45 Record Restoration

The little records with the big hole.  This page contains a little bit of information on the history of this record and some very useful info for restoring your favorites.  Topics include:

45 Record Information

RCA Victor developed the 45-RPM record between the years of 1939 and 1949.  Introduced on March 31^st in 1949 as the “New System”, it was designed to be a replacement for the bulky 78-RPM record.  It was touted to be 1/10^th the weight of its 12 inch counterpart and having a playtime of up to 5.3 minutes per side.  It featured a lightweight record design and small 7-inch diameter with improved fidelity in terms of noise levels and frequency response.  These records were designed to be played on a special turntable having a large rotating spindle that could change a record in only one revolution. The records were made of vinyl plastic for low noise and durability and included a “Shoulder Construction” which consisted of a bump on the edge and center of the record preventing recording surfaces from contacting one another when stacked, thereby reducing the harmful effects of poor handling. These records were designed to be played with a 1.0 mil sapphire stylus which tracked at only 5 grams and used a new recording equalization curve called the “New Orthophonic Recording Characteristic” which was later to become the industry standard RIAA curve.  As an added element of marketing interest, these records were color coded as follows:

Despite the fact that 45-RPM records were marketed as having low distortion compared to their 78-RPM predecessors, many people associate 45-RPM records as having high levels of distortion and the following reasons may help explain this phenomenon: 

Since these records were optimized to be played on special 45-RPM record players, their performance is somewhat impaired when played with the relatively long (and incorrectly positioned) tone arm associated with a standard turntable.  We probably have to live with this because most of us are relegated to playing these records on a large disc LP turntable.  This results in more distortion than these records were designed to produce because of the error in the tracking angle.  Also, the early records were designed to be played with 1.0 mil conical styli, whereas today’s styli for turntables are typically 0.7 mils and elliptical in shape.  

General Record Restoration Techniques 

The process of restoring your records can be just about as complicated as you'd like it to be.  There are numerous steps suggested by the true audiophiles...most of us choose the ones we find most important and throw the rest out with the bathwater.  We'll list all of these here as mini-topics...feel free to launch as many as you care about.  There are a few items that are specific to true 45 records and we've covered them below:

45 Specific Techniques

The process of restoring these recordings is not dissimilar to that of other vinyl record recordings.  The difference is in the turntable mismatch to the record and the distortion encountered.  To minimize the distortion when using a standard turntable, consider using a heavier tracking force during the transfer process.  This can reduce the distortion.  Also, after transferring the material to the hard drive,  consider using the Auto Continuous Noise Filter with a higher FFT size.  To reduce the distortion further, consider applying the Dynamics Processor (under the Effects Menu) De-esser preset.

Choosing The Tools

45 Record Recording Tip

On This screen shot of DC Millennium, you'll notice our Speed Change tool.  Both DC SIX and Millennium offer you the ability to program speed changes to either the full file or a portion of the file.  For tricky tape and vinyl speed change problems, you can easily correct this using this tool.  For 45 Record Restoration, the Speed Change is also ideal when you've got an old 45 recording, but no longer have a means for playing it.  Just record it using a 33 1/3 RPM turntable and then use one of our Speed Change presets to match the speed you're looking for. 

An Educated Taste Test

How much of a difference can the Enhanced Audio products make in your audio life?  Why don't you try them for yourself?  We have demos and Getting started tutorial guides for both products listed below.  Download both the demo and the Getting Started Tutorial guide...the tutorials don't take a great deal of time, but they give you a fantastic idea just how powerful our products are.  

We've provided Record Restoration Quick Start guides for both DC SIX and DC Millennium.  The Getting Started Guides are in PDF form and only depend on you using the demo versions of both products.  These tutorials do not take a great deal of time, but they are jam-packed with info and perfect for quickly learning both products.  By now, you've probably decided on either a $59 or $199 investment...depending on the feature set you liked the best.  Just download either of the Getting Started Guides along with the demos and you'll be ready to start real 45 Record Restoration. 

Example Files

This is a typical old recording of a 78 RPM record.  We used a variety of filters to remove the clicks, pops, hiss and other disturbances.  With 45 Record Restoration, the goals are similar to any other record restoration...to make your file sound authentic, yet noise free and clean.

Will I Need Anything Else?

Each and every system is different.  You've also got to know what it will take to make your ears happy.  For example...Sound Blasters are very popular sound cards...unfortunately, popularity doesn't make them good...just popular.  There are potentially many products that could help you...depending on the scale of the restoration project you want to undertake.  We've created a page that outlines many of these product categories, plus the individual products that we recommend.  Just click here to go there.

Personal Forensics Investigation

$99 Evaluation

DC 8 Software Training DVD

$39

Better Audio Restorations Training DVD

This detailed introduction to the Zen of Audio Restoration features a beginner's guide to restoration software.  Make the most of your restoration software

DC LIVE/Forensics

There is simply no better Audio Forensics product on the market.  You can pay thousands more, but if you're clarifying noisy recordings or even running live audio surveillance, DC LIVE/Forensics is the best in the business.  $1499

Advanced Forensics Concepts Using DC LIVE/Forensics DVD

The in depth walkthrough covers all of the great new features of DC/LIVE/Forensics 7.5.  $59

Audio Mentor

New Price $29!

This intelligent wizard helps any user instantly achieve spectacular results.  Mentor takes you by the hand and gets you from the Record or Tape to CD in several painless steps. 

Learning The CNF DVD

Go "under the hood" of the continuous noise filter.  This in depth training course will help any level user achieve better results with this powerful filter.

Diamond Cut Millennium

Powerful Audio Restoration and enhancement product.  Only $59

Computer Transfer Preamps

Automatic Forensics Adaptive Filter VST Plug-In

Virtual Valve Tube Simulation VST Plug-In

Add real tube sound to any music file an instantly add the warmth and depth that only real tubes can provide.  This new VST Plug In is useful in so many ways that you'll instantly find it your favorite plug-in.  Only $99