History of History of Technology in Technology in

Music ProductionMusic ProductionIn the beginning…………In the beginning…………

……The PhonographThe Phonograph 1877 - Edison made the 1877 - Edison made the

first recording of a first recording of a human voice ("Mary had human voice ("Mary had a little lamb") on the a little lamb") on the first phonograph Dec. 6 first phonograph Dec. 6 and filed for an and filed for an American patent Dec. American patent Dec. 24. He was granted the 24. He was granted the patent on Feb. 19, 1878. patent on Feb. 19, 1878. The phonograph used The phonograph used cylinders wrapped with cylinders wrapped with tin foil and had a 2-3 tin foil and had a 2-3 minute capacity.minute capacity.

The GraphophoneThe Graphophone The Edison tin foil phonograph was The Edison tin foil phonograph was

obtained from Edison in 1879 by obtained from Edison in 1879 by Gardiner G. Hubbard and given to Gardiner G. Hubbard and given to Alexander Graham Bell for the Alexander Graham Bell for the purpose of improving the purpose of improving the phonograph. After two years of phonograph. After two years of experiments, Bell and Charles experiments, Bell and Charles Tainter sealed this machine and Tainter sealed this machine and called it a "graphophone" .called it a "graphophone" .

The graphophone pictured is one of The graphophone pictured is one of the first practical devices developed the first practical devices developed at the Volta Laboratory Dec. 4, at the Volta Laboratory Dec. 4, 1885 by Charles Sumner Tainter, 1885 by Charles Sumner Tainter, based on his patent #341,288 based on his patent #341,288 granted May 4, 1886, and granted May 4, 1886, and illustrated in the illustrated in the Harper's Weekly Harper's Weekly article of July 1886.article of July 1886.

The GraphophoneThe Graphophonefrom Harper's Weekly, July 1, 1886, pp. 458-460from Harper's Weekly, July 1, 1886, pp. 458-460

One of the most brilliant conceptions of Mr. THOMAS A. EDISON was One of the most brilliant conceptions of Mr. THOMAS A. EDISON was that a record could be made of sounds, from which the sounds could that a record could be made of sounds, from which the sounds could be reproduced. After considerable experiment, Mr. Edison invented be reproduced. After considerable experiment, Mr. Edison invented the instrument known the world over as the Phonograph. This little the instrument known the world over as the Phonograph. This little machine consists of a cylinder about three inches in diameter, machine consists of a cylinder about three inches in diameter, covered with a shallow spiral groove, upon which is placed tin-foil. covered with a shallow spiral groove, upon which is placed tin-foil. The cylinder is so arranged that it will travel horizontally back or The cylinder is so arranged that it will travel horizontally back or forth by means of a screw, and is operated by a crank. The sounds are forth by means of a screw, and is operated by a crank. The sounds are communicated to the tin-foil by a steel point attached to a diaphragm communicated to the tin-foil by a steel point attached to a diaphragm that is agitated by the sounds coming through a tube, to which is that is agitated by the sounds coming through a tube, to which is attached a mouth-piece. The concussion of the sound waves striking attached a mouth-piece. The concussion of the sound waves striking upon the diaphragm forces the metal point forward, which is already upon the diaphragm forces the metal point forward, which is already in contact with the tin-foil, and makes indentations as the cylinder in contact with the tin-foil, and makes indentations as the cylinder revolves with the movement of the crank. revolves with the movement of the crank.

In order to reproduce the sounds the diaphragm is replaced to its In order to reproduce the sounds the diaphragm is replaced to its point of starting, and the steel point goes over the record, following point of starting, and the steel point goes over the record, following the path of the indentations made on the tin-foil upon the rotation of the path of the indentations made on the tin-foil upon the rotation of the cylinder. The point agitates the diaphragm, which in turn agitates the cylinder. The point agitates the diaphragm, which in turn agitates the air in the tube, and the repetition of the sound is thereby the air in the tube, and the repetition of the sound is thereby produced. produced.

Several hundred of the machines above described were put upon the Several hundred of the machines above described were put upon the market, and quite a number were sold, but the Phonograph failed to market, and quite a number were sold, but the Phonograph failed to make a success, for the reason that the machine was not only a make a success, for the reason that the machine was not only a clumsy piece of mechanism, frequently getting out of adjustment, but clumsy piece of mechanism, frequently getting out of adjustment, but more especially because of the fact that the surface upon which the more especially because of the fact that the surface upon which the record was made was pliable, and likely to be obliterated by a mere record was made was pliable, and likely to be obliterated by a mere accidental pressure upon it. accidental pressure upon it.

