Definition

Noun: A type of phonograph cartridge in which an output voltage is produced by the mechanical vibration of a piezoelectric crystal. This voltage corresponds to the audio signal encoded in the grooves of a vinyl record.

Usage

The term "crystal pickup" specifically refers to the component in a record player that converts physical vibrations into an electrical signal. * Early phonographs often used a crystal pickup for its simplicity and low cost. * The sound quality from a crystal pickup is different from that of a magnetic cartridge. * He replaced the worn stylus on the crystal pickup.

Advanced Usage

• Technical Context: In audio engineering, a crystal pickup is known for its high output voltage but may have limitations in frequency response and tracking ability compared to modern moving magnet or moving coil designs. Its performance can be affected by temperature and humidity.
• Historical Context: The crystal pickup was a common and affordable component in mid-20th century record players, contributing to the widespread adoption of home audio entertainment.

Variants and Related Words

• Ceramic Pickup (n): A later, more stable evolution of the crystal pickup, using a man-made piezoelectric ceramic element instead of a natural crystal like Rochelle salt.
• Cartridge (n): The general term for the component that holds the stylus and generates the signal from a record groove. A crystal pickup is one type of cartridge.
• Piezoelectric (adj): Relating to the property of certain materials (like crystals or ceramics) to generate an electric charge in response to applied mechanical stress, which is the operating principle of a crystal pickup.

Synonyms

• Piezoelectric pickup: A more technical synonym that describes the operating principle.
• Crystal cartridge: A nearly interchangeable term, though "cartridge" is the broader category.

Related Phrases

• Phonograph pickup: A general phrase for any device that "picks up" sound from a record.
• Record player cartridge: A common descriptive phrase for the component.

Noun

1. a cartridge in which an output voltage is produced by the vibration of a piezoelectric crystal