BACH AURICON RA-22 Sound Film Recording On

( Brand: Bach Auricon ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: RA-22 ), ( Type: Case S )

Review BACH AURICON Vintage Sound on film Recording Equipment Model Not Tested

The Bach Auricon Ra-22 is a sound-on-film recording system that represents a significant milestone in the history of magnetic recording technology. Designed and manufactured by the Bach Engineering Corporation in the late 1950s, this system was a major improvement over earlier optical sound-on-film systems and paved the way for the widespread use of magnetic recording in cinemas.

The Ra-22 is a compact and versatile system, designed to be easily integrated into existing film projectors. It utilizes a unique magnetic recording head that can be mounted on the film transport mechanism of the projector, allowing sound to be recorded directly onto the same 35mm film frame as the picture. This eliminates the need for separate synchronous optical soundtracks, resulting in simpler and more cost-effective film production and distribution.

The recording head of the Ra-22 utilizes a ferric oxide magnetic tape wrapped around a drum, which is in close proximity to the film as it passes beneath the head during recording. The tape is coated with a thin layer of oxide emulsion, which is sensitive to magnetic fields. As sound waves are converted into electrical signals by the recording microphone, these signals are amplified and used to magnetize the tape. The magnetic particles on the tape then represent the sound information, which can be played back through a similar process when the film is projected.

The Ra-22 is also notable for its high-quality sound reproduction capabilities. The system is capable of recording and playing back sound at a frequency response of 20 Hz to 15 kHz, with a dynamic range of up to 80 