Believing in the possibility of making a successful machine to Believing in the possibility of making a successful machine to record and reproduce sounds, Professor ALEXANDER record and reproduce sounds, Professor ALEXANDER GRAHAM BELL, Dr. CHICHESTER A. BELL, and Mr. GRAHAM BELL, Dr. CHICHESTER A. BELL, and Mr. SUMNER TAINTER associated themselves together, under the SUMNER TAINTER associated themselves together, under the name of the Volta Laboratory Association, and established a name of the Volta Laboratory Association, and established a laboratory in the city of Washington, one of the principal laboratory in the city of Washington, one of the principal objects of which was to experiment upon methods of recording objects of which was to experiment upon methods of recording and reproducing sound. After several years of experiment, the and reproducing sound. After several years of experiment, the inventors of the Graphophone now desire that the writer shall inventors of the Graphophone now desire that the writer shall introduce to the world the results they have obtained. introduce to the world the results they have obtained.

The word "Graphophone" is a simple transposition of the word The word "Graphophone" is a simple transposition of the word "Phonograph," and is intended to convey the same meaning "Phonograph," and is intended to convey the same meaning

Mr. SUMNER TAINTER soon saw that tin-foil presented a Mr. SUMNER TAINTER soon saw that tin-foil presented a surface unfit for the purpose it was called upon to fulfill, surface unfit for the purpose it was called upon to fulfill, because of its pliability and destructibility. Many and because of its pliability and destructibility. Many and elaborate experiments were made to discover a substance elaborate experiments were made to discover a substance upon which a perfect and durable sound record could be upon which a perfect and durable sound record could be made. Mr. TAINTER conceived the idea of using a surface made. Mr. TAINTER conceived the idea of using a surface upon which the sound record could be cut, instead of upon which the sound record could be cut, instead of indenting a soft and pliable surface as is done in the EDISON indenting a soft and pliable surface as is done in the EDISON machine. It was finally decided upon to use a paper surface machine. It was finally decided upon to use a paper surface coated with a preparation composed of wax and paraffin. coated with a preparation composed of wax and paraffin.

The Graphophone is made in two forms, one to make the records The Graphophone is made in two forms, one to make the records upon a cylindrical surface, the other upon a disk or flat surface, the upon a cylindrical surface, the other upon a disk or flat surface, the same principles, however, governing each machine. The machines are same principles, however, governing each machine. The machines are provided with two diaphragms, one used in making the record, and provided with two diaphragms, one used in making the record, and the other in reproducing the sound. The cylindrical machine stands the other in reproducing the sound. The cylindrical machine stands about five or six inches high by eight wide, and weighs about ten about five or six inches high by eight wide, and weighs about ten pounds. There is no skill required in the manipulation of the machine, pounds. There is no skill required in the manipulation of the machine, the rotation of the cylinder being accomplished by a crank or the rotation of the cylinder being accomplished by a crank or automatic motion. Mr. TAINTER has exhibited a great amount of automatic motion. Mr. TAINTER has exhibited a great amount of ingenuity and skill in devising the various parts of the machine, and ingenuity and skill in devising the various parts of the machine, and suiting them to the purposes for which they were designed. The suiting them to the purposes for which they were designed. The instrument is a marvel of perfection in accuracy of the movements of instrument is a marvel of perfection in accuracy of the movements of all its parts. all its parts.

Upon a diaphragm three inches in diameter a steel point is attached, Upon a diaphragm three inches in diameter a steel point is attached, which cuts a minute hair line in the surface of the waxed cylinder which cuts a minute hair line in the surface of the waxed cylinder upon the agitation of the diaphragm by a sound. The indentation is so upon the agitation of the diaphragm by a sound. The indentation is so slight as to be scarcely perceptible, and yet these records can be slight as to be scarcely perceptible, and yet these records can be gone over time and again, and are just as perfect after a hundred gone over time and again, and are just as perfect after a hundred repetitions as they were at first… repetitions as they were at first…

Upon a cylinder six inches in length by an inch and a quarter in Upon a cylinder six inches in length by an inch and a quarter in diameter one is enabled to record at least five minutes' conversation. diameter one is enabled to record at least five minutes' conversation. The cylinder-holder is constructed with a ball joint at one end, and The cylinder-holder is constructed with a ball joint at one end, and call be easily tipped so as to allow the hollow cylinder to be rapidly call be easily tipped so as to allow the hollow cylinder to be rapidly slipped on or off. slipped on or off.

