3M Digital Audio Mastering System

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3M Digital Audio Mastering System
Developed By 3M Company
Launched Mid-1978 (2-track prototype)
Jan 1979 (production)
Tracks 32 (recording)
2/4 (mixdown)
Bit Depth 16-bit
Sampling Freq. 50kHz
Tape 1" @ 45ips (32-track)
1/2" @ ?? (2/4-track mixdown)

Prototype

A prototype 2-track version of the system was installed at Sound80 Studios in Minneapolis, MN in mid-1978.[1] This system was used to record, among other titles, the debut album by Flim & The BB's.

Production Version

The final production version of the system included two physical units: a 32-track primary recorder and a 2/4-track mixdown recorder.

Known Installation Dates

Note: All dates are for installs of the final 32-track+2/4-track dual-unit production system unless noted.

  • Mid-1978 - Sound 80 Studios, Minneapolis, MN (2-track prototype).[2]
  • 6 Jan 1979 - The Record Plant, Los Angeles, CA[3]
  • 6 Jan 1979 - A&M Studios, Los Angeles, CA[4]
  • Q1 1979 - Warner Bros. Studios, Los Angeles, CA[5]
  • Q1 1979 - Sound 80 Studios, Minneapolis, MN.[6]
  • 1979 - Westlake Audio, West Hollywood, CA [7]

References

  1. ^ ARSC Journal Vol. 39, No. 1: The Dawn of Commercial Digital Recording.
  2. ^ Ibid.
  3. ^ "CBS-Stills In 1st Rock Digital Date." Billboard, 17 Feb 1979.
  4. ^ Ibid.
  5. ^ Ibid.
  6. ^ Ibid.
  7. ^ "Digital System for Rock Hailed by Jack Douglas." Billboard, 10 Nov 1979.

See Also