Stories, know-how and listening notes from the world of vinyl.
3345Numbered vinyl editions: handwritten, stickered or foil-stamped
Discover handwritten, stickered and foil-stamped vinyl numbering: how each works and what to plan for a limited edition.
3345Test pressings: what to check and what happens if something is wrong
Test pressings let you review the record before production. Learn what to listen for, how to report faults and who pays for…
3345Custom Color Vinyl
Beyond Black: The Ultimate Guide to Custom Color Vinyl Vinyl is a deeply visual medium, and the presentation doesn’t stop at the…
3345The Speed of Sound: 33 ⅓ vs 45 RPM Explained
When deciding how to press your music, playback speed is a critical technical factor. The choice between 33 vs 45 rpm vinyl dictates not…
3345The Heavyweight Debate: 140g vs 180g Vinyl Explained
When planning your release, one of the first manufacturing decisions you will face is choosing the weight of your records. The debate…
3345The Mechanics and Economics of Short Run Vinyl Pressing
For independent artists, pressing a small batch of records (100 to 250 units) seems like a simple request. However, from a manufacturing…
3345Designing for Vinyl: The Essential Guide to Record Artwork and Packaging
Vinyl artwork needs more than a cover image. Prepare sleeves, labels and inserts using the correct templates, resolution and bleed. Designing vinyl…
3345The Blueprint of Your Record: Why a Cue Sheet is Essential for Vinyl Pressing
Pressing your music to vinyl is a massive milestone. But before the lacquer is cut and the presses start rolling, there is…
3345Democratizing Vinyl: Hanaton Introduces an In-House Crowdfunding Platform for Independent Artists
Vinyl crowdfunding lets listeners help bring a release to life. Explore how Hanaton campaigns connect demand, production and delivery. The vinyl resurgence…
3345The Secret to Perfect Sound: Why a Dedicated Vinyl Master is Essential
Vinyl mastering prepares your music for the physical limits of a groove. Learn why a streaming master may need a different approach…
3345Resurrecting the Groove: The Story of Hanaton and the Legacy of the Dorog Press
Hanaton record pressing grew from musicians’ experience and Hungary’s pressing heritage. Discover the people and ideas behind the plant. The global resurgence…
3345The Heart of Your Setup: Understanding Turntable Stylus Shapes
Turntable stylus shapes affect groove contact and playback. Compare conical, elliptical, MicroLine and Shibata profiles and their practical differences. Pressing a flawless,…
Barázda magazinFitting and aligning a cartridge on a headshell
Cartridge alignment starts with careful mounting and wiring. Learn how overhang and geometry help your stylus follow the record groove. A new…
Barázda magazinSetting tracking force, step by step
You have unpacked your new turntable, perhaps an Audio-Technica AT-LP5X, and reached the part of the instructions about balancing the tonearm. The…
Barázda magazinChoosing an Audio-Technica turntable
Choosing an Audio-Technica turntable is easier when you separate the features that matter to your listening habits: automatic or manual operation, belt…
Barázda magazinMM or MC: choosing a cartridge for your system
MM or MC cartridge? Compare output level, phono stage requirements, stylus replacement and practical differences before choosing. The cartridge is a small…
Barázda magazinWhen should you replace your turntable stylus?
A worn turntable stylus can affect playback and record wear. Learn the warning signs and how to check replacement compatibility. The stylus…
Barázda magazinBelt drive or direct drive: what changes?
Belt drive or direct drive? It is one of the first questions people encounter when buying a turntable. Both systems can play…
Barázda magazinCleaning records at home: a practical routine
Cleaning records removes dust and residue from the grooves. Follow a practical routine for handling, wet cleaning, drying and storage. Crackles, pops…