[78-L] Columbia set

[David Lennick]

I can remember hearing records like this in public school..they were to test 
YOUR hearing. Bet they sounded horrible by the time they were still being 
pressed in the late 40s.

dl

On 9/24/2014 5:48 PM, DAVID BURNHAM wrote:
>
> Going through a mountain of miscellaneous records the other day, I came across a two record set with no title but with the words, "This Record for use with Western Electric No. 4A Audiometer" on each side.  Then the indication "Record No. 1" to "Record No. 4".  I don't know if this is a complete set or if there are more records.  It begins with the announcement, "You are now going to get your hearing checked".  Then there are sequences of numbers read by male and female voices and each sequence diminishes in volume to almost inaudible.  You are supposed to copy the numbers onto a form with columns to check if you heard all of the numbers and if you heard them correctly.  I was able to hear all of the numbers but there is no reference for what level you should be playing the record at.
>
> Does anybody know if this set is complete, if it was designed to test the Western Electric recording system, to test early electrical playback systems or if it was designed for the use of audiologists.  Does anyone know what the No. 4A Audiometer is.
>
> These records are on Columbia black label Viva~Tonal style labels but without the words "Viva~Tonal" or "Electrical Process".  There is a "W" in a circle in the dead wax.
>
> Strangely the Record numbers aren't contiguous, Record 1 is 91687 and then Records 2 - 4 are 91691, 91692 and 91693.
>
> Thanks for any help.
>
> db