Eliminating Hum in Vinyl Records: Tips and Solutions for Recording and Storage

Audio enthusiasts often face a common issue when converting vinyl records to digital formats, particularly prominent hum. The hum can be concerning, especially for such audiophiles who are serious about sound quality. This article addresses some of the most common causes of hum when recording vinyl and provides useful tips and solutions for eliminating it.

Common Causes of Hum When Recording Vinyl

The problem might arise from various sources - many times it could be a simple fix, such as cleaning the connections with DEOXIT D5 or swapping faulty cables. However, in some cases, it might necessitate a more thorough investigation of the system and even a potential hardware issue.

Common Fixes

Cable Check: Start with the basics. If you are experiencing hum, the first step is to clean all your connections with DEOXIT D5. It's also advisable to check if any of your cables or power cords are broken. Sometimes, it could be as simple as swapping out a faulty cable. Signal Path: Check the signal path from your turntable to your phono amp and then to your computer. If the hum started after connecting the computer, this might indicate a problem with your computer interface or a grounding issue. Single Source Power: Ensure that your turntable, pre-amp, and integrated amplifier share the same power source. Moving power transformers and converters away from the turntable and preamp may reduce the hum from strong magnetic fields.

The Problem with Flash Drives

While it might be tempting to store your recordings on flash drives due to their portability, they are not suited for long-term music storage. Given modern technology, using a dedicated music server is a more viable and cost-effective solution. The MyBook by Western Digital (WD), with its 8TB storage option, is a prime example. The cost of an 8TB flash drive can be prohibitive, making a dedicated server the better choice.

Why Dedicated Music Server?

A dedicated music server, such as the WD MyBook, offers several advantages over flash drives, including better performance, reliability, and scalability. Additionally, it ensures that your valuable audio files are preserved for a long time. You will need to invest in software or a built server, but it will be worth it for the peace of mind and the longevity of your audio collection.

Hum in Recorded Tracks Only

When the hum is heard exclusively on recorded tracks, it often points towards a recording device issue rather than the playback system. To identify whether the issue lies in the recording device, you can try recording the same tracks on a different device and see if the hum persists. If it does, the problem lies within the recording setup.

Common Recording Setup Issues

Corerecording Device: Ensure that no AIFF or Apple Lossless files are being used as they may not be supported by all devices. Quality Connections: Use good quality cables and make sure all connections are properly matched. Clean Headshells: If your player has detachable headshells, check if the contacts are clean. Clean contacts can significantly improve sound quality.

Conclusion

Eliminating hum in vinyl records requires a systematic approach to troubleshooting. From basic cable checks to checking the signal path, grounding issues, and signal sources, there are several steps you can take to resolve the hum. If you encounter persistent hum, especially in the recorded tracks, it is best to investigate the recording device and potentially seek professional help.

For long-term storage and reliable playback, a dedicated music server is the recommended solution. Investing in the right technology will not only preserve your audio collection but also ensure that it remains accessible and plays without issue for years to come.