[78-L] Speaking of portable equipment/cutter back in 1940?

[David Lennick]

Didn't Herb Morrison record on "portable" equipment and on 16-inch discs in 
1937? The machine probably weighed more than my car.

dl

Michael Biel wrote:
>>   
> Many companies, especially Presto and Fairchild, manufactured both 
> amateur and professional recording machines as well as studio machines.  
> Inexpensive home machines like Wilcox-Gay Recordio could only record up 
> to a 10-inch disc, and some of the Presto semi-pro machines could record 
> up to a 12-inch disc.  Since the disc shown is a 16-incher, it means 
> that the machine (or machines) was a professional grade machine.  
> Portables were actually more common than studio machines since they 
> could do double duty.  Many studios used portable pro-machines.  Now, 
> these were portable only insofar as they were in a case with a 
> detachable lid and handles.  You generally needed a crew of at least two 
> or three, or a gorilla.  The cutting turntable and lathe was in a 
> separate case from the amplifier.  If you google Presto Recording you 
> will find oodles of sites with pictures, ads, manuals, and plenty of 
> other info.
> 
Milan P Milovanovic wrote:
> Dear list members,
> 
> about 3 years ago, I've heard interesting story about Norman Chalfin, who 
> recorded sound for Hurston Beaufort expedition. Norman Chalfin was "audio 
> technician who had accompanied Hurston and Belo to South Carolina to record 
> the music, religion and language of a people before their heritage and 
> culture were lost to history".
> 
> Also, he recorded one night club appearance of great Lester Young, in 
> December 29, 1940.
> 
> All those information I found here:
> http://www.loc.gov/loc/lcib/0605/young.html
> 
> Now, my question is: what, way back then 1940. was portable equipment? Were 
> those cutter machines/lathes designed for 16" blank inserts? "Audiodisc" 
> sample as shown on photograph - was it amateurish or pro? If it was 
> professional disc, how come that it was used on portable equipment?
> 
> Judging from what can be heard from Lester Young clip (here: 
> http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5344114), it is so well 
> recorded with rather clear frequency response down to the lowest register 
> (bass drum) and way up in highest sounds of cymbals and hi-hat.
> 
> Thank you,
> 
> Milan Milovanovic
> 
>