturers such as RCA and Columbia phased out the production of 16 RPM records.
A few independent companies continued to produce them until the early 1990s.
What RPM are old records?
Old records typically spin at 33 1/3 revolutions per minute (RPM). This was the speed that was chosen in 1948 as the standard playback speed for phonograph records, which had been previously released in a variety of speeds ranging from 75 to 160 RPM.
This standard playback speed became known as “LP speed,” named for “long playing” records that could play longer than the 78-RPM records that predated them. 45 RPM records were also introduced in 1949, and were meant for single hit songs or short-length albums.
78s made a brief comeback in some parts of the world due to their high playing volume, but have largely gone out of production. Today, 33 1/3 RPM is still the common playback speed for records, though some players are capable of playing at 45 RPM as well.
Is 16 RPM good?
It depends on what you’re using the 16 RPM for. Generally speaking, 16 RPM is considered a good speed for things like electric grinders, power drills, and some rotary tools. However, it would be too low of a speed for most power saws or heavy-duty tasks like sanding or buffing.
Depending on the specific tool and task at hand, 16 RPM might be too fast or too slow to get the job done well.
Are all 12-inch records 33 RPM?
No, all 12-inch records are not 33 RPM. 12-inch records can range in speed from 16 RPM all the way up to 78 RPM. The most common speed for a 12-inch record is 33 1/3 RPM, but 12-inch singles tend to be recorded at 45 RPM.
Additionally, some 12-inch records can also be as slow as 16 or 24 RPM, making them ideal for long ambient pieces or spoken word content. It’s important to note, however, that the actual speed can depend on the recording and the device used to play the record, so it’s helpful to have a variety of speeds available.
Why did records spin at 78 RPM?
Originally, records were only available in a few sizes, and most of them tended to spin at the same speed of 78 RPM (revolutions per minute). This was the most popular speed used by the phonograph industry since the late 19th century, and it made it easier to maintain a consistent speed from one record to the next.
Initially, 78 RPM was selected because it was the highest speed at which a phonograph could accurately reproduce sound. As technology advanced, faster speeds became available, but 78 RPM remained the most widely used because of its widespread popularity.
Additionally, music was typically composed and performed for a certain amount of time, so 78 RPM allowed for up to 3 minutes of sound per side, which was more than enough time for the popular songs of the era.
However, over time, songs began to outgrow the 78 RPM format, resulting in the introduction of 45 RPM records in the 1940s and then 33 RPM records (or “albums”), which provided more space for longer compositions.
Are most records 33 or 45?
Most records produced today are usually pressed in either 33 or 45 RPM, with 45 RPM typically being the most common. Most records in the 1950s through mid-1960s were originally pressed in 78 RPM. Records are primarily 8.
3 inches (21 cm) in diameter with smaller 7-inch (17 cm) and 12-inch (30 cm) records also widely available. They are generally made from a polyvinyl chloride compound, usually black colored with a glossy finish and are typically placed into paper sleeves and cardboard or plastic.
The 7-inch records were originally designed as a single for use in jukeboxes or for younger children. The 12-inch recordings were designed for DJ uses and used on larger turntables, which allowed them to have longer playing time.
Are most vinyls 33?
No, not all vinyls are 33. While vinyls released prior to the late 1950s were primarily 33 1/3 RPM, some other speeds have been used. 45 RPM records were released in the late 1940s and eventually became the standard speed for singles.
78 RPM discs were the first type of vinyl pressings to be mass-produced and were the standard until the late 1950s. Picture discs, novelty records and even 16 RPM discs have been released on occasion over the years.
Some recent special edition reissues have also featured vinyl pressings at 45, 45. 5 and even 48 RPM.
How do I know if my record is 33 45 or 78?
In order to know which type of record you have (33 45 or 78), you will need to look for coding or markings on the record itself. If your record does not have any coding or markings, a basic way to tell which type it is is by looking at the size.
A 33 RPM record will be 12 inches in diameter, a 45 RPM record will be 7 inches in diameter and a 78 RPM record will be 10 inches in diameter. You can also investigate by playing the record to see which speed sounds correct – while this is not a foolproof method, if the record sounds too slow or too fast, it is likely not the correct speed.
Additionally, you can look up information on the artist or the release date of the record to identify the speed.
Is 33 or 45 standard?
No, neither 33 nor 45 is a standard measurement or size. 33 and 45 are both arbitrary numbers, and depending on the context, they may take on different meaning. For example, 33 and 45 may refer to age, height, weight, or an angle measurement, but these numbers are not standard measurements.
Why are some records 33 and some 45?
The difference between 33 and 45 records is the speed in which they play. A 33 record rotates at 33 revolutions per minute (RPM), while a 45 record rotates at 45 RPM. The 45 RPM speed was introduced as a format that used smaller discs than the previous 12-inch 78 discs, allowing for longer playing time.
While 33 records often contain entire albums, 45 records usually only contain a single song or two. Since the warm sounds of vinyl have regained popularity for music collectors, many artists are choosing to release their music exclusively on 45 records, as well as limited-edition 7” 45s.
Are 45 rpm records still made?
Yes, 45 rpm records are still made. Although vinyl production has diminished in the age of streaming and downloads, it remains popular among music fans, DJs and collectors. Some independent record labels and artists continue to put out releases on 45s, while those looking to purchase classic records can find them through vintage music stores, online re-sellers and eBay.
Additionally, many record pressing plants have started offering 7” configuration services and particular companies exist solely for the purpose of providing 45 rpm records. So, for those that love the nostalgia of vinyl and 45s in particular, there’s still plenty of options to explore.
How can I tell what size a record is?
To tell what size a record is, there are a few factors to consider. First, you need to know the diameter of the record. The most common size for a record is 12 inches (30 cm), but there may be variations.
A 10-inch (25 cm) record is also common, as is a 7-inch (17 cm) single. To measure the diameter, you will need a ruler or measuring tape.
Once you have determined the diameter of the record, you will need to measure the thickness of the record. Common thicknesses range from 0. 007 inches (0. 17 mm) to 0. 040 inches (1. 0 mm). To measure the thickness, you will need to use a micrometer or caliper.
Next, you will need to know the speed at which the record will play. Most records are 33 1/3 rpm (revolutions per minute) or 45 rpm. A few records may be 78 rpm.
Finally, it’s important to note whether the record is a Long Playing (LP) record or an Extended Play (EP). LP records are usually thicker than EP records, due to the increased playing time of up to 30 minutes.
By measuring the diameter and thickness of a record and determining the playing speed and format, you can accurately determine the size of a record.
What is 45 vs 78 records?
45 vs 78 records refer to two different types of phonograph records. The 45 record, also known as a 7-inch record, is usually made of polyvinyl chloride plastic with a diameter of 7 inches. The 78 record, on the other hand, is a 10-inch shellac record.
Both vinyl and shellac records were widely used in the first half of the 20th century until the rise of cassette tapes, CDs, and digital streaming. The 45 record was used to play popular music and singles, while the 78 record was a shellac-based record which was perfect for playing classical music and longer, multi-movement compositions.
They also feature different speeds and playback times. 45 records typically rotate at 45 revolutions per minute (rpm), while 78 records rotate at 78 rpm. This also meant that 45 records could hold more information than 78 records, but the sound quality was slightly lower for 45s due to their smaller size and rapid speed.
Ultimately, the 45 record is a 7-inch vinyl single, while the 78 record is a 10-inch shellac single.