The disk machine possibly has some advantages over the cylindrical The disk machine possibly has some advantages over the cylindrical machine because of the fact that the record is made upon a flat machine because of the fact that the record is made upon a flat surface, and appears in the form of a spiral line. For the purpose of surface, and appears in the form of a spiral line. For the purpose of copying records, and possibly for preservation, the flat surface is copying records, and possibly for preservation, the flat surface is probably superior, but as each machine has advantages peculiar to probably superior, but as each machine has advantages peculiar to itself, it is a difficult matter to judge which will prove the superior for itself, it is a difficult matter to judge which will prove the superior for all purposes.all purposes.

1889 - The Columbia Phonograph Co. 1889 - The Columbia Phonograph Co. was organized January 15 by Edward was organized January 15 by Edward D. Easton with rights to market a D. Easton with rights to market a treadle-powered graphophone; treadle-powered graphophone; however, Easton would have more however, Easton would have more success selling music rather than success selling music rather than business machines, especially business machines, especially cylinders of the popular United State cylinders of the popular United State Marine Band under John Phillip Marine Band under John Phillip Sousa. Easton produced the first Sousa. Easton produced the first record catalog in 1890, a one-page record catalog in 1890, a one-page list of Edison and Columbia cylinders. list of Edison and Columbia cylinders.

The GramophoneThe Gramophone

1887 - A third type 1887 - A third type of phonograph was of phonograph was invented by Emile invented by Emile Berliner; he was Berliner; he was granted patent granted patent 372,786 for a 372,786 for a "Gramophone" "Gramophone" using a non-wax using a non-wax disc photo-disc photo-engraved with a engraved with a lateral-cut groove .lateral-cut groove .

1896 - Eldridge Johnson 1896 - Eldridge Johnson improved the improved the gramophone with a motor gramophone with a motor designed by Levi designed by Levi Montross and his own Montross and his own patent 601,198 filed Aug. patent 601,198 filed Aug. 19, 1897, for a simple 19, 1897, for a simple and inexpensive machine and inexpensive machine that became the first that became the first popular disc phonograph popular disc phonograph by 1900; he then merged by 1900; he then merged his Consolidated Talking his Consolidated Talking Machine Co. with Machine Co. with Berliner's company to Berliner's company to create the Victor Talking create the Victor Talking Machine Co. in 1901 with Machine Co. in 1901 with the “little nipper” dog as the “little nipper” dog as trademark. trademark.

The Victor Co.The Victor Co.

1903 - Eldridge Johnson began to sell the 1903 - Eldridge Johnson began to sell the Victor IV phonograph, the first model Victor IV phonograph, the first model equipped with his tapered tone arm, patent equipped with his tapered tone arm, patent 814,786 filed Feb. 12. 814,786 filed Feb. 12.

1906 - Victor introduced the first all-enclosed 1906 - Victor introduced the first all-enclosed cabinet phonograph that by 1907 was being cabinet phonograph that by 1907 was being widely advertised as the "Victrola" upright widely advertised as the "Victrola" upright with enclosed tapered horn; Victor would with enclosed tapered horn; Victor would spend $50,000,000 on print advertising and spend $50,000,000 on print advertising and $17,000,000 on catalogs and brochures by $17,000,000 on catalogs and brochures by 1929, creating the generic name victrola that 1929, creating the generic name victrola that is applied to all phonograph players designed is applied to all phonograph players designed as furniture. as furniture.

This model plays both 10 and 12 inch records and had three This model plays both 10 and 12 inch records and had three storage holes for fresh needles. To adjust the volume, the front storage holes for fresh needles. To adjust the volume, the front doors can be opened or closed to suite the ambient noise in the doors can be opened or closed to suite the ambient noise in the room. With the doors closed, the player is often loud enough to play room. With the doors closed, the player is often loud enough to play in a crowded room, however, the sound is substantially improved in a crowded room, however, the sound is substantially improved with both doors open as far as possible. Along with the adjustment with both doors open as far as possible. Along with the adjustment for record speed, this model includes a brake to hold the table while for record speed, this model includes a brake to hold the table while the record is being changed. The spring must be wound for each the record is being changed. The spring must be wound for each record played.. It is recorded on one side of the disk only. This record played.. It is recorded on one side of the disk only. This machine was offered in several kinds of wood case and was a machine was offered in several kinds of wood case and was a relatively "deluxe" model. It sold for as much as $35 at the time. relatively "deluxe" model. It sold for as much as $35 at the time. That compared to "popular" machines selling for as little as $5 at the That compared to "popular" machines selling for as little as $5 at the time.time.

