Recording speed

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callron
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Recording speed

Post by callron »

Has anyone experimented recording at speeds other than the standard 160 rpm?
I use an Edison Ekonowatt motor for recording and with the governor can adjust mandrel speeds from 100 to 300 RPM.
Looking for the effect on frequency response and clarity.
Using Edison Dictaphone black wax cylinders for experimenting and expect some degradation compared to good new blanks.
Anyone been there, done that?

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Chuck
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Re: Recording speed

Post by Chuck »

The Dictaphone and Ediphone dictation machines
have the mandrel turning at 80 RPM. With a 6 inch
long cylinder, this provides 10 minutes of time per
cylinder.

At 80 RPM the sound is a bit more muddy, but still
fine for speech, especially when listening tubes
are used for transcription.

The early speeds for cylinders varied quite a bit
in the range of 120 to 144 RPM, or so.

Edison standardized at 160 RPM when he came out
with the new Gold Moulded cylinders. They were after
as much sound level as they could get, and by that
time big horns had mostly replaced smaller horns
and listening tubes. The new model C reproducer
with its trunkated "doorknob" shaped stylus gave
better high-frequency response and clarity.

Another thing to keep in mind is that the 5 inch
diameter Concert cylinders also turned at 160 RPM.
Therefore, the surface speed of those is just over
double the surface speed of a standard-sized cylinder.

That being said, turning a standard sized cylinder
at 300 RPM would get fairly close to the same surface
speed available on a 5 inch cylinder turning at 160
RPM. (but you'd only be getting just less than
one minute of time)

Now, how exactly your recorder may work at that
much faster surface speed is unknown. It might be
worth a try, but don't be surprised if it rips
the stylus bar right off of the whole works.

Maybe not, but one never knows. Try it and see.
I tried a few recordings on my Model D Edison
Standard machine a few times with the speed maxed
out at about 200 RPM or so. Worked fine. But 160
really is a very good speed and in my opinion is
the best one to use.

Have fun! :ugeek:
"Sustained success depends on searching
for, and gaining, fundamental understanding"

-Bell System Credo

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Lucius1958
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Re: Recording speed

Post by Lucius1958 »

The home recordings I have made are generally talking, so I set the speed at about 100 rpm for expanded playing time.

Bill

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