Oxford Duplication Centre

We offer output formats to Waveform Audio File Format (WAV, WAVE, Broadcast BWF) AIFF, MP3 or CD in formats 16-bit 44.1 kHz (CD) upto 24-bit 192 kHz.

Audio File Format Guide Who Does'nt Love a Good Clean | Acetate Transcription Cleaning BLOG

• 78 (rpm)
• Wax record

Dates

1897 – late 1950s

Common Size(s)

7"; 10"; 12"; 16" (diameter)

Description

Shellac-type is a recorded sound format that consists of a coarse-grooved disc made of shellac resin with varying components, typically clay, slate, and limestone as filler, carbon black for color, and cotton fibers for strength. Originally known as Durinoid, shellac may contain other resins, plasticizers, and hardeners. They are typically played back at the following speeds: 30 rpm, 70 rpm, and 78 rpm. Shellac is often correlated with 10" 78s.

Deterioration

All grooved disc media is susceptible to warpage, breakage, groove wear, and surface contamination. Types of surface contamination include: dirt, dust, mold, and other foreign materials, all of which can abrade or damage the grooves and diminish playback sound quality. Excessive surface damage and groove wear are generally identifiable on discs that have a dull surface, scratches, pits, and/or cracks.

Risk Level

Shellac-type 78s manufactured post-WWI are relatively stable and not considered especially vulnerable to age-related deterioration or inherent vice. Pre-World War I discs may be composed of more volatile materials and may require greater preservation attention. Shellac records are rigid and brittle. They do not flex like vinyl, and they can break easily because they often do not have a reinforcing substrate like lacquered discs.

Background

The earliest discs are made of a shellac-type material with various fillers. Shellac 78s were produced commercially from 1897 until the late 1950s, but their use declined steadily after World War II as music recording labels shifted toward lacquered records.

Our services offer clients archival analogue conversions using  Prism Sound and Izotope audio restoration to provide all supported digital output formats.  With our specialism in taking care of precious and valuable archives, clients are reassured of our experience and policies which underpin our award winning company.