NGC - Any opinions on "half speed master" vinyl?

[ohiorider]

I was going through some of my older vinyl this evening, and spun an "Earth Wind and Fire" album that was 'half speed mastered.'  I think Columbia Records may have been the only record producer to use that technology.  I think the intent was to lose high frequency 'hiss.'  When I listen to them today, I find them dull-sounding.  (except for Walter Carlos playing 'Switched on Bach' on the Moog synthesizer.)

Anyone familiar with these recordings with some opinions?

Bob

[brider]

I know nothing about vinyl recording, or really much about recording in general, but I thought the benefit of reel-to-reel recording was the tape speed being higher than a cassette tape; I would've guessed this would apply to vinyl recording also. Go figure.

[Chuck in Indiana]

I know nothing about vinyl recording, or really much about recording in general, but I thought the benefit of reel-to-reel recording was the tape speed being higher than a cassette tape; I would've guessed this would apply to vinyl recording also. Go figure.

It's an entirely different process. The master disc is cut on a lathe, (sort of a record player in reverse)  and the slower speed allows more detail to be transferred to the recording. It's not a simple thing to do, though.

[blu guzz]

In addition to bikes, audio is my hobby.  Half speed mastering was a process in the 1970s where an original master tape was cut to a record lacquer at 1/2 the usual mastering speed.  Also, a better quality of vinyl was used and they typically cost about twice the price of a normal record at the time.  The purpose was to get a more exact cutting of the groove.  They tended to have greater dynamic range and be quieter.  I have the album you refer to.  Whether it sounds better than digital or not depends in large part on what you play it on.  Today's cartridges are so much better than the old ones that we usually hear far more detail then we ever did back in the day.  Think modern ABS brakes vs. old drums.  But if you just throw it on your old 70s era record spinner with ancient cartridge, you won't be very impressed. 


This is an example of a modern record player.  It weighs about 100 lbs and will bring out details of your old records you never knew were there. Those guys will be there in the room with you.

[rodekyll]

Talking Books and other audio recordings for the blind were done at half-speed, but they were also played back at half speed.  We'd get big boxes that looked like film reel containers fro the Library for the Blind and everyone would sit around the record player listening to stories and magazines at 17 RPM.  We would also record textbooks and novels for the Library at half speed with a machine that looked like a record player but it cut grooves instead of reading them. 

[ohiorider]

Thanks, guys, for the information on half speed mastered albums.

Blu Guzz, my buddies back in the early 1980s described my turntable as a 'pottery wheel,' and it hasn't improved with age!  It is an entry level Pioneer component stereo I purchased in late 1980.  The only 'improvement' was having a set of Epicure speakers rebuilt after the rubber speaker (cone) mounts disintegrated.  Replaced with good cones.  I suspect that lovely turntable in your photos would set me back the price of a nice bike, and I'm not that much of an audiophile that I'd make that investment (or wouldn't appreciate the much better sound .... most wines over $10 are lost on me!)

Having said that, I appreciated your response about the history of half speed mastered albums.

It's funny how albums like "Chicago 16" will blow the windows out of the house with this old entry level stereo.  It's great on bass, and with this particular album, the highs are pretty crisp, too.  Date I scribbled on the back of the jacket .... 06/12/1982. Warner Brothers Records.

Bob

[brider]

In addition to bikes, audio is my hobby.  This is an example of a modern record player.  It weighs about 100 lbs and will bring out details of your old records you never knew were there. Those guys will be there in the room with you.

blu guzz:

Would you mind commenting on my turntable and cartridge in a PM? I've had them for years, they are 80's vintage, but I wouldn't mind being told that there is a better cartridge I might try....