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Group 5 - History of Audio Technology
Group 5 - History of Audio Technology
Group 5 Class 3 A
CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION
A. Background
Technology in ELT refers to the use of modern technology tools and devices to facilitate
language teaching and learning. The use of technology in ELT has become increasingly popular
in recent years, and modern technology tools include language labs, digitalization, multimedia
devices, mobile phones, audio/visual multimedia content, EdTech solutions, and social media.
The application of modern technology represents a significant advance in contemporary English
language teaching methods. Successful use of technology usually occurs when the technology
is 'invisible', accessible, and easy to use. Technology can provide choice, which in turn can be
used in differentiation. Many of the technologies listed allow students to personalize examples
and to work autonomously. Developing learners' knowledge and skills pertinent to computer
technology provides equity of opportunity, regardless of learners' background. Technology,
when used appropriately, can help the English and language classroom a site of active learning
and critical thinking
CHAPTER 2
HISTORY
The history of audio technology is a fascinating subject that spans several centuries. Audio
technology has advanced significantly from the early days of acoustic recording to the current
digital era. Let's examine some significant turning points in the development of audio
technology.
Since then, advances in digital audio technology have allowed for the creation of a number of
formats, including MP3 and streaming services as well as high-resolution audio. Musicians
and audio professionals now have easier access to audio production because to the
development of digital audio workstations (DAWs) and software-based recording and editing
tools.
1. 1857 – Phonautograph by Leon Scott.
France's Leon Scott was the first person to capture live audio. He created a sound recording
device known as the Phonoautograph. It was created between 1855 and 1856. The diaphragm
at the end of this device's horn-shaped device served as a microphone to direct sound waves
there. According to the wave length going through the horn, a stylus attached to a diaphragm
was used to scratch out a wave line on a rotating cylinder. The cylinder was covered in
lampblack, which was applied by holding it over a flame to collect carbon, in order to record
the sound wave. Using Phonograph, he has recorded "Au Clair de La Lune Pierrot repondit..."
However, because of the insensitivity,This apparatus was not adequate to accurately recreate
the recorded sound. Only a very brief sound track—less than one second—could be captured
using this gadget. Despite its failure as a sound playback technology, it was in high demand as
a tool for scientific investigation.
Emile Berliner, a German engineer who emigrated to the United States, pioneered disc
recording technology. By developing disc recording technology in 1887, he was able to defeat
the idea of mass production or the technique of reproducing records for the general public.
Berliner's newly developed disc recording technology was able to easily generate thousands of
copies using just one master disc, in contrast to Bell's cylinders' method of one by one
recording. The phrase "phonograph" was insufficient to describe that apparatus. Edison had
already received a patent for his invention by then.
He named his device Gramophone as a result. In the 1890s, the public preferred the
Gramophone above both the Edison and Bell phonographs due to its superior sound and wider
volume range. The discs' carrying capacities have been referred to as "recordings" since their
inception. These disc recordings came in a variety of sizes and recording speeds when they
were made available to the general public. The sizes of records were typically between 10
inches (25 cm) and 12 inches (30 cm) but after 1912 all records were played at the slandered
speed of 78 rpm (round-per-minute).
Only 3.5 minute long audio pieces could be produced using 78 rpm recording discs. Contrary
to Edison's "Vertical cut," all recordings up until the 1920s were essentially acoustically
recorded using the "Lateral cut" technique. Even though phonograph discs were initially
created using a strong, vulcanised rubber variant known as ebonite, subsequent versions of
these were made using a material called "Shellac" due to the difficulty of pressing ebonite.
However, a few of Nicole Record Company's early recordings were created from compressed
cardboard that had a reddish celluloid coating.
4. Magnetic Recording
Scientists were dissatisfied with existing sound recording technologies due to practical
and technical issues. They sought new advanced recoding methods and devices,
originating from the development of telephone machines. Magnetic Recording theory,
invented by Oberlin Smith in 1888, was later envisioned by Fenby in 1863. In 1898,
Valdermar Paulsen, a Danish telephone technician, produced the first wire recording
device using this theory. Although he failed to obtain a patent for his invention, he
later obtained a patent for the prototype magnetic wire recording device, known as
"Telegraphone" in 191028. This method was followed by other inventors of sound
recording on tape in the 1950s.
In the late 1900s and early 1920s, new firms began producing recording devices,
leading to the development of the Telegraphone. Curt Stille improved the
Telegraphone, and Karl Bauer developed the Daily graph in 1925. This compact wire
recorder was designed for office dictation and could record messages directly from
telephone lines. After being modified by ITT Company, the Daily graph was
redesigned as the Textophone, a wire recorder used for both telephone and dictation
purposes.
