Whether you're new to collecting records or have been buying vinyl for years, there are plenty of terms to get your head around. From LPs and 7-inch singles to coloured vinyl, picture discs and different types of pressings, our vinyl glossary explains some of the most common vinyl terminology.

A

Album

An album is a collection of recorded music released as a complete body of work. On vinyl, an album is commonly released as an LP, although longer albums may be spread across two or more records.

Analogue

Analogue describes a method of recording and reproducing sound as a continuous signal. Vinyl is an analogue physical format, although modern vinyl releases can be produced from audio that was originally recorded digitally.

B

Black Vinyl

Black vinyl is the traditional form of vinyl record, made using black PVC. It remains the standard format for many albums and singles, alongside an increasingly wide range of coloured and special-edition pressings.

Box Set

A vinyl box set brings multiple records together in one collection. Box sets might feature a complete album series, a collection of singles, an artist's catalogue or an expanded edition of a classic album. They can also include extras such as booklets, posters, photographs and other memorabilia.

C

Catalogue Number

A catalogue number is a unique reference assigned to a release by a record label. It can be useful when identifying a particular pressing or edition of a record.

Coloured Vinyl

Coloured vinyl is a record pressed in a colour other than traditional black. Releases can feature solid colours, transparent vinyl, marble effects, splatter effects, swirls and other designs. Coloured vinyl is particularly popular for limited editions and exclusive releases.

Compilation

A compilation is an album that brings together tracks from one or more artists. Greatest hits, best-of collections and label samplers are common examples of compilation albums.

D

Direct-to-Disc

A direct-to-disc recording is made by cutting the audio directly to a master disc during the performance, rather than recording and mixing the music separately before creating a master.

Double LP / 2LP

A double LP, often written as 2LP, contains two vinyl records. Longer albums, deluxe editions and releases containing additional tracks are often issued as 2LPs.

E

EP

EP stands for Extended Play. An EP is generally longer than a single but shorter than a full-length album. EPs can be released on 7-inch, 10-inch or 12-inch vinyl.

Exclusive

A vinyl exclusive is a release or edition available through a particular retailer, record label, artist or selected group of retailers. Exclusive editions may feature alternative artwork, coloured vinyl, bonus content or other unique features.

G

Gatefold

A gatefold sleeve opens out like a book, providing additional space for artwork, photographs, lyrics and other information. Gatefold packaging is particularly common for double LPs and special editions.

Gram / Vinyl Weight

Vinyl records are sometimes described by their weight in grams. You may see terms such as 140g or 180g vinyl used to describe the weight of a record.

Heavier vinyl is often associated with premium editions, although the weight of a record alone does not determine its sound quality.

L

Limited Edition

A limited edition is a release produced in a restricted quantity or made available for a limited period. Limited-edition vinyl can feature exclusive colours, artwork, packaging or bonus content.

LP

LP stands for Long Play. The term traditionally refers to a 12-inch vinyl record designed to hold more music than a single. Today, LP is commonly used to describe a full-length album on vinyl.

M

Master

A master is the source recording used to create a vinyl release. The quality and preparation of the master can have an important influence on the finished record.

Mono

Mono, short for monaural, means that audio is presented through a single channel. Many older recordings were originally released in mono before stereo became more widespread.

Multicoloured Vinyl

Multicoloured vinyl uses more than one colour or visual effect within the record itself. Marble, swirl, splatter and split-colour pressings are examples.

P

Picture Disc

A picture disc is a vinyl record featuring an image or artwork incorporated into the surface of the record. Picture discs are often produced as collector's editions and can be particularly striking when displayed.

Pressing

A pressing refers to a particular production run of a vinyl record. The same album may have multiple pressings released at different times, sometimes with differences in mastering, artwork, catalogue number or vinyl colour.

Pressing Plant

A pressing plant is the facility where vinyl records are manufactured. The process involves creating stampers from a master and using them to press the grooves into the vinyl.

R

Record Store Day

Record Store Day is an annual event celebrating independent record shops and physical music. It is known for special releases, limited-edition vinyl and exclusive pressings made available through participating record shops.

Reissue

A reissue is a record released again after its original release. Reissues can reproduce the original album or introduce new mastering, artwork, bonus tracks, coloured vinyl or other features.

Remaster

A remaster is a new version of an existing recording created by working from the original master or another suitable source. A remastered vinyl release may feature updated audio mastering while retaining the original album's music.

RPM

RPM stands for revolutions per minute and describes how quickly a vinyl record rotates on a turntable. Common speeds include 33⅓ RPM, 45 RPM and 78 RPM.

S

7-Inch Single

A 7-inch single is a small vinyl record traditionally used to release individual songs. A standard 7-inch single commonly plays at 45 RPM and may contain one track on each side.

