When recording specifically for vinyl records the low frequencies are suppressed and in order to achieve an even linear frequency response at reproduction they need to be suitably raised. This requires the cartridge to be connected to a preamplifier for frequency correction.

Low frequency suppression in audio recording is required for limiting the information per unit recording area. Without limiting the low frequency amplitudes the width of the grooves and their separation will become too big. In addition the nonlinear distortion will increase and the signal to noise ratio for high frequencies will worsen.