Fritz Pfleumber introduced the method of recording sounds as electrical audio signals
on paper or celluloid tape in 1928. The German company "Allgemeine
Elektrizitatsgesellschaft" manufactured the Magnetophone recording equipment in
1930. The sound quality of Magnetophones was superior to wire recorders and was
used for war-related journalistic purposes during WWII. The HTS and K7 models
were improved in 1945. In 1936, Sir Thomas Beecham and the Philharmonic
Orchestra of London recorded a series of recordings during their European tour.
Despite initial poor recording quality, the company continued to improve the
machines, making Magnetophone the first reel-to-reel recording system in the 20th
century.
During World War II, magnetic recording was crucial for journalism due to its unique
demands. Companies developed tape recorders for radio broadcasting, surveillance,
and dictation. After the war, magnetic recording became a leading medium in
broadcasting and music mastering. Tape was easily handled in remote locations for
radio "spot" news reporting. It came in reel to reel, sound cartridge, and cassette
formats, introduced by Phillips in 1964.
In the early days, open reel-to-reel tape was the primary recording format, used for
professional studio recordings. These tapes had different widths and track formats, and
were easy to handle while editing. The sound cartridge system, introduced by RCA
Victor in 1958, was used for storage and transport. The tape was housed in a plastic
cover and had a 60-minute duration. Later, different cartridge formats were
introduced, including four track cartridges (1962), Orrtronics-Cousino Audio-mate
cartridge (1962), Channel master cartridge (1964), and Stereo eight track cartridge
(1965). These cartridges were specifically designed for music recording, with some
famous musicians using them for their songs.
The introduction of tape significantly transformed music and recording culture. The
process of recording changed significantly, with early mechanical recordings requiring
musicians to adapt to technology and take longer.
The quality of recordings depended on the recording method and equipment used. The
tape was easier to handle, trim, and join, making it a preferred form of mastering
music. It also allowed for longer recordings than discs. This led to the stereo
revolution in the 1950s, with multiple channel tape recordings playing a significant
role in the evolution of music production.
The development of audio technology from analog to digital has been a transformative journey
that has revolutionized the way we record, store, and reproduce sound. Here is an overview of
the key milestones in this evolution:
1. Mechanical Sound Recording : Early sound recording technology, such as the phonograph,
used mechanical systems to capture and reproduce sound. Sound vibrations were directly
etched onto physical media like wax cylinders or shellac records.
2. Magnetic Tape Recording : In the mid-20th century, magnetic tape recording emerged as a
significant advancement. Magnetic tape allowed for high-quality sound recording and editing.
It was used in both professional studios and consumer devices like reel-to-reel tape recorders
and cassette tapes.
3. Vinyl Records : Vinyl records, a form of analog audio storage, became the primary medium
for music distribution. Records came in various sizes and played at different speeds, with 33
1/3 RPM (long-playing records) and 45 RPM (singles) being the most common.
4. Analog Broadcasts : Analog radio and television broadcasts used analog signals to transmit
audio and video content. AM (Amplitude Modulation) and FM (Frequency Modulation) were
two common analog radio transmission methods.
5. Digital Broadcasting :
Analog radio and television broadcasting transitioned to digital formats (e.g., DAB for radio
and DTV for television). Digital broadcasting provides better audio and video quality and
more efficient use of spectrum.
The transition from analog to digital audio technology has not only improved sound quality
but also made audio more accessible, portable, and versatile. Digital audio has become the
foundation for modern music production, distribution, and consumption, shaping the way we
interact with audio content in the digital age.
Language laboratories have played a significant role in language learning and development.
They provide a controlled environment for learners to practice and improve their language
skills. Here's an overview of the development and importance of language laboratories:
- Early Development
The concept of language laboratories originated in the early 20th century. The first
recorded language laboratory was established at the University of Grenoble in 1908. It
aimed to enhance language learning by providing students with audio recordings and
playback equipment.
- Advancements in Technology
With advancements in technology, language laboratories evolved to incorporate more
sophisticated equipment. In the mid-20th century, the introduction of magnetic tape
recording allowed for more efficient and flexible language learning experiences.
Students could listen to pre-recorded materials and practice pronunciation and
language skills.
- Digital Language Laboratories
The digital era brought significant advancements to language laboratories. Traditional
tape-based systems were replaced by computer-based language labs. These labs
utilized software programs that provided interactive language exercises, multimedia
content, and real-time feedback. Students could engage in listening, speaking, and
pronunciation activities using computer-based tools.
3. Interactive Exercises : Digital language labs offer interactive exercises and activities
that engage students in language learning. These exercises can include vocabulary
drills, grammar exercises, and conversation simulations.
5. Teacher Monitoring : Language labs often have features that allow teachers to
monitor students' progress and provide guidance. Teachers can track students'
performance, identify areas of improvement, and offer targeted support.
- Conclusion
The development of language laboratories has greatly influenced language learning
and development. From early tape-based systems to modern digital labs, these
facilities have provided learners with valuable tools and resources to improve their
language skills. As technology continues to advance, language laboratories are likely
to evolve further, offering even more innovative and effective language learning
experiences.