Word: Crystal Pickup
Part of Speech: Noun
Definition: A crystal pickup is a type of device used in turntables and other audio equipment. It contains a piezoelectric crystal that produces an electrical signal when it vibrates. This vibration happens when the needle of the turntable moves over the grooves of a vinyl record, allowing you to hear the music.
Usage Instructions:
You typically find a crystal pickup in older audio equipment, especially those that play vinyl records.
When you set up a turntable, you will need to install the crystal pickup so that it can capture the sound from the record.
Example Sentence:
Advanced Usage:
Crystal pickups are often compared to other types of pickups, like magnetic pickups, which work differently. Audiophiles (people who really care about sound quality) might choose a crystal pickup for its unique sound characteristics.
Word Variants:
Crystal Pickup Cartridge: This is another term that emphasizes the component of the device that holds the crystal.
Piezoelectric: This is the type of crystal used in the pickup. "Piezo" refers to pressure, and "electric" refers to electricity, indicating how the crystal generates electric signals from mechanical vibrations.
Different Meanings:
In a broader context, "pickup" can refer to various types of devices that capture or gather something, but in music, it specifically refers to devices that capture sound.
Synonyms:
Phono Cartridge: This is a common synonym for a crystal pickup and refers to the same function in audio equipment.
Transducer: A more technical term that can refer to any device that converts one form of energy to another, including sound to electrical signals.
Related Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:
Pick up on (something): To notice or understand something, often used in a context different from audio equipment. For example, "She picked up on the subtle hints in his speech."
Pick up the pieces: To recover from a difficult situation, which is a metaphorical use of the word "pick up."
Conclusion:
A crystal pickup is an essential part of playing vinyl records, helping to convert the physical grooves of the record into sound that you can hear.