EdisonEdison The Edison Standard is a general The Edison Standard is a general

category for the Cylinder playing category for the Cylinder playing phonographs sold by the Edison phonographs sold by the Edison Phonograph company distributors. Phonograph company distributors. These machines played two or four These machines played two or four minute cylinder records (depending minute cylinder records (depending on model and state of "upgrade") on model and state of "upgrade") and often had large "cygnet" horns and often had large "cygnet" horns rather than the standard small rather than the standard small horns (pictured here). The player horns (pictured here). The player featured here is a Standard Model C featured here is a Standard Model C that has been upgraded to play that has been upgraded to play either 2 or 4 minute records. The either 2 or 4 minute records. The smaller horns became near extinct smaller horns became near extinct in that the popularity of the flat in that the popularity of the flat record coincided with the record coincided with the popularization of the automobile. It popularization of the automobile. It seems that the smaller horns seems that the smaller horns worked quite well for filling auto's worked quite well for filling auto's with oil. As the flat record replaced with oil. As the flat record replaced the cylinders, the horns were thusly the cylinders, the horns were thusly otherwise useless. otherwise useless.

Cylinder vs. DiscCylinder vs. Disc 1900 - Thomas Lambert developed a 1900 - Thomas Lambert developed a

successful method of mass-duplicating successful method of mass-duplicating "indestructible" cylinders of celluloid; his "indestructible" cylinders of celluloid; his patent 645,920 described making a copper patent 645,920 described making a copper negative matrix by electrolysis from a wax negative matrix by electrolysis from a wax master, and using heat and pressure to master, and using heat and pressure to "mould" durable celluloid copies from the "mould" durable celluloid copies from the matrix. Although Lambert's patent was matrix. Although Lambert's patent was upheld by the courts, Edison would use upheld by the courts, Edison would use expensive lawsuits to drive Lambert's expensive lawsuits to drive Lambert's company and the Indestructible company and the Indestructible Phonograph Record Company out of Phonograph Record Company out of business by 1907.business by 1907.

1902 - Edison introduced "Gold Molded" 1902 - Edison introduced "Gold Molded" cylinders for $.50 each with an improved cylinders for $.50 each with an improved hard wax surface and able to be mass-hard wax surface and able to be mass-produced by a molding processproduced by a molding process

.. 1912 - Edison introduced celluloid blue 1912 - Edison introduced celluloid blue

Amberol cylinders that played for 4 Amberol cylinders that played for 4 minutes. When played with a diamond minutes. When played with a diamond stylus, the new cylinder had low surface stylus, the new cylinder had low surface noise that resulted in higher acoustic noise that resulted in higher acoustic quality than flat discs. quality than flat discs.

1913 - Edison finally 1913 - Edison finally conceded victory to the conceded victory to the flat disc when he began to flat disc when he began to sell the Diamond-Disc sell the Diamond-Disc players and recordings. players and recordings. The Diamond discs had a The Diamond discs had a surface of Condensite surface of Condensite plastic laminated to a solid plastic laminated to a solid core and a thickness of 1/4 core and a thickness of 1/4 inch. Condensite was a inch. Condensite was a resin plastic like Bakelite, resin plastic like Bakelite, the first artificial plastic the first artificial plastic patented in 1909 by Leo patented in 1909 by Leo Baekeland. The players Baekeland. The players used the same Diamond used the same Diamond Point Reproducer used in Point Reproducer used in the Blue Amberols but the Blue Amberols but tracked at heavier force.tracked at heavier force.

Acoustical Recording Acoustical Recording (before 1925)(before 1925)

Before the electrical Before the electrical revolution, musicians revolution, musicians recorded in studios recorded in studios crowded together crowded together playing into a large playing into a large acoustical horn that acoustical horn that focused the sound focused the sound waves into the waves into the vibrating diaphragm vibrating diaphragm of a acoustic of a acoustic phonograph that cut phonograph that cut grooves in a wax-grooves in a wax-coated master disc.coated master disc.

