If you love your vinyl, then you’ll be fascinated by the newly-launched Record Factory, which lets you cut and play your own records.
That’s right. Cutting vinyl is no longer the preserve of record labels and people with ridiculous amounts of money to spend on expensive kit. But there is a concession to be made. This isn’t your everyday vinyl.
The PO-80 Record Factory is a compact, portable and distinctly retro record cutter, which has been made in collaboration with Yuri Suzuki. It looks like the ‘suitcase’ record players of days gone by, and that’s likely the point. Retro sells, just as vinyl does.
But the technology is anything but old school. This clever little device allows you to engrave and playback 5-inch discs with ‘ultra-analog lo-fi sound’. All you have to do is plug in any audio device to the 3.5 mm audio input and cut your own record in an instant. That’s it.
Of course, the sound isn’t going to be up there with your expensive vinyl (although there is a mastering tool), and the discs don’t play on regular turntables. You play the discs via the internal speaker, or you can connect an external speaker through the 3.5 mm audio plug.
On top of there’s, you can pick up a custom bag and, of course, some spare discs, which at £20 for 10 aren’t as expensive as you might have thought. You can also create your own records from tunes you’ve created from Teenage Engineering’s wonderful pocket synths too. Just plug in and keep your masterpiece forever.
Want one? I know I do. sadly, the initial batch has sold out, but you can sign up to be notified when the stock becomes available. If you want one, the price is £149, which includes six discs to start you off.
