2. analog
  3. 1050528560

What's up with the analog "echo" phenomenon?

I was recently listening to an Analogue Productions LP record: "The Intimate Art Pepper". I couldn't help but notice--particularly on the solo horn cuts--an anoying echo-type of phenomenon. Actually, it is more like a reverse echo with the quieter "decay" sound proceding the loud actual intended sound by about a half second. I hope this makes some sense. Actually, I've noticed this for years on other analog recordings. It is very noticable during very quiet passages just before a loud passage. I didn't expect to hear this on a supposed "audiophile" pressing.

Is this phenomenon a necessary evil in the analogue tape medium?
mstram

Showing 1 response by jvogt

jvogt
212 posts
 
It's called pre-echo, and in not uncommon on vinyl
recordings. The stylus is reading loud passages on
the adjacent inside groove.

On tape, an echo is frequently due to print-through.
The magnetic tape, when it sits tightly wound,
prints through the magnetic signal to the adjacent
layer, and can be heard as an echo.
More to discover