Vinyl Records RPM

Initial records were created to run at 78 rpm (revolutions per minute) but were outstripped in quality by the subsequent 33 rpm and 45 rpm versions. These newer records were more flexible than their predecessor, and could not be broken under normal use. At fist, all records were mono, but when the high-quality, expensive reel-to-reel tape devices where introduced in 1955 in stereo sound, the recording industry scrambled to find a way to incorporate stereo into LP records. They succeeded two years later, and the public warily accepted the new LP format.

Common Formats
12" 33 rpm long-playing (commonly referred to as LP) format

7" 45 rpm format, called "singles"

Less Common Formats
12" 45 rpm extended-playing 12-inch (30 cm) single, Maxi Single and EP format

10" 33 rpm long-playing (LP) format

10" 45 rpm extended-playing (EP) format

7" 33 rpm extended-playing (EP) format

16 rpm format for voice recording

When first audiotape and then compact disk technology was introduced, it seemed the life of the vinyl record was nearing an end. It seemed natural selection would win out, as the increased portability and, in the case of CD formats, higher quality sound, would relegate the vinyl to the trash heap. However, many of today's consumers grew up with vinyl LP records and swear by them. New advancements in turntable technology, such as lasers replacing the diamond-tipped stylus, will help to preserve those records that still exist, hopefully keeping the vinyl love affair going strong for years to come.

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