10-Inch Vinyl

A 10-inch record sits between a 7-inch single and a 12-inch record in size. It is used for singles, EPs, special editions and other releases.

12-Inch Vinyl

A 12-inch record is the standard size associated with LPs and is also widely used for singles, particularly in dance and electronic music. A 12-inch record offers more space for music and artwork than a 7-inch single.

Single

A single is a release focused on one or more individual tracks rather than a full-length album. Vinyl singles are commonly released as 7-inch or 12-inch records, although 10-inch singles are also available.

Splatter Vinyl

Splatter vinyl features contrasting flecks or spots of colour across the record, creating a paint-splattered appearance. It is a popular design for limited and collectible vinyl pressings.

Stereo

Stereo audio uses two channels, typically left and right, to create a sense of space and separation between sounds. Stereo became increasingly common on vinyl during the second half of the 20th century.

Signed Vinyl

A signed vinyl release is a record that has been autographed by the artist. Depending on the edition, the signature may appear on the album sleeve, an insert, an art card or another part of the packaging.

T

Test Pressing

A test pressing is an early, small production run used to check a record before a full pressing is manufactured. Test pressings are generally produced in very limited quantities and can be highly sought after by collectors.

Turntable

A turntable is equipment used to play vinyl records. A typical setup includes a platter, tonearm, cartridge and stylus, with the turntable connected to suitable amplification and speakers.

V

Vinyl

Vinyl is the material commonly used to manufacture phonograph records. The term “vinyl” is also widely used to refer to records themselves.

Vinyl LP

A vinyl LP is a long-playing 12-inch record, usually containing a full-length album. Albums can also be released as 2LP, 3LP and larger multi-record editions when additional space is required.

Vinyl Pressing

A vinyl pressing is a specific manufacturing run of a record. Different pressings of the same album can vary in colour, mastering, packaging, catalogue number and other details.

Z

Zoetrope

A zoetrope record is a type of picture disc designed with a series of images that create an animation-like effect when the record spins under the right conditions. These releases are popular as collectible and visually distinctive vinyl editions.

Vinyl Formats Explained

Not sure about the difference between a 7-inch single, 10-inch record and 12-inch LP? Here's a quick guide.

7-inch: A popular format for singles and shorter releases.

10-inch: A less common format used for singles, EPs and special editions.

12-inch: The standard format for LP albums and also widely used for singles, particularly in dance and electronic music.

2LP, 3LP and 4LP: Releases containing two, three or four vinyl records, often used for longer albums, deluxe editions, compilations and box sets.

Vinyl Box Set: A collection of multiple records packaged together, often with additional collector's content.

What Is the Difference Between an LP and a Single?

The main difference is the amount of music and the format's traditional purpose. An LP, or Long Play record, is generally a full-length album, while a single is centred around one main track or a small number of tracks.

Singles are commonly released on 7-inch vinyl, although 10-inch and 12-inch singles are also available. LPs are usually 12-inch records.

What Is Coloured Vinyl?

Coloured vinyl is any record pressed in a colour or visual effect other than standard black vinyl. Popular variants include clear, red, blue, pink, green, marble, splatter and swirl vinyl.

Coloured vinyl is particularly popular for limited editions, anniversary releases and retailer exclusives. Releases can also combine multiple colours or effects to create unique pressings.

What Is a Picture Disc?

A picture disc is a vinyl record featuring artwork or an image as part of its design. Picture discs are often made as special or collectible editions and can be a striking addition to a vinyl collection.

What Does 180g Vinyl Mean?

180g vinyl refers to the approximate weight of the record itself. It is often used for premium or heavyweight editions.

However, a heavier record does not automatically mean better sound quality. Mastering, pressing quality, the source recording and playback equipment can all have a significant impact on how a record sounds.

What Is a Vinyl Pressing?

A vinyl pressing is a particular production run of a record. An album can have multiple pressings, including its original pressing, later reissues and special editions.

Different pressings may have different catalogue numbers, artwork, mastering, packaging or vinyl colours, making pressing information particularly useful to collectors.

What Is a Reissue?

A reissue is a record that has been released again after its original release. Reissues are common for classic albums and can give new listeners the opportunity to own music that may have been unavailable on vinyl for many years.

Some reissues simply reproduce the original release, while others feature remastered audio, bonus tracks, new artwork or special packaging.

Start or Grow Your Vinyl Collection

Whether you're looking for a new release, a classic album, a limited-edition pressing or a collectible picture disc, understanding vinyl terminology can make choosing your next record a little easier.

Explore the latest vinyl LPs, singles, coloured vinyl, picture discs, box sets and exclusive editions at Recordstore.

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