How to Master Vinyl: Sony partners with former Ministry of Sound DJ to reveal top tips for vinyl enthusiasts

For many music fans, vinyl is the ultimate way to enjoy high-quality sound complimented by beautiful artwork. However, for some the mere thought of using a turntable can be incredibly daunting.

To celebrate the release of the new Bluetooth PS-LX310BT Turntable, Sony has partnered with former Ministry of Sound DJ and Vinyl Expert, D.A.V.E to reveal top tips for getting started with vinyl. “I’ve been DJing for over 26 years and have learnt a lot of tricks along the way when it comes to working with vinyl. I know that it can feel intimidating for beginners so it’s great that the new Sony Turntable is so simple to use. I hope my tips encourage those who are new to vinyl to explore the amazing quality of music it offers.”

D.A.V.E’s top tips are:

– It starts with the vinyl…
If you want your turntable to produce good quality sound, you need to make sure your records are well looked after. When removing, loading and putting the vinyl back in its sleeve, always use the edge and/or label of the record. Avoid touching the playable area, as the oils from your fingers can collect dust, this can then go into the grooves and eventually give you ‘noise’ during playback.

– Control static noise
Static is the noise you hear when placing the needle down on your record, however, removing it will greatly improve the sound quality. There are different ways to remove static, you can buy products that omit ions or you can wet clean the needle. If you’re new to vinyl and nervous about handling the needle, the PS-LX310BT Turntable is a great choice, as you simply hit play and the needle will automatically lower, delivering rich and clear sound.

– Do your due diligence when purchasing records
Be careful of the condition of not only the record but the sleeve/artwork as well. Double check everything e.g. serial numbers etc. When buying classics decide whether or not you go for an original or repressed version. The repressed version will probably be in better condition, but if you do want to buy the original, listen to it first. You don’t want to buy a scratched record, no matter how iconic it is.

– Try wireless
One of the things many music fans enjoy is the comfort of immersing themselves in their tunes with a pair of headphones, which is something you can do with the new Sony Turntable. Its Bluetooth capabilities mean you can listen to your favourite songs wirelessly which is especially handy if you live in shared accommodation or flats, as you can experience warm vinyl sound without waking the neighbours up!

– Curate your own collection
The beauty of vinyl is that each record tells a different story and the artwork is often as valuable as the record inside. There are many ways to start a collection, I personally like to follow record labels. They will often have a good back catalogue to check out, new releases and maybe even limited editions.