As noted last month in the first part of my report on the 70th AES Convention
in New York, the resolution to establish digital recording standards means
that digital recording has finally come of age. The introduction of new digital
recording equipment into the professional marketplace had been proceeding
at a moderate rate, with a certain amount of timidity evident in some manufacturers'
attitudes towards digital technology. Now, with the imminent establishment
of digital re cording standards, the "digital derby" will be off
and running. Apparently, there were quite a number of manufacturers who anticipated
the standards, for there certainly was much new digital equipment on display.
I reported on several items last month, and herewith a run down on more new
digital devices.
Not all the digital equipment was in the form of recorders. Sony drew large crowds with a demonstration of their CD (compact disc) DAD (digital audio disc) player, which was jointly developed with Philips. The device has been demonstrated before, but this time it appears to be close to being a production proto type. The laser tracking is via a solid state laser diode, and the digital-to-analog circuits are apparently in the form of a Sony-developed LSI chip. Although the music played during the demo wasn't my cup of tea, it was obviously very clean and of wide frequency range, albeit not the kind which would show the 90 dB dynamic range of which the CD disc is capable.
The CD system is slated for introduction in Japan this fall, but the present economic situation in the audio industry might just hurry things along a bit. Polygram is supposed to have a CD soft ware plant in West Germany ready for production by June, and Sony says that the LSI chip production is proceeding ahead of schedule. Thus, an earlier introduction of the CD system isn't out of the question, especially since Polygram (and supposedly CBS/Sony) would have "blades for the razors!" Not to be outdone, Pioneer also showed a prototype CD digital audio disc player. Pioneer had previously developed a proprietary laser-scanned digital audio disc system but decided to become a licensee for the Sony/Philips CD system. Their player loads the 4.7-inch diameter digital disc in a "disc well" on the front panel, somewhat in the manner of a front-loading cassette deck. A semi conductor laser is used to track the CD disc, rather than the larger gas laser Pioneer uses in their video LaserDisc player. According to Pioneer, the CD player has extraordinary random-search capabilities and can be ordered to search out any program selection in three ways: By program number, by elapsed playing time from the start of the disc, or by elapsed playing time in a given musical selection. Even such a complex search function as, for example, ordering the player to commence play at 2 minutes 10 seconds into the third selection of the disc takes only a few seconds to accomplish. All commands are visually con firmed via the player's front-panel program and time displays.
Technics was on hand with some very practical new digital devices. They feel, and rightly so, that fancy digital recorders shouldn't have to accept analog signals from such things as mixers, equalizers, and reverb units. Thus, they introduced their Digital Audio Mixer/Equalizer and Digital Audio Reverberator with memory. The mixer/equalizer handles digital signals with eight inputs and two outputs. (There also are two analog out puts for monitoring.) Full panning and level adjustment are provided as well as facilities for special effects via AUX out put terminals. The fully digital equalizer uses recursive-type digital filters to allow high-speed real-time data processing of complex digital filtering operations.
Linearity is maintained with an internal 35-bit capacity--more than twice the usual 16-bit signal to be processed. The equalizer affords high- and low-frequency roll-off and shelving, as well as mid range cut and boost. Quantization is 16-bit linear, and while the sampling rate on the device is currently at 50.4 kHz, you can be sure it will be changed to the new proposed 48-kHz standard.
The Technics Digital Reverberator has two digital input and two digital out put channels. Initial delay times range from 0 to 155 milliseconds, while reverberation covers 0 to 10 seconds. Quantization is also 16-bit linear with a 50.4-kHz sampling rate at present. Low, high and midrange reverberation can be applied separately to simulate the absorption and reflection characteristics of particular acoustic environments. The de vice is equipped with three programmable memories, each of which can store four kinds of data: Initial reflections and later reflections in low, mid and high range. The memories are nonvolatile, which means you won't lose them during a power failure, and settings can be held for subsequent mix-down sessions. The system features very natural reverberant generation, without the colorations characteristic of plates, springs, etc. A remote control is available.
