RECORD-001

Recovered audio fragment.
Reference: CY-990 / X-08.
Catalog incomplete.

Deteriorated 78 rpm acetate disc associated with the recovered audio fragment — Deteriorated acetate disc. Playback speed and recording conditions uncertain.

Audio Content (Transcript)

“April 1897. I have finished reading Dracula. It is too familiar…”

Audio quality severely degraded leads to partial loss of articulation. Interpretation remains uncertain.

Associated Audio Reference

Audio material provisionally attributed to Vespera Nightshade. Recorded from a deteriorated 78 rpm acetate disc.

Access the audio reference (external link)

Listening conditions may affect audibility.

Support Note — 78 rpm Disc Recordings

Disc recordings designed to play at approximately 78 revolutions per minute represent one of the earliest forms of commercially distributed sound media.

The flat disc gramophone format emerged in the late nineteenth century and is commonly associated with Emile Berliner, whose system displaced earlier cylinder-based recording technologies.

Early disc recordings did not follow a fixed playback speed. The value commonly referred to as “78 rpm” emerged gradually and was influenced by mechanical constraints of electric motors and manufacturing practices during the early twentieth century.

These discs were typically produced using shellac or early acetate compounds and predate modern vinyl formats. Playback requires specialized equipment, and listening conditions may significantly affect audibility.

Emile Berliner, associated with the development of the gramophone disc format — Emile Berliner (1851–1929). Disc gramophone systems emerged in the late nineteenth century; standardization of speeds and formats occurred gradually.

Collector’s Note

Disc recordings at approximately 78 rpm began to circulate in the late 19th century. Standardization occurred gradually.

Listening conditions may affect audibility.

— The Archivist