[78-L] Brian Davies' Equalizer software

[Jeff Lichtman]

>Just loaded this up and am now playing with it... one thing I 
>notice... which curve do I use for which 78 recording? Nothing noted 
>for VIctor (I would assume HMV?)... and what about some of the 
>'off-labels'? Right now I'm working on a light-ray Vocalion (VERY 
>early), and not sure which curve to use on it.  Also, is there a 
>source for other curves on the net that can be imported?
>
>TiA   Brad

While each label tended to have its own curve (which varied over 
time), you can't rely on this for proper equalization on every 
recording. So, for example, mid-thirties Victors often have a bass 
turnover of 500 Hz and a treble rolloff of 8.5 dB, a particular 
record might sound boomy or tubby with those settings. It's best to 
use a label's nominal equalization curve as a starting point and 
adjust things by ear.

The booklet "Playback Equalizer Settings for 78 RPM Recordings" by 
James R. Powell and Randall G. Stehle is useful. Kurt Nauck sells it 
at www.78rpm.com, but the part of his site where this book would be 
listed seems to be down at the moment.


                        -        Jeff Lichtman
                                 jeff at swazoo.com
                                 Check out Swazoo Koolak's Web Jukebox at
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