surface noise

American  

noun

Audio.

1. extraneous noise caused by physical wear or a physical flaw on a phonograph record or in a pickup system, rather than by a flaw in the equipment.

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surface noise British  

noun

1. noise produced by the friction of the needle or stylus of a record player with the rotating record, caused by a static charge, dust, or irregularities on the surface of a record

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Etymology

Origin of surface noise

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

Galvanized by sound in yawning subterranean caverns, she made her calling “deep listening” as a way to overcome the world’s ever-increasing surface noise.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 5, 2025

I treasured wear-and-tear; trusted damage and distress; and savored the authenticity of tape hiss and surface noise.

From Washington Post • Jul. 7, 2021

The static of the radios, like surface noise from an old LP, added to the melancholy, as did the juxtaposition of their scratchy faintness and Mr. Herbert’s hearty yet poignantly isolated presence.

From New York Times • Dec. 23, 2012

One hopes that as well as enjoying Kid Koala's startling rhythms, breaks and surface noise, his followers may want to get into the crates themselves to dig out some gems.

From The Guardian • Oct. 5, 2012

The high-fidelity cellophane record, which costs only 50� per hour's recording to make, emits almost no surface noise, can be played thousands of times.

From Time Magazine Archive