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
