The History of Audio Recording Technology

The first electrically activated audio recording technology was invented in Denmark by Valdemar Poulsen in 1898. In parallel to the development of the first electronic music instruments was the invention of sound recording. The tape recorder was an astounding tool for all of the music industry, allowing for multitracking and post-production studio treatments that could not be otherwise achieved. Edison’s breakthrough was soon followed by a myriad of competing mechanical sound recorders and playback machines. Steel tape recording used the same principle as wire recorders: magnetic recording onto an uncoated ribbon of thin steel. Prior to World War II, the turntable and associated disc recorders were the most practical and affordable means for recording and playing sounds. In the Phonofilm process, audio signals were converted to electrical waveforms and photographically recorded on the edge of motion picture film.