Has anyone tried using a high-resolution USB microscope connected to their PC for inspecting and documenting scratches or other damage on vinyl records? I'm curious if this could be a useful tool for identifying problem areas before attempting repairs. Any recommendations for a specific model that works well for this purpose?
It was great while it worked but after a few months the computer stopped recognizing it. I'm not sure what went wrong but when I plug it in - nothing happens.
While it was working, it was great! I could see all the runouts and any marks on the vinyl and even could take a picture of it.
Yeah, well... good luck in acually "repairing" vinyl scratches, etc. In the formula of possible positive outcomes and factoring in how much of your valuable, limited time you have on earth... probably not worth it. But do what you wanna do! No offense intended at all! I really just wanted to say, what has been noted a bit already, that these USB microscopes are abso-fucking-lutely fantastic for looking at runouts and other fine details!! And photographing them, as also already mentioned. Everybody's different, but if you're tuned to do it, and use it to document runouts without doubt, or anything else, a USB microscope is MUY BUENO!
MojoSpoonful
Yeah, well... good luck in acually "repairing" vinyl scratches, etc.
Def not easy and risk free and only really possible on small scratches and only worth it if the scratch causes a repeating skip. What can be done is to "repair" a repeating skip scratch into a skip forward so you can listen to the record straight through. Sometimes you might even be able to remove a skip but you'd still get a noticeable pop. Rather than repairing, you're really gently manipulating the damaged groove to make it less problematic for playback. And even this is only really possible if the scratch only really effects one, maybe two, rotations. Plus there's a good chance that your "repair", even if successful, will only be temporary.
I've seen it done. But it requires a good eye, a steady hand and strong nerves, I'm not sure I have any of those, so have been a bit scared to try myself!
But it of the USB microscope's usefulness, even if you didn't want to risk repairing, at the very least you will be able to clearly discern between groove damage and dirt and grit stuck in the grooves. So might be worth it for doing that.
My eyesight is getting worse as I get older and I have a dickens of a time reading deadwax. One of these gadgets may come handy for that and locating what I call occult scratches( I mean this in the context of hidden not witchcraft). I've seen so many records that are visually almost perfect but when I play them they skip and stick. Thanks for the tips
gmos
MojoSpoonfulYeah, well... good luck in acually "repairing" vinyl scratches, etc.
Def not easy and risk free and only really possible on small scratches and only worth it if the scratch causes a repeating skip. What can be done is to "repair" a repeating skip scratch into a skip forward so you can listen to the record straight through. Sometimes you might even be able to remove a skip but you'd still get a noticeable pop. Rather than repairing, you're really gently manipulating the damaged groove to make it less problematic for playback. And even this is only really possible if the scratch only really effects one, maybe two, rotations. Plus there's a good chance that your "repair", even if successful, will only be temporary.
I've seen it done. But it requires a good eye, a steady hand and strong nerves, I'm not sure I have any of those, so have been a bit scared to try myself!
But it of the USB microscope's usefulness, even if you didn't want to risk repairing, at the very least you will be able to clearly discern between groove damage and dirt and grit stuck in the grooves. So might be worth it for doing that.
Indeed! I've seen a few videos of folks attempting minor skip-fixes with toothpicks and needles.
Never thought of being able to see dirt & grit stuck in the grooves!
