Multitrack Recording from the 1950s-80s Flashcards
What is the rough timeline for multitracking?
- 2-track recording: late 1950s.
- 3-track recording: early 1960s.
- 4-track recording: mid 1960s.
- 8-track recording: late 1960s.
- 16-track recording: early 1970s.
- 24-track recording: mid 1970s.
- 48-track recording: 1980s.
What is SMPTE?
It is a time code. Signal that is used to identify a precise location on time-based media.
How was SMPTE used for multitrack recording?
Can be recorded to an audio track on multitrack recorder and then fed back through and signal is read by SMPTE device and code is shown on display.
What problems occurred with bouncing tracks?
- Degrades quality of tape.
- Wow and flutter.
- Cannot edit individual tracks.
What is overdubbing?
Recorded onto an already / pre-recorded track.
How do you avoid spill when multitrack recording live?
- Isolate instruments in studio (acoustic barriers).
- Reduce reflections in room.
- Move mics closer to sound sources.
What is polarised panning and when / why was that a feature in some songs?
- Only 3 positions for panning.
- Left, right and centre.
- 1960s.
- Songs weren’t originally written for stereo, so were converted.
What is signal-to-noise ratio?
A comparison of a wanted signal level and the unwanted noise level (noise floor).
When was 4-track recording used?
Mid 1960s.
What is the name for the hissing / humming noise that devices and speakers make?
Noise floor.
How would a piano be recorded in the mid 1970s?
Place condenser mics inside the lid or inside the front panel. For stereo, have one mic over the right side of the piano (higher frequencies) and one over the left side (lower frequencies). Position them about 1ft away for a more direct sound, use ambient mic for a deeper / ‘reverby’ sound.
