6. NOISE REDUCTION EXAMPLES
Finally, two complete noise-reduced 78s: each starts with
the straight transfer and then after about 25 seconds
changes to the decrackled and dehissed version. The
decrackling was done first, care being taken not to overdo
it and introduce distortion: then the same principles
applied to the hiss as described on the previous pages.
Firstly, 'The ToyTown Party', from a forgotten musical show
called 'Nippy' ( a 'Nippy' was a waitress in the Lyons
Corner House tea-rooms): it's sung by Binnie Hale and was
recorded on 27 November 1930: Columbia DB349. There is still
some residual noise; but although it could have been further
reduced, doing so removed the 'bite' from what is a very
fine recording for its age. As always, a careful balance has
to be drawn between reducing noise and retaining the quality
of the original recording.
The second item is a modern vinyl pressing from the original
master, so that there is no abrasive noise: the result shows
just how good the original recording quality could be. It's
'Il était un roi de Thulé' from 'Faust' by Gonoud, sung by
Conchita Supervia. It was recorded in 1932 by Odéon but
originally unpublished: this copy was issued by The British
Institute of Recorded Sound in the first issue of Historic
Masters, on BIRS HMB11.