The Studer company has been quite active in digital equipment. While their multitrack digital recorder won't be introduced until the 71st AES Convention in Montreux, Switzerland, they did show their interesting new Digital Sampling Frequency Converter (SFC-16) in New York. This unit makes possible inter change and recording between digital recorders with differing sampling frequencies. For example, if a recorder has a 44.056-kHz sampling rate and another digital recorder has a 50-kHz sampling rate, they can successfully be converted, up or down, through the Studer SFC-16. The converter accepts arbitrary sampling frequencies, and since it operates strictly under control of the clock signals, no programming is required.
The SFC-16 will permit dubbing from one digital recorder to another without leaving the digital domain. In other words, it makes digital-to-digital dubbing possible. In addition to format conversion, one of the major uses of the SFC 16 will be in mastering to the 44.1-kHz sampling frequency of the Sony/Philips CD digital audio disc.
Of course, in the midst of all this digital activity, analog audio is still very much with us. In fact, at the Studer exhibit, engineers were casting lustful looks at the Studer A80 MK Two, an update of their well-known analog magnetic recorder now featuring two-channel stereo recording on half-inch tape. Ampex introduced this format several years ago, and it has become quite popular. It is claimed that in the A80 MK Two, with all electronics nicely tweaked and using a hot tape at 30 ips, the signal to-noise ratio approaches 80 dB! Speaking of Ampex, they are helping to keep analog magnetic recording alive.
They have a new machine, the ATR 800, which is specifically designed for the international broadcast market.
There are certainly features galore that will appeal to broadcasters, a "dump edit mode," cue amplifier, and quick change heads in mono, stereo and four-channel formats in both quarter-inch and half-inch tape widths. The ATR-800 is switchable between NAB and IEC setups, including bias and level changes as well as equalization curves. There is a universal power supply, and single point "search-to-cue" is standard, as is three-speed operation. The ATR-800 does have a capstan/pinch roller drive, but it is under closed-loop servo control. There are many other standard features as well as several options, things like a built-in tape marker, a tape cutter, and a noise-reduction interface kit for Dolby or dbx.
Price begins at $5,450.00 for the basic two-channel recorder, and delivery is expected by the time you read this.
JVC exhibited their DAS 90 digital recording system, but they also showed photos and details of the newly modified and updated JVC Cutting Center in Los Angeles. In addition to a special direct-drive motor for the Neumann cutting lathe, they have a newly designed CH-90 cutter head. This unit features a "rocking bridge" cutter bar system, which has no cantilever and is extremely stable as to phase and crosstalk characteristics. A highly heat-resistant (250° C) material is used for the moving system which, combined with a double-chambered helium cooling system, permits high dynamic ranges with a maxi mum velocity of a staggering 127 centimeters per second! This is also possible due to the new CA-9011 cutting amplifier, using their "Super Linear" circuit which puts out a mere one horse power (800 watts) per channel! I have previously reported on the JVC UHOR (ultra-high quality) 200-gram "super record." Here is how one was recently produced. JVC took their DAS 90 digital recording system to Moscow and recorded the Moscow Radio Symphony Orchestra in Stravinsky's "Rite of Spring." Then it was cut with the new cutter head and cutting amplifier and pressed on a UHQR disc. The result is rather terrifying --there are monumental transient pulses on this disc that present a formidable challenge to the tracking abilities of even the finest phono cartridges. Unfortunately, this recording is not permitted to be sold in the United States; if you want a copy, you must pick it up in Japan or arrange for someone there to send it. But if you do manage to get one of these recordings, I think you will find JVC has made a significant advance in the state of the art in disc processing. It's a doozy!
WHAT'S NEW IN AUDIO
AKAI Cassette Deck
The GX-F66RC features Intro Scan and Blank Search, automatic play of one side, both sides or continuous playback, and automatic tape selection. Intro Scan allows quick and easy location of specific songs, while Blank Search seeks out unrecorded sections of the tape to facilitate recording on partially recorded cassettes.
This cassette deck also has a microprocessor-controlled Random Program Search System that can select up to 20 programs in any order up to 99 selections on either side of the cassette. The Dolby B and C noise-reduction systems are featured, along with AKAI's automatic reverse, 16-segment LED bar meter and electronic digital tape counter. Frequency response for metal tape is 25 to 19 kHz, ±3 dB. Price: $575.00.
