Manual
13
LPE-2
LEGACY RECORDINGS
The 78 RPM record was a standard format for decades, followed by 33-1/3 RPM. While
33 RPM “LP” records produced after 1954 almost universally follow the EMI or RIAA
standards, compensation curves used for 78 RPM records varied significantly between
manufacturers and era. Via historical research and empirical testing, audio engineers have
attempted to classify the myriad of legacy equalization formats. The following chart lists
a small sampling of various EQ curves which have been derived from papers, audio jour-
nals, jacket information on early LPs, experimentation, and other sources for records made
generally between 1925 and 1955. The audio engineer should use these numbers as a
guide only. Ultimately, use your ears as the final reference for correct compensation on
legacy formats.
SOURCE SERIES TURNOVER (Hz) ROLLOFF (dB @ 10 kHz)
Acoustic Recording (such as
cylinders, etc..) 0 (or as required) 0 (or as required)
“AES” standard 400 -12
AFRS Transcriptions 500 0 or -5
Allegro 750 -16
Allied 500 -16
American Recording Society 500 -12 or –13.7
Angel 500 -12
Arizona 400 -12
Artist 500 -16
Atlantic 500 -16
Audiophile 300 -8
BBC Transcriptions 1949 500 -5
BBC Transcriptions most 250-300 0 to -5
Bach Guild 501-529 500-750 -16
Banner adjust as required 500 -16
Bartok 629 -16
Bartok 301-304, 309, 906-920 700 -16
Berliner speed = 71.29 RPM 0 0
Blue Bird 800 -10
Blue Note Jazz 400 -12
Boston COL* -16
Brunswick rare 1000 -8.5
Brunswick from 1946 300 -16
Brunswick early 300-500 0 or -16
BSI 353 -10.5
Caedmon 629 -11
Caedmon 1001-1022 700 -12
Cameo inconsistent, adjust as required
Canyon 400 -12
Capitol FDS 400 -12
Capitol-Telefunken 500 0