POWERHOUSE COLLECTION

Western Electric twin turntable used in early cinema for rough synchronisation of mood and effect sound to film action, 1928

Western Electric twin turntable used in early cinema for rough synchronisation of mood and effect sound to film action, 1928

Object No. H6658

Twin turntable, Western Electric model D-86850 Reproducer Set, timber / glass / electronic components, made by Western Electric, 1928

Loading...

Summary

Physical Description

Twin turn table, non-synchronous, with pickup and fader. One player is used for background music and the other for sound effects. Used prior to the talking pictures. Made by Western Electric, 1928. 41" long, 19" wide, 10" high

DIMENSIONS

Height

230 mm

Width

1860 mm

Depth

520 mm

Weight

51 kg

PRODUCTION

Notes

Designed and manufactured by Western Electric. Made for music and sound effects played in conjunction to film presentations in the early period (1928 - 1930) of amplified sound & film. The turntables were often accompanied by a record cabinet with a central cue sheet support that mounted behind the tables. The Victor (USA) record company published discs of sound effects and mood music for use with this type of player.

HISTORY

Notes

Used for music and sound effects played in conjunction to film presentations in the early period (1928 - 1930) of amplified sound & film. This type of mechanical sound reproduction equipment often replaced small bands and orchestras that had performed prescribed music for various films. This type of sound reproduction equipment became obsolete by the early 1930s after methods of recording sound on film were introduced. Locking the sound to the image physically heralded the beginning of the talkies.

SOURCE

Credit Line

Gift of I Bailue, 1960

Acquisition Date

18 May 1960

Copyright for the above image is held by the Powerhouse and may be subject to third-party copyright restrictions. Please submit an Image Licensing Enquiry for information regarding reproduction, copyright and fees. Text is released under Attribution-Non Commercial-No Derivative licence.

Image Licensing Enquiry

Object Enquiry