Mike Dixon demonstrates the recording lathe at the CSLP. Photo courtesy of Zeina Ismail-Allouche.
On Thursday, August 17, 2023, the CSLP was pleased to welcome vinyl record artist Mike Dixon for a special workshop on record cutting using modified Presto recording lathes. The event took place at the initiative of Owen Chapman and graduate research assistant Angus Tarnawsky, who have recently incorporated traditional lathe-cut disc making into their research practices.
"Mike is carrying on the legacy of lathe cutting pioneers, such as Peter King,” explained Tarnawsky. “The machines we are working with at the CSLP were designed for more traditional disc cutting techniques using expensive acetate discs. Our focus is working with polycarbonate plastic which is a more affordable and flexible material. This route allows us to experiment on a number of less conventional projects than what you may expect to find on a pressed vinyl record” (see for example, his Lathe Cut Conversations project).
Dixon arrived with a second lathe, a Presto 6N, that has been added to the CSLP’s equipment. For about 2 hours he entertained those present with demonstrations of traditional audio recording and stories of his career in the industry working with notable recording artists.
To find out more about Mike Dixon and his work, you may wish to visit his website.
Mike Dixon fait une démonstration du tour à enregistrer au CEAP. Photo avec l'aimable autorisation de Zeina Ismail-Allouche.