The Atom A-101 Vinyl Recorder

I recently acquired a 1980’s Atom A-101 vinyl recorder, which is a record cutting lathe built into a portable suitcase. It is small, convenient and produces great cuts even with its limitations. It cuts only in mono on 7” blanks. Over the last few weeks I have been doing rigorous test cuts in preparation for the first lathe cut release on spareorgan, a split release with my friends over at 56k Recordings (https://www.instagram.com/56k_recordings/), a split with Leading and the Simple Sabotage Field Manual. Although it started off a bit rocky, I have been able to dial in very nice cuts with low surface noise with a diamond cutter on PVC blanks. I have tried embossing on polycarbonate with subpar results. I have decided to continue with the diamond cutter on PVC, even though it is more costly. The machine itself produces some level of noise with the mechanics as the table moves instead of the armature like on some higher end record lathes. This is virtually unnoticeable while there is sound playing, but quiet parts you are able to hear it. For some reason getting irregular noise on clear blanks at the moment, so only cutting black. It just means more test cuts and experimenting.

Combining letterpress printing and lathe cut records has always been a dream of mine. The two go hand in hand so well in my opinion. Each completely unique and hand made. I am fortunate to be able to do everything now in-house. Hoping to someday offer these services to other artists looking to make one of a kind, limited edition releases.

More to come…