John G. Frayne
Encyclopedia
John G. Frayne was a physicist
and sound engineer
.
in physics from the University of Minnesota
while working at the Bell Laboratories.
In 1949, with Halley Wolf, he wrote the classic textbook entitled Elements of Sound Recording.
Among his technical achievements were the development of sound recording techniques and their reproduction
for optical sound recording systems, which led to stereo-optical formats used by films in the 1970s and '80s. He was a
co-inventor of the sphere densitometer
, which won a Scientific or Technical Academy Award
in 1941. He was also the co-inventor of the stereo disc cutter which was standard in the recording industry, and the co-inventor of the inter-modulation techniques of distortion measurements, which won him an Academy Award in 1953.
(AES), received its Gold Medal Award for Outstanding Achievement in advancing the art of audio engineering in 1976. He received the SMPTE Progress Medal in 1947.
Physics
Physics is a natural science that involves the study of matter and its motion through spacetime, along with related concepts such as energy and force. More broadly, it is the general analysis of nature, conducted in order to understand how the universe behaves.Physics is one of the oldest academic...
and sound engineer
Audio engineering
An audio engineer, also called audio technician, audio technologist or sound technician, is a specialist in a skilled trade that deals with the use of machinery and equipment for the recording, mixing and reproduction of sounds. The field draws on many artistic and vocational areas, including...
.
Career
Frayne received his Ph.D.Doctor of Philosophy
Doctor of Philosophy, abbreviated as Ph.D., PhD, D.Phil., or DPhil , in English-speaking countries, is a postgraduate academic degree awarded by universities...
in physics from the University of Minnesota
University of Minnesota
The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities is a public research university located in Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota, United States. It is the oldest and largest part of the University of Minnesota system and has the fourth-largest main campus student body in the United States, with 52,557...
while working at the Bell Laboratories.
In 1949, with Halley Wolf, he wrote the classic textbook entitled Elements of Sound Recording.
Among his technical achievements were the development of sound recording techniques and their reproduction
for optical sound recording systems, which led to stereo-optical formats used by films in the 1970s and '80s. He was a
co-inventor of the sphere densitometer
Densitometry
Densitometry is the quantitative measurement of optical density in light-sensitive materials, such as photographic paper or film, due to exposure to light...
, which won a Scientific or Technical Academy Award
Academy Award, Scientific or Technical
Since 1931, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has given the Scientific and Technical Award, an Academy Award for scientific or technical achievements, which are presented at "a dinner ceremony separate from the annual telecast."...
in 1941. He was also the co-inventor of the stereo disc cutter which was standard in the recording industry, and the co-inventor of the inter-modulation techniques of distortion measurements, which won him an Academy Award in 1953.
Awards
Dr. Frayne, a Fellow of the Audio Engineering SocietyAudio Engineering Society
Established in 1948, the Audio Engineering Society draws its membership from amongst engineers, scientists, other individuals with an interest or involvement in the professional audio industry. The membership largely comprises engineers developing devices or products for audio, and persons working...
(AES), received its Gold Medal Award for Outstanding Achievement in advancing the art of audio engineering in 1976. He received the SMPTE Progress Medal in 1947.