The Electrical RevolutionThe Electrical Revolution 1925 - The Orthophonic phonograph, sound 1925 - The Orthophonic phonograph, sound

motion pictures and public address systems motion pictures and public address systems were all products of the electrical recording were all products of the electrical recording revolution pioneered by Bell Labs. Henry C. revolution pioneered by Bell Labs. Henry C. Harrison at Bell Labs developed a matched-Harrison at Bell Labs developed a matched-impedance recorder to improve the impedance recorder to improve the frequency range from the previous narrow frequency range from the previous narrow 250-2,500 cycles range of acoustic 250-2,500 cycles range of acoustic recorders to a wider range of 50-6,000 recorders to a wider range of 50-6,000 cycles using the condenser microphone, cycles using the condenser microphone, tube amplifier, balanced-armature speaker, tube amplifier, balanced-armature speaker, and a rubber-line acoustic recorder with a and a rubber-line acoustic recorder with a long tapered horn. This system was long tapered horn. This system was licensed to the Victor Talking Machine Co. licensed to the Victor Talking Machine Co. that used it in April to make the first that used it in April to make the first electrical recording of the Philadelphia electrical recording of the Philadelphia Orchestra conducted by Leopold Stokowski. Orchestra conducted by Leopold Stokowski. The new system was sold in October by The new system was sold in October by Victor as the Orthophonic phonograph, Victor as the Orthophonic phonograph, capable of playing back acoustically-capable of playing back acoustically-produced and electrically-produced produced and electrically-produced records. It was this recording system that records. It was this recording system that finally standardized recording speeds at 33-finally standardized recording speeds at 33-1/3 rpm for professional Vitaphone 16-inch 1/3 rpm for professional Vitaphone 16-inch discs, and 78 rpm for consumer 10 and 12-discs, and 78 rpm for consumer 10 and 12-inch discs. inch discs.

Stokowski recording a

record

Victor record label with "VE" logo at top and

bottom indicating that it was electrically recorded

for the orthophonic, 1926

1931 - The EMI studio that opened Nov. 1931 - The EMI studio that opened Nov. 12 at Abbey Road in London, was the 12 at Abbey Road in London, was the largest sound recording studio in the largest sound recording studio in the world; Louis Sterling hired Alan world; Louis Sterling hired Alan Blumlein to install Blumlein's own Blumlein to install Blumlein's own electrical recording system and Sterling electrical recording system and Sterling stopped paying royalties to Western stopped paying royalties to Western Electric. Alan Blumlein patented the Electric. Alan Blumlein patented the "binaural" (stereo) recording method in "binaural" (stereo) recording method in England. England.

1932 - in March, several test recordings 1932 - in March, several test recordings were made at the Academy of Music were made at the Academy of Music using two microphones connected to using two microphones connected to two styli cutting two tracks on the same two styli cutting two tracks on the same wax disk. On March 12 Stokowski wax disk. On March 12 Stokowski recorded his first binaural disc, recorded his first binaural disc, Scriabin's "Poem of Fire," although it Scriabin's "Poem of Fire," although it was not called "stereo" at that time. was not called "stereo" at that time. Keller had apparently made similar dual Keller had apparently made similar dual recordings in New York in 1928 but recordings in New York in 1928 but were lost.were lost.

StereoStereo

After the development of After the development of amplifiers and amplifiers and microphones, musicians microphones, musicians could record in the same could record in the same seating arrangement used seating arrangement used in live concerts, with a in live concerts, with a single microphone to send single microphone to send electrical signals to an electrical signals to an amplifier connected to an amplifier connected to an electro-magnetic disc-electro-magnetic disc-cutter. cutter.

TapesTapes 1898 - Valdemar Poulsen patented in 1898 - Valdemar Poulsen patented in

Denmark on Dec. 1 the first magnetic Denmark on Dec. 1 the first magnetic recorder, called the "telegraphone," using recorder, called the "telegraphone," using steel wire; he exhibited his device at the steel wire; he exhibited his device at the Paris Exposition in 1900 and formed the Paris Exposition in 1900 and formed the American Telegraphone Co. in Nov. 1903 American Telegraphone Co. in Nov. 1903 after Congress validated his American after Congress validated his American patent 661,619. patent 661,619.

1931 - Pfleumer and AEG begin to construct 1931 - Pfleumer and AEG begin to construct the first magnetic tape recorders. the first magnetic tape recorders.

