Tony Clarke on Quad 1970

 

Tony Clarke on Quad 1970

by Pete Clemons

Where things were with regard to audio in 1970. With us now in the digital age, and listening to music via anything from mobile phones to Atmos or even Spatial systems,

In a way that Steven Wilson and Bruce Soord try to today. Not only do they create music but they endeavour to present it the best way they can.

I think this is a lovely nostalgic trip back in time with Moody Blues producer Tony Clarke........

The inevitability of Quad Sound in the immediate future - we hope to make the next Moody Blues album available in this form - and 'Audio Visual' techniques are as certain to be a reality as 'iron ships will never float' and 'you'll never get me up in one of those'.

Two or three years ago we would go into a recording studio with only four track systems available, but in a very short time this has escalated to 16 and in some cases 24 track studios which present infinite possibilities for separation and mixing.

The 'spin-off' from the improvements and equipment in the studios is subsequently reflected in the devices made available to the public who are now demanding more sophisticated forms of audio appreciation. The most important aspect for the stereo enthusiast is to avoid buying expensive equipment which might be outmoded the next year by the revolutionary new techniques being evolved.

Quad sound is only months away from a massive launch by the suppliers who are providing the equipment and lends a new dimension to present stereophonic systems. The dinosaurs of this development are likely to become the radiograms which can never provide the width separation with their self contained speakers, but Quad Stereo will provide depth width and, if you think about it, a complete circle of sound.

All this could be quite expensive to the consumer but there is one development which could be a considerable saving to those contemplating throwing their stereo players or stereo amps out of the window. But the simple addition of a small device called a 'phase modulator' which you should be able to purchase for just a few pounds. It is possible to produce an effective version of the 'Quad Sound' system with the addition of two matching speakers and your old system. It is really nothing more than a little black box with a few resistors but it does the job.

Within a year we should see the development of an audio-visual product which is being developed along four basic lines:

1. Sound and picture from a disc
2. Sound and picture video tape cassette
3. Sound and picture from a tape cartridge
4. Sound and picture from a 16mm film

The most likely of these would appear to be the cassette or cartridge although some companies are experimenting with the disc. But this has proved limited related to playing time so far.

A 12 inch disc, for example, will only play 12 minutes. The amount of information needed to provide both a colour film and quad sound would relate better to a tape cartridge. All of these techniques would involve modification of a TV set, and one company have declared their intention of retailing such a set as their new model next year for approximately £200.

We are continually being informed of a 'golden age'. The public are going to become more critical and selective over their play machines and ultimately there must be increased activity resulting in more sophisticated and refined equipment.

Tony Clarke's own equipment consists of a B&O 1000 deck with Sanyo 60 watt stereo amplifier and 4 Wharfedale 15 inch speakers with mid range and tweeters.