Patricia Barber “Companion” Vinyl Record

Patricia Barber “Companion” vinyl record is an album for vinyl music collectors. Its nine-track programme is arranged across four record sides. The mixed playback speeds are the most important practical feature to note: when listening to the complete album, you will need to change your turntable’s speed setting before playing the final side.

A programme arranged across four sides

Side A contains three tracks: “The Beat Goes On”, “Use Me” and “You are my Sunshine”. This sequence allows you to listen to this part of the album without changing any turntable settings.

Side B features “Like JT”, “Let it Rain” and “Touch of Trash”. It plays at the same speed as Side A, so after turning the record over, you only need to select the other side and continue listening.

Side C contains “If This Isn’t Jazz” and “So What”. This side completes the part of the album played at a consistent speed. You can therefore listen to the first three sides without adjusting the turntable’s speed setting.

Side D is dedicated to “Black Magic Woman”. Before playing it, you must change the turntable speed. This is not an optional sound adjustment: using the wrong speed would alter both the tempo and pitch of the music.

Selecting the correct playback speed

Set your turntable to 33 rpm for Sides A, B and C. Select 45 rpm for Side D. Your turntable must support both operating speeds if you want to hear the entire programme as intended.

Speed controls vary between turntables. The setting may be changed with a switch or control, while some models require the drive belt to be moved. If your turntable uses belt repositioning, stop the platter before changing the speed and follow the turntable manufacturer’s instructions.

The key transition occurs between Sides C and D. Before continuing, check the side label and select the playback speed specified for that side.

Preparing the turntable

Before the first listening session, make sure the turntable is level. Set the stylus tracking force and anti-skating according to the instructions supplied by the manufacturers of your turntable and cartridge. These adjustments depend on the playback equipment, so the record itself does not specify separate values for them. Check that the stylus is clean and undamaged, and always hold the record by its edges when placing it on the platter.

Select the required side and speed before lowering the stylus. If the turntable has a cueing lever, use it to lower the tonearm gently at the beginning of the chosen track. When the side finishes, lift the stylus first or wait for the automatic mechanism to operate. You can then stop the platter and turn the record over.

Positioning in the room

Place the turntable on a firm, level and stable surface. Avoid positions that are easily affected by vibrations from footsteps, furniture or loudspeakers. Do not place the turntable directly on a vibrating speaker or immediately beside one. Leave enough free space around the record and tonearm for unrestricted movement and to allow the dust cover, if used, to open fully.

Connecting to an audio system

The correct connection method depends on the turntable and the rest of your audio system. If the turntable has a built-in phono preamplifier and is operating in line-output mode, connect it to a line-level input on an amplifier, active speakers or receiver. If there is no built-in phono preamplifier, use a compatible PHONO input or connect an external phono preamplifier before the system’s line-level input. If a grounding wire is supplied with the turntable, connect it as directed in the equipment instructions.

Stereo, home cinema and multi-room systems

In a traditional stereo system, connect the turntable to a suitable PHONO input or use an external phono preamplifier. The same principle applies to a home cinema receiver: choose a compatible PHONO input, or use an analogue line-level input after the signal has passed through a phono preamplifier. In a multi-room or multi-device system, transmitting the vinyl signal requires a system-compatible device with an analogue input. These capabilities depend on the audio system being used, not on the album.

Turntable compatibility

Playing the complete programme requires a vinyl record player that supports both 33 and 45 rpm operation. Any other audio-system components required will depend on your turntable and are neither a feature of this album nor part of its supplied contents.

Before purchasing, check for both the 33 rpm and 45 rpm settings rather than confirming only the more common 33 rpm mode. A turntable that supports just one of these speeds cannot play all four listed sides at the correct speed.

Listening and track-selection guidance

Use the Side A, B, C and D track lists to locate the recording you want to hear. No speed change is required when moving between the first three sides, but you should check the setting separately before playing Side D.

The four-sided arrangement means that the record must be turned over more often than with a programme occupying only one or two sides. It also divides the track selection clearly into four groups, making it straightforward to choose the appropriate side before locating an individual track.

Technical specifications

FAQ

What is the most important thing to check before buying?

Check that your turntable supports both 33 and 45 rpm playback. You should also confirm that you have a suitable PHONO input, or a phono preamplifier and line-level input, for the turntable’s signal.

Do the four sides precisely define the release format?

The four listed sides indicate a multi-disc vinyl configuration, but the available information does not describe the exact physical contents or packaging. Use the side listings to select tracks and the correct playback speed.

Which amplifier input should I use?

Connect a turntable without an integrated phono preamplifier to a compatible PHONO input or to an external phono preamplifier. Connect a line-level signal from the turntable or external phono preamplifier to a line-level input, following the instructions for your equipment.

Can I listen to the album through a home cinema or multi-room system?

Yes, provided that the system can accept a properly prepared turntable signal. A home cinema receiver may use a PHONO input or an analogue line-level input. A multi-room system requires a compatible device capable of accepting an analogue signal.

How do I find the track I want?

First select the correct side using the supplied track list. On the record surface, locate the beginning of the relevant recorded section by looking for the visible spaces between tracks. Check the required playback speed before lowering the stylus.