Some Problems of Disk Recording

The general trend of recent statistics indicates that recordings have become more and more important in the radio Ind home-entertainment field. It is therefore timely to investigate the present status of the art. It is shown that the lack of standardization in the recording characteristics of commercial shellac pressings makes it rather difficult to provide correct equalization for playback. A compromise equalization is suggested. It is also pointed out that new lightweight pickups with their permanent jewel styluses do not require the abrasive surfaces which are provided in present shellac pressings. Considerable improvement can be expected with respect to the signal-to-noise ratio of recordings if the general use of lightweight pickups makes it possible to use better disk materials. Vertical versus lateral recording is briefly discussed, and it is pointed out that even for transcription work the likelihood is that lateral recording will regain its predominance. The almost complete lack of standardization in the field of instantaneous recording is shown. Some general problems in the field of disk recording are discussed and considerations entering into the design of a cutter are outlined. Since the art of instantaneous recording has just begun to develop, new recording materials will have to be investigated in order to cut the price to the point where direct recording can enter the home-entertainment field. The relative merits of different methods of regulating the depth of cut are discussed. The requirements for matching a cutter to an amplifier for different frequency characteristics of cut are also explained.