Categories: Uncategorized

Out-of-print-book report: Magnetic Recording (1948)

Not sure where I came across this obscure volume.  Written by one S.J. Begun, then VP and chief engineer of recording-tech pioneer Brush Development Corp, ‘Magnetic Recording’ (h.f. ‘MR’) was completed in June 1948 and published the following year by Murray Hill Books.

There is a lot of information in this 235pp volume; the best feature by far, though, is that it contains diagrams and schematics for a great number of the recording devices discussed.

Here’s a quick survey of the machines covered in MR.  Most are wire recorders.  Remember that tape recording was still incredibly new in 1948; wire was still the dominant format.  If you have any of these machines and need to service it, seek out this book. You might find what you need.  Names are beneath each image.

The original circa 1948 Ampex tape recorder, which promised an unheralded 30-15k (+/- 1db) frequency response.

The WW11-era German Magnetophone, from which the Ampex was largely derived.  The Magnetophone ran at 30 ips in order to achieve its (then) excellent performance.

The Armour Master wire recorder.

The Armour Model 50 wire recorder

The Bell Labs Mirrorphone

Brush Labs Model BK-303

Brush labs model BK-403, the portable Sound Mirror

Brush Labs model BK-503 ‘mail a voice,’ which recorded a magnetic signal on coated paper discs.

Brush Labs SoundMirror

Brush Labs model BK-401

The Lear Dyanport (pictured with American Dynamic mic)

The Magnecorder SD-1, a predecessor (prototype?) of my beloved Magnecord PT6.

The Nemeth Master Wire Recorder

The Peirce Dictation model 55-b

The Rangertone, by Rangertone

The Telegraphone, a pre-vacuum-tube wire recorder.  See this earlier post for the details.

The Webster Wire Recorder.  In my experience, these are the most commonly-found wire recorders that you may encounter.

The WiRecorder Model PA

chris

View Comments

  • Every serious modern repertory theater company owns a Webster wire recorder, since it is a prop used in Arthur Miller's "Death of a Salesman". The text does not specify a Webster, but that's what the TV movie used.

  • I have a BK-503 in mint condition would like a price on it this includes all paper and disks

    • Hi, I was looking for information on the BK503 for a school report. Was hoping you could help me out with information. or if anyone does please e-mail me at kamal.dulku@gmail.com thank you!

Recent Posts

PSRadio October 2024: psych& pop-psych rarities 1968-1971

Starting this month I am scaling back the monthly WPKN FM radio show to one…

10 hours ago

PSR June 2024: Japanese rock, folk, psych, and soul 1968-1982

Im back from 2 weeks in Japan, time that I primarily spent hunting for records.…

4 months ago

New LP ‘Secular Music Group Vol 1’ + New Haven Live Date 6.30.24

Available now on LoveAllDay Records : the new LP "Secular Music Group Volume 1"- avail on vinyl…

4 months ago

Preservation Sound Radio May 2024

This month's Preservation Sound Radio program will air tonight Tuesday May 21 at 8:30 PM.…

5 months ago

9sides: Preservation Sound Radio March 2024

This month on Preservation Sound Radio: nine side-filling tracks from 1970 thru 1986, all from…

7 months ago

Preservation Sound Radio Feb 2024: best new (old) tracks

This month's show airs Tuesday 2.20.24 at 8:30PM -11:25PM EST on WPKN 89.5 FM in…

8 months ago