Evolution of Sound Recording: From Phonograph to Studio
The Dawn of Sound Recording
In 1878, Alva Edison invented the phonograph, a device capable of recording and reproducing sound mechanically.
Early Recording Devices
The phonograph and the gramophone were the first devices capable of recording and reproducing sound.
In the case of the phonograph, many devices were placed in front of the performer in order to obtain the same number of copies as devices.
Using the gramophone, however, copies of discs could be manufactured. The original recording was done on a made covered in wax that could be later copied onto other discs.
The Rise of the Jukebox
The jukebox are machines that contain various recordings that, after inserting a coin, allowed a person to play a song.
Electrical Recording and Reproduction
The microphone collects the sound and converts it into electrical signals, the amplifier amplifies the voltage of the signals and the speaker transforms the sound.
Electrical recording and reproduction of sound also gave way to the invention of new devices: the record player and the tape recorder.
Record Players and Tape Recorders
The record player was invented when electricity was incorporated into the gramophone. It is comprised of a plate, where a disc can be inserted, a small electric motor that makes it turn, an arm with a reading needle, an amplifier and a speaker.
The tape recorder consisted of a magnetic tape, controls to play, stop, fast forward, rewind, record, as well as play heads and recording heads. The newest feature of the tape recorder was the ability to manipulate recorded sound: change the speed, erase, cut fragments and eliminate them.
The Cassette Tape and Stereo Systems
The cassette tape was invented, a small plastic case that contained magnetic tape that could be listened to on a new type of tape recorder.
The stereo system could record sound through two different channels.
Advanced Recording Techniques
Multitrack recording is a sound recording method that allowed multiple sound sources to be recorded separately and later compiled into one.
Sound mixing is the process of balancing and adjusting the sounds of different instruments. The final result of sound mixing is the master recording.
The Studio Environment
Studio recordings offered a much different musical perspective than live performances. The sound and the atmosphere achieved in the studio would become an important part of music production.
The Role of the Producer
A producer is a professional in charge of coordinating and directing the whole process of recording an album. The job of a producer includes: choosing the sound engineer, mixer…
Electrophonic Instruments
Electrophonic instruments are instruments that create or modify sound based on electrical circuits.
Electric and Electronic Instruments
Electric instruments: sound is produced mechanically and is amplified electronically.
Electronic instruments: sound is produced, created and amplified electronically by an oscillator. The instruments that belong to this category can produce a large variety of timbres and sound registers.
Effects Processors
Effects processors transform the timbre of the original signal from an electric instruments. Originally designed for the electric guitar, stomp boxes are pedals placed on the floor, connected to an instrument and the amplifier, and can be hooked up to others to modify the timbre of the signals.