Subject:converting 78 records played at 33.3 & 45 rpm to 78.26 standard

Posted by: Lanco

Date:12/12/2001 2:36:39 PM

i want to record 78 records to sf 5.0 on my turntable at 33.3 or 45rpm, then convert it to the 78.26 standard. i have had some input on this, but am still a little confused. i would really like the numbers and steps to do this if possible. i could also use the formula so i could figure out how to do it for records at 16, 71.29, 76.59, and 80rpm.

for those reading this it would be interesting to know that those old "78's" were recorded from the 60's to the 80's rpm depending on the time period and the company. 78rpm is what the records were referred to however these records starting in the mid-l920's really were recorded at 78.26.

thanx in advance

Scott Langholff
scott_langholff@yahoo.com

Subject:RE: converting 78 records played at 33.3 & 45 rpm to 78.26 standard

Reply by: vanblah

Date:12/12/2001 5:38:38 PM

I have no way to test this because I don't have any "78s" to test it with but here goes:

Divide the rpm at which the record was recorded by the rpm at which you just played it, ie. 78.26/45 = 1.7391+. So time and pitch need to be adjusted by roughly 173.91+ percent. Since the pitch function doesn't have a percent function you'll have to adjust the cents and semitones. The closest I get is +9 semitones and +58.1 cents for a ratio of 1.73919.

Don't check "Preserve duration".

I'd like to know if this works.

I swear I've seen a plugin for this though.

Subject:RE: converting 78 records played at 33.3 & 45 rpm to 78.26 standard

Reply by: jgalt

Date:12/13/2001 7:59:27 PM

Scott: I'll use 'simple' numbers. If I were playing a 78 at 45RPM I would do the math, ie, 78/45=1.733. I would then set the recording sample rate in Sound Forge to 44.1/1.733 or a sample rate of 25,447. After the recording was finished I would click on Process/Resample and change the "New sample rate setting" to 44,100 and click on the "Set sample rate only" box. You will have to do some 'heavy' equalization to correct the frequency response as all freqs will have been reduced by 1.73. I recommend you use the fastest turntable speed you have for playing 78's - IF you don't actually have 78RPM available. This techniques is also good for warped 78's that wont track at the correct speed. Good luck. Hope I didn't mess up on my math here!

Subject:RE: converting 78 records played at 33.3 & 45 rpm to 78.26 standard

Reply by: Lanco

Date:12/17/2001 12:20:09 AM

thanx vanblah. it works suprisingly well. i will try the other method when i work out another problem that i am going to post with a different title.

it does seem to me however that some time ago i saw an article on the web that the sound of the 78 record does not come out as good as if actually played on a three speed turntable. maybe it had to do with the tracking of the needle. i would be curious to get some input on this.

Subject:RE: converting 78 records played at 33.3 & 45 rpm to 78.26 standard

Reply by: Lanco

Date:12/17/2001 12:41:25 AM

one more thought on this subject i do have some old bsr turntables, about 10 of them i picked up for $4 or $5 apiece at thrift stores etc. i got them so i would have extra idler wheels which you can not find any more. but....they have incredibly awful rumble. maybe it would not be that bad using a 78 record in that maybe the other surface noise might hide the rumble a bit. but it seems to me a clear signal at a slower speed is a better idea than the fast speed and noise.

i am also considering getting a numark tt100 or tt2 turntable. or getting an idler wheel for an approx. 30 year old dual turntable.