Last Updated: 20060906, mei
DISK CUTTERS
Presenter:
Barry Brose, Highland Laboratories - San Francisco, CA, USA
Abstract:
Western Electric pioneered disk cutter design, from the first cutters used in talking motion pictures (Vitaphone), through the early 1930s during which full-fidelity disk recording was achieved in the laboratory, and on to the 45-45 stereo disk cutting system that became a world standard. Western Electric also pioneered the use of closed-loop motional feedback servo systems in its cutters in both the mono and stereo eras. Designing and fitting all elements required for high fidelity recording in a record groove of only 0.001 to 0.003 inches was a tour de force of engineering and manufacturing technologies. Barry Brose will present his film on the evolution of these heads, showing the cutters "up close" and disassembled for viewing the internal parts and the principles of operation. Additionally, you will see selected cutter heads in actual operation.