1936 - first BASF/AEG tape recording on 1936 - first BASF/AEG tape recording on Nov.19 of live concert by Sir Thomas Nov.19 of live concert by Sir Thomas Beecham. Beecham.

1949 - Magnecord added a 2nd head to its 1949 - Magnecord added a 2nd head to its PT-6 tape recorder (mono model first PT-6 tape recorder (mono model first introduced at the May 1948 NAB show) to introduced at the May 1948 NAB show) to create one of the first open reel stereo tape create one of the first open reel stereo tape recorders. recorders.

1954 - RCA Victor sold the first prerecorded 1954 - RCA Victor sold the first prerecorded open reel stereo tapes for $12.95. open reel stereo tapes for $12.95.

1963 - Philips demonstrated its first 1963 - Philips demonstrated its first compact audio cassettes using high-quality compact audio cassettes using high-quality BASF polyester 1/8-inch tape; sold the next BASF polyester 1/8-inch tape; sold the next year in the U.S. with the Norelco Carry-year in the U.S. with the Norelco Carry-Corder dictation machine, but the demand Corder dictation machine, but the demand for blank tape used for personal music for blank tape used for personal music recording was unanticipated by Philips. recording was unanticipated by Philips.

1966 - U.S. cars equipped with 8-track 1966 - U.S. cars equipped with 8-track stereo cartridge developed by William Lear stereo cartridge developed by William Lear (who founded the Learjet aviation company (who founded the Learjet aviation company in 1962), Ampex, and RCA. in 1962), Ampex, and RCA.

1969 - Dolby Noise Reduction introduced 1969 - Dolby Noise Reduction introduced for pre-recorded tapes. for pre-recorded tapes.

DigitalDigital 1962 – Tom Stockham at MIT began creating digital audio 1962 – Tom Stockham at MIT began creating digital audio

tape recordings using a large TX-0 computer and a A/D-tape recordings using a large TX-0 computer and a A/D-D/A converter from Bernie Gordon at EPSCO. In 1968 he D/A converter from Bernie Gordon at EPSCO. In 1968 he left MIT for the University of Utah, and in 1975 founded left MIT for the University of Utah, and in 1975 founded Soundstream with Malcolm Low (the L in KLH) and Soundstream with Malcolm Low (the L in KLH) and developed a 16-bit digital audio recorder. developed a 16-bit digital audio recorder.

1963 - The Mellotron electronic music sampler recorded 1963 - The Mellotron electronic music sampler recorded musical notes on loops of tape for each key on a keyboard. musical notes on loops of tape for each key on a keyboard. Unlike the 1920 Theremin that only produced oscillations, Unlike the 1920 Theremin that only produced oscillations, or the 1935 Hammond electronic organ, the Mellotron or the 1935 Hammond electronic organ, the Mellotron could create realistic sounds of different instruments such could create realistic sounds of different instruments such as a clarinet or violin. It was used by the Beatles and Pink as a clarinet or violin. It was used by the Beatles and Pink Floyd, and by Led Zeppelin to create the flute sound at Floyd, and by Led Zeppelin to create the flute sound at start of the 1971 recording of start of the 1971 recording of Stairway to Heaven.Stairway to Heaven. Music Music samplers would not be able to record digitally until Peter samplers would not be able to record digitally until Peter Vogel and Kim Ryrie in 1979 developed the Fairlight Vogel and Kim Ryrie in 1979 developed the Fairlight Computer Musical Instrument (CMI) that used 500k floppy Computer Musical Instrument (CMI) that used 500k floppy disks. disks.

