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

Often what I hear beneath my desire’s surface noise isn’t problematic, only human: the vulnerability in having a life tangled up with others.

From New York Times • Feb. 25, 2022

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

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

At this depth they are sheltered from surface noise and are five to ten times more sensitive to earth waves from bomb tests or earthquakes.

From Time Magazine Archive