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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
pbb
1,140 posts
 
Ah the joys of vinyl, the perfect analog medium. Makes listening to music more exciting since you have a taste of what the next groove will deliver. It's even better than "continuousness": it is an overlap almost. So you see, digital has holes between the samples, vinyl, on the other hand, puts information on top of information; no gaps, no holes, just pure liquid, uninterrupted music!
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ivanj
35 posts
 
It's actually the voice of Paula Zahn from CNN.
mstram OP
83 posts
 
What a relief!!! So they're really not including subliminal messages with each record we buy: "...spend more money on audio gear..."
imin2u
392 posts
 
I worked as a recording engineer for major artists in the Phili/NYC area for 5 years. The tape phenomena listed above was always prevented by storing the right reels (played off) vs the left reels (which are rewound). This was standard practice everywhere.

Print-through DOES occur. I do not deny that. But careless storage plays a part in what you're hearing. (Or the adjacent inner groove was cut too hot on the vinyl lathe).
tobias
1,534 posts
 
Thanks for the info, Imin2U. It makes sense that studios would be aware of the print-through phenomenon, and do something about it.

It also makes sense that some would be careless, either in storage or on the lathe. I have a certain number of discs which show pre-echo, and also many that don't.
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