TABLE OF CONTENTS by George Alexandrovich
Since the last publication of Handbook for Sound Engineers, the technology of sound recording has undergone major changes such as utilizing digital technology for storage and reproduction of audio signals. It looks like the long history of the analog vinyl LP disk is coming to an end as it is being replaced by the digitally recorded compact disc, CD and the DVD. There are many advantages to the compact disc over the LP. It is quieter, has less distortion, is smaller, and does not wear out because it is played back using a beam of light rather than through physical contact. But analog recording has existed for over 100 years and music of the most famous composers and performers, orchestras, and bands, and sounds of events have been immortalized in intricate excursions of the analog record groove. Millions and perhaps billions of disks are still in the hand of the audiophiles archives, musical libraries, and radio stations.
The contents of all these records can never be completely rerecorded onto the compact discs or transferred to tape. Therefore it is important that we know how to preserve, restore, and reproduce analog recordings. It is important that equipment and parts for playback systems be available in the future so we don't run into situations where we cannot play and enjoy our analog records.
