History of Sound Recoding
Thomas Edison - Tin Foil Phonograph
The first great invention developed by Edison in Menlo Park was the tin foil phonograph.
The History of the Edison Cylinder Phonograph
The History of the Edison Disc Phonograph
Emile Berliner - Gramophone & Records
In 1887, Emile Berliner patented a successful system of sound recording. Berliner was the first inventor to stop recording on cylinders and start recording on flat disks or records.
Valdemar Poulsen - Wire Recorders
Poulsen's recorder used magnetized steel piano wire as the recording medium.
Magnetic Tape
A pioneer in the early history of magnetic tape recording, Semi Joseph Begun's advancements in the magnetic tape field eventually provided the 3M company with a billion dollar industry.
Cassette Tape
The Philips Company of the Netherlands invented and released the first compact audio-cassette in 1962.
The History of Microphones
Microphones convert sound waves into electrical voltages that are eventually converted back into sound waves thru speakers. They were first used with early telephones and then radio transmitters.
Eight Track Tape
William Lear invented the eight track tape.
The History of Loudspeakers
In 1877, Ernst Siemens patented the first loudspeaker.
What is Surround Sound?
What is surround sound?
High Fidelity
Hi-Fi or high fidelity recording began in Germany during the Second World War.
The Invention of Radio
Radio owes its development to two other inventions, the telegraph and the telephone.
The History of the Sony Walkman
Sony and other companies began designing new compact and portable tape recorders and players to take advantage of the cassette tape's smaller size.
Audio Oscillator
An audio oscillator is an electronic instrument used to test sound equipment.
The History of MP3
The German company Fraunhofer-Gesellshaft developed MP3 technology and now licenses the patent rights to the audio compression technology.
Sound Recording Technology History
The history and impact of the inventions that changed the way we listen
History of Vinyl Records
From the first syllable of recorded time - this is the story of plastic that shook the world, a guide to the key players and events which shaped the record's development.
Early Recorded Sounds & Wax Cylinders
Explore early sound recording methods, two-minute wax cylinder records and antique phonographs. See rare vintage photos and enjoy listening to early recorded sounds taken directly from the original wax cylinders.
Who Invented the Album Cover?
Alex Steinweiss changed the look of album covers forever, from plain brown envelopes to illustrated works of art.