Proton Table Radio
The Radio is a self contained music system with add-on capability for accessory speakers as well as tape players. It comes equipped with a single two way, biamplified speaker, with 20 watts for the woofer and 5 watts for the tweeter, and a built-in equalizer insures bass response down to 60 Hz. A single add-on speaker converts the system to full stereo operation, while up to 10 pairs of speakers can be connected to provide music in any room of a home or office. Prices: The Radio, $280; additional speakers, $150.00 each.
Bang & Olufsen Receiver
The Beomaster 6000 is a 75 watt/channel remote-controlled, computer-directed, programmable receiver. It can be programmed to start or stop automatically, play a radio program, or shut off the system at any time.
Microcomputers control the receiver and reduce complex operations to a touch of a button. The Beomaster 6000's control panel or the wireless remote control terminal will select any of six preprogrammed FM stations, raise or lower the volume, or turn the entire system on or off. The volume control is also automatic, and can be programmed for seven different volume levels as well as preset for a favorite listening level, This receiver also allows for interruptions while a recording is being made. Volume can be turned off by touching the mute button without interrupting the recording process; touching the mute button again will return the volume to the prior sound level. The Beomaster 6000 can be combined with the Beogram 8000 turntable, Beocord 8002 cassette recorder, or the Beocord 9000 cassette recorder. Price: With remote control, $1,600.00.
TEAC Open-Reel Tape Deck
The X-1000R uses a dual-capstan, closed-loop drive and full tension servo control in its transport system.
Transport functions are handled through a logic system that permits search to zero, search to cue, and block repeat operations.
Bidirectional record and playback facilities are included using a six-head arrangement, and reed sizes up to 10 1/2 inches can be accommodated. Both the dbx noise-reduction system as well as the ability to use the new EE, or extra efficiency, a tape formulations are offered as features on this unit. In addition to wide-range VU-type meters, full mike/line mixing facilities and separate-channel input and output controls are provided. Price: $1,400.00.
Nakamichi Cassette Deck
The LX-3 is a two-head cassette deck featuring a microprocessor-controlled tape transport which allows automatic playback after rewind or fast forward, record mute, high-speed shutoff, and slack-tape take-up as well as remote operation and unattended recording and playback via any accessory timer. The unit offers both Dolby B- and C-type noise reduction, as well as a Master Fader with choice of two fade rates. The LX-3 incorporates separate bias and EQ switches for ferric, chrome and metal tape formulations, as well as individual record-level controls, output control, and defeatable MPX filter. The 16-segment peak-responding LED display indicates record levels over a 50-dB range. Price: $545.00.
Mordaunt-Short Loudspeaker
The Pageant 3 uses three transducers in a distributed reflex design to achieve a free-field response of 60 Hz to 20 kHz, ±3 dB. Designed primarily for those who desire a high quality system within practical budget limitations, the system is intended to eliminate the unpleasant colorations associated with single ducts with a large cross-section. This glows excellent generation of low frequencies with great clarity, transient attack, and low distortion. The midrange unit has its own sealed enclosure o prevent interaction with the woofer, while the tweeter is only 12 mm in size for minimum loss of high frequencies off axis. Price: $765.00 per pair; with stands, $815.00 per pair.
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Vintage magazine ADs:
THE BEOCORD 9000. BEYOND A DOUBT THE MOST TECHNICALLY ADVANCED CASSETTE DECK IN THE WORLD.
THE PROMISE FULFILLED. A Ever since their invention in the mid 60's, cassette decks have held out the promise of quality sound reproduction, combined with true convenience.
Convenience has been achieved, to one degree or another.
But no cassette deck has ever succeeded in accurately delivering the wide dynamic range associated with the live performance.
Until now.
BANG & OLUFSEN HX PROFESSIONAL : THE FIRST SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENT IN CASSETTE PERFORMANCE SINCE THE INVENTION OF DOLBY. (DOLBY LABS AGREES.)
In 1978, Bang & Olufsen began exploring technologies which could complement noise reduction systems by offering significant headroom expansion.