1969 - The Philips development began with efforts by Dutch 1969 - The Philips development began with efforts by Dutch physicists Klaas Compaan and Piet Kramer to record video physicists Klaas Compaan and Piet Kramer to record video images in holographic form on disc. Their prototype in 1972 images in holographic form on disc. Their prototype in 1972 used a laser beam to read a track of pits as the coded FM used a laser beam to read a track of pits as the coded FM video signal. Lou Ottens of Philips had helped develop the video signal. Lou Ottens of Philips had helped develop the compact audio cassette and required that the video disc be compact audio cassette and required that the video disc be small size. A digital PCM code was substituted for the FM small size. A digital PCM code was substituted for the FM signal, the disc was made of polycarbon and 115mm diameter signal, the disc was made of polycarbon and 115mm diameter and tracked from inside to the outside. Another prototype was and tracked from inside to the outside. Another prototype was demonstrated in March 1979. Sony agreed to collaborate with demonstrated in March 1979. Sony agreed to collaborate with Philips to develop standards. The compact disc as sold to the Philips to develop standards. The compact disc as sold to the public for $15 would be made of plastic coated with a layer of public for $15 would be made of plastic coated with a layer of aluminum and protected with a final layer of lacquer, costing aluminum and protected with a final layer of lacquer, costing less than $1 to manufacture. The master disc was made of less than $1 to manufacture. The master disc was made of glass, coated with photo emulsion, exposed to laser, then glass, coated with photo emulsion, exposed to laser, then etched in chemical bath leaving pits in a spiral groove. The etched in chemical bath leaving pits in a spiral groove. The CD rotated at variable speeds of 200 rpm near the edge to CD rotated at variable speeds of 200 rpm near the edge to 500 rpm near the center. The size would be 120mm, use 16-500 rpm near the center. The size would be 120mm, use 16-bit encoding and a sampling frequency of 44,100 per second. bit encoding and a sampling frequency of 44,100 per second. The maximum playing time would be 74 minutes, long enough The maximum playing time would be 74 minutes, long enough to hold Beethoven's 9th Symphony. to hold Beethoven's 9th Symphony.

1980 - The Philips/Sony compact 1980 - The Philips/Sony compact disc standard was finalized. The disc standard was finalized. The Sony CDP-101 compact disc Sony CDP-101 compact disc player was introduced in Tokyo player was introduced in Tokyo Oct. 1, 1982, in Europe in the fall Oct. 1, 1982, in Europe in the fall of 1982, and in the U.S. in the of 1982, and in the U.S. in the spring of 1983. The first CD spring of 1983. The first CD pressing plant in the U.S. was pressing plant in the U.S. was opened in Terre Haute IN in opened in Terre Haute IN in 1984, a center of shellac record 1984, a center of shellac record production since the 19th century production since the 19th century because of limestone deposits. because of limestone deposits.

1982 - First digital audio 5-inch 1982 - First digital audio 5-inch CD discs marketed, merging the CD discs marketed, merging the consumer music industry with the consumer music industry with the computer revolution.computer revolution.

Sony’s 1st CD player

MIDI and Digital MIDI and Digital RecordingRecording

1981 - At the October meeting of the AES, Dave Smith and 1981 - At the October meeting of the AES, Dave Smith and Chet Wood from Sequential Circuits presented a paper on Chet Wood from Sequential Circuits presented a paper on the Universal Synthesizer Interface that became the basis the Universal Synthesizer Interface that became the basis of the Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) protocol of the Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) protocol adopted August 1982 and demonstrated at the first North adopted August 1982 and demonstrated at the first North American Music Manufacturers show in Los Angeles in American Music Manufacturers show in Los Angeles in 1983. The first MIDI keyboards by Roland and Sequential 1983. The first MIDI keyboards by Roland and Sequential Circuits, and the Yamaha DX7, were put on sale in 1983. Circuits, and the Yamaha DX7, were put on sale in 1983. MIDI made it possible for keyboards, sequencers, and MIDI made it possible for keyboards, sequencers, and other equipment to talk to each other.other equipment to talk to each other.

1982 - Tom Jung used digital audio to make direct 2-track 1982 - Tom Jung used digital audio to make direct 2-track recordings and released the first jazz CDs on his DMP recordings and released the first jazz CDs on his DMP label. He would later pioneer 20-bit recording in order to label. He would later pioneer 20-bit recording in order to make full use of the CD 16-bit dynamic range with the make full use of the CD 16-bit dynamic range with the added necessary recording headroom of 10dB and reduce added necessary recording headroom of 10dB and reduce the noise evident in lower amplitudes. Digital Audio and the noise evident in lower amplitudes. Digital Audio and the computer revolution made it possible for the individual the computer revolution made it possible for the individual to record and high-quality music.to record and high-quality music.

Electronic MusicElectronic Music

"I have been waiting a long time "I have been waiting a long time for electronics to free music for electronics to free music from the tempered scale and the from the tempered scale and the limitations of musical limitations of musical instruments. Electronic instruments. Electronic instruments are the portentour instruments are the portentour first step toward the liberation of first step toward the liberation of music." -- Edgard Varesemusic." -- Edgard Varese