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

IRENE version FLAT

 

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.

 

Test tones

 

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

 

IRENE version FLAT

Stylus version FLAT

 

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)

Stylus version FLAT

 

Very worn, 78 rpm, acoustic shellac disc: Chattanooga Blues” (Ida Cox, Paramount 12063, 1923).  This example includes severe stylus damage which creates loud distortions in the stylus playback.  To a significant extent IRENE is able to track through these successfully.  Stylus version was transferred by the disc owner, a private collector.  As this is an acoustic recording no curve is applied.  Approx 1 min clip.

 

IRENE version FLAT

Stylus version FLAT

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

IRENE version FLAT

 

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

 

IRENE version FLAT

Stylus version FLAT

 

 

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 University of California at Berkeley.

 

IRENE version with RIAA curve applied

IRENE version FLAT

 

Short clip reconstructed using 3D scanning on a wax fieldwork cylinder recording made at the University of California at Berkeley by anthropologist Alfred Kroeber, or his associates, in the period 1911-1913.  The singer is Ishi,   See this link for further background: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ishi.  This cylinder is in the collection of the Phoebe Hearst Museum of Anthropology at the University of California at Berkeley.

 

Ishi Recording #1826 excerpt  song

Next 2 are from Wood Duck series, spoken word

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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