IRENE and 3D Examples, and Comparisons
June 2007
To characterize the performance and features of IRENE a set of “canonical” examples are chosen. Electrical recordings are presented with an RIAA curve applied (a basic approximation to how they would “naturally” sound). Flat playback is also presented for reference, although this boosts the high frequency noise considerably. For further information visit the project web site at http://irene.lbl.gov/
For 3D scanning examples, any applied EQ is described
Pristine 10 inch, 45 rpm acetate disc: “Proud Mary” (Creedence Clearwater Revival, Fantasy): This disc was prepared from digital media on a cutting lathe. (30 seconds)
IRENE version with RIAA curve applied
A set of test tones cut into a lacquer coated disc were scanned and reconstructed with IRENE. The sequence begins with a 1 KHz reference tone and then follows 10 KHz – 1 KHz in steps of 1 KHz, then 750 Hz, 500 Hz, 300 Hz, 200 Hz, and 100 Hz.
Good condition 78 rpm shellac disc: “Double Check Stomp” (Duke Ellington, Bluebird 6450, 1930) The stylus version is relatively free of clicks but wear related crackle is present. The stylus version was cleaned and transferred at the Library of Congress. The IRENE version is a good illustration of the characteristic broadband noise. (30 seconds).
IRENE version with RIAA curve applied
Stylus version with RIAA curve applied
Worn 78 rpm shellac disc with a skip and distortion: “Johnny” (Les Paul and Mary Ford, Capitol 2486, 1953) This example is similar to that shown above, but also has a clear skip which IRENE “repairs”. It also shows more linearity at high amplitude than a stylus playback of the same disc. Stylus version is full length, transferred at Berkeley, IRENE version is a clip (approx 1 minute)
IRENE version with RIAA curve applied
Stylus version with RIAA curve applied
IRENE CIO-flat.wav (new 2012 version with combined images)
IRENE version FLAT (old version)
Very worn, 78 rpm, acoustic
shellac disc: “
IRENE examples\cb09b_-allBr25-OR-FD1-NOFIL---1-D8-2-44100-linear-10.wav (new July 2009 scan of this disc, no EQ applied)
Very worn shellac, 78 rpm: “Hemlock Blues” (David Lee Johnson, Gruvtone 106, 1950’s) No stylus transfer exists of this disc. (30 second clip).
IRENE version with RIAA curve applied
Broken 78 rpm shellac disc: “Iolanthe” (Victor 9708 1930 Gilbert and Sullivan) No stylus transfer is possible. Short clip
IRENE version with RIAA curve applied
Large lacquer radio transcription disc, 33 1/3 rpm, good condition: “The Greatest Story Ever Told #175” (ABC radio ~1950) The lower broadband noise is apparent here as compared to shellac discs. Stylus transfer was made at the Library of Congress. Short clips.
IRENE version with RIAA curve applied
Stylus version with RIAA curve applied
Early lacquer disc, 78 rpm: Theos Bernard (Radio interview ~1929,
label reads “Harry Smith studio”) full length. See this link for further
background http://c250.columbia.edu/c250_celebrates/remarkable_columbians/theos_bernard_scholar.html. This disc is at the Phoebe Hearst Museum of
Anthropology at the
IRENE version with RIAA curve applied
Short clip reconstructed using 3D
scanning on a wax fieldwork cylinder recording made at the
Ishi Recording #1826
excerpt song
Next
2 are from Wood Duck series, spoken word
IRENE
examples\phm_1591_-95_1815_54_18160_1800.pri9-0-BN160-E0.15-BK30-BL6-OUT1.1-1-D1-4410-FFT5.wav MPLS probe
IRENE
examples\PHM-1591-1K-115-7p5-5-12K.pri-0-BN80-E0.25-BK30-CL1.5-SM0-D4-4410-FFT5.wav single point probe