1950s Capitol Acetates: What does this symbol mean?

This is from a 2-sided Capitol acetate, and I'm guessing it has something to do with EQ during cutting, but...maybe not???? Any thoughts?

Thanks,
Matt

 

That's mastering notes. EQ, level.

All the recording cards have the same info, how the original singles were cut, what the level was for each song, the amount of compression used, the EQ used. So when they made a recut they could match it.

There is a 78 RPM, 45 RPM and 33 1/3 RPM note on each card.

Since the gear used was standard, they didn't bother mentioning it, just the numbers. Makes it very hard to guess what they were using during cutting.

 

Thanks!

Matt

 

That top pic looks like +4 db at 5k for EQ. The word "OFF" on the left is for FILTER ON/OFF....

 

Here's a little wider view:

 

I'm wrong about the filter, sorry. Usually it's printed right on there. Filtering was very common back then (especially at United/Western). I think every record ever cut at United was filtered at 10k and 50 cycles.

Those numbers are EQ, gain, limiter, etc. Pointless without knowing what the machines were..

I doubt the "4 @ 5k" really means 4 db. The "4" is probably 4 clicks on whatever machine they were using, possibly in 2 db steps. Yikes!

 

^^^^^ Yeah, I think I saw that on a Sinatra/Reprise/United acetate that MMM bought a few years back.

 

Preety steep, yes. Wacky. Later (in the 1970's and 80's) they usually filtered at 15k.

 

^^^^It's not mine, and I don't plan to bid on it, but it's on Ebay right now.

Matt