The result of these explorations is Bang & Olufsen HX (not to be confused with Dolby HX ), pioneered by Bang & Olufsen of Denmark and perfected in collaboration with Dolby Laboratories.
Utilizing an automatically regulated variable bias oscillator to compensate for the bias effects of high frequency signals, Bang & Olufsen HX Professional offers the discriminating audiophile a cassette deck that, for the first time, truly achieves disc-quality sound reproduction.
Overall dynamic range is increased by up to 10 dB.
Definition of bass frequencies is audibly superior. Frequency response with any type of tape is ±1.5 dB from 20 to 20,000 Hz, with a S/N ratio of up to 80 dB. The ability of any kind of tape to record and play back higher levels of mid-range and high frequency signals is increased significantly.
Bang & Olufsen HX Professional operates independently on each channel, allowing optimum compensation for the particular signal content o$ each channel. And since Bang & Olufsen HX Professional is not an encoding system, tapes recorded on will sound better, even when played on other cassette decks.
OPTIMUM CALIBRATION, FOR EVERY INDIVIDUAL TAPE. IN JUST 9 SECONDS.
The second major advance that is unique in the Beocord 9000 is a computerized tape calibration system that performs all tape calibration functions, completely automatically, in just 9 seconds.
You simply insert a cassette, and push the Tape Calibration button. The Beocord 9000 proceeds to record a test tone on the cassette, and sets the appropriate bias, sensitivity, and equalization. It also actually reads the tape itself to determine what type it is and indicates the tape type via LED.
In the calibration process, the Beocord 9000 also measures distortion and sets fits recording levels and meters according to the characteristics of the particular tape you are using. This exclusive Peak Program Meter function assures you of recordings free of audible distortion, with any tape you use. The specifications on types of cassettes you use frequently can be placed in memory and recalled instantly, making future calibration unnecessary.
IN EVERY OTHER RESPECT, MERELY STATE-OF-THE-ART
There is not space here, to go into further detail on the many other capabilities of the Beocord 9000.
It of course includes Dolby B and C, and all of the functions, such as LED real-time tape counter with real-time tape remaining random access programming, automatic return, and programmable timer, that you would expect in a state-of the-art deck.
You will only find them unexpectedly simple to use.
WRITE FOR THE WORDS. AND THE MUSIC.
As much as we've said here, there is a great deal more to be said for the Beocord 9000.
And we've said it in a white paper which we will gladly send you, at no cost whatsoever. It will allow you to absorb, at your leisure, the remarkable capabilities of this unique machine.
We have also prepared a cassette of music recorded on the Beocord 9000. Played on any cassette deck of reasonable quality, it will allow you to immediately appreciate the accuracy of music recorded with Bang & Olufsen HX Professional. If you send us $3.00 to cover handling costs, we will send you the cassette, and the white paper.
Please allow 4 to 6 weeks for delivery. Offer expires June 30, 1982. Please address requests to Dept. AM.
Bang & Olufsen of America. 515 Busse Road Elk Grove Village, IL 60007. Bang & Olufsen of Denmark
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No stereo system is better than its first 3/10 ounce!
No matter how much you spend on your record playing system, it can't be better than its first component: the phono cartridge.
Because, unless the cartridge tracks the groove faultlessly, and precisely reproduces all the recorded sound, no amount of electronic wizardry can make up for its faults.
Which is why you'd do well to start your system with an Audio-Technica Vector-Aligned™ stereo phono cartridge.
Constructed with the same unique geometry as the cutting head which engraves every stereo groove, A-T cartridges are outstanding for wide range, low distortion, excellent tracking, and superb stereo separation.
There is an Audio-Technica model to match every tonearm and every budget. And each meets our high standards of uniformity and quality... unsurpassed in the industry.
Every great stereo system can use a little Audio-Technica at the start. Insist on nothing less. At leading high fidelity stores -- or write for our catalog today.
AUDIO-TECHNICA U.S., INC. 1221 Commerce Drive Stow. Ohio 44224, USA.
Model A.1155LC $225. Other models from $40 to $275. audio-technica
Great sound ... right from the start!
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(Source: Audio magazine, Mar. 1982 )
Also see: Dr. Thomas Stockham on the Future of Digital Recording (Feb. 1980)
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