Mechanical sound recording

Mechanical sound recording involves capturing sound waves physically onto a medium through direct contact. This process typically uses a diaphragm that vibrates with sound, which then transfers those vibrations onto a surface like a wax or metal disc, or a groove in a vinyl record. The vibrations create physical indentations or modifications that mirror the original sound wave. When played back, a stylus or needle follows these grooves, causing the diaphragm to vibrate and reproduce the sound. This method was common before electronic recording and relies entirely on the physical imprint of sound, making it a foundational technology in audio recording history.