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The Evolution of Audio Recordings

The late 1950’s saw the transition of Hi Fi audio recordings to stereo. The quest for fidelity that began with flat platter carbon records had yielded to more accurate and ever more reliable recording of the then living masters. For example Mario Lanza grew up listening to those 1/4 inch thick carbon acoustic disks of Caruso everyday. Decades later Lanza took the world by storm singing those same operas, with more accurate technology that made more reliable shellac 78’s.The advent of the long play vinyl record crossed into growing consumer acceptance. Consumers wanted and got very realistic entertainment that engaged them in ways they wanted.

In 1925 the record industry settled on a standard speed of 78.26 RPM. Of course there were exceptions like Columbia Records ‘Speed 80’ records and Pathe’s 86 RPM records. As the second World War arrived so too did the electric era of phono cartridges, motors, amplifiers and real speakers. The 78 RPM, with one song on each side, dominated music until after the Second World War and well into the Big Band Ear of music. The 45rpm made in roads based on the more convenient compact size and production cost reduction. The ‘Long Play’ 33rpm started a long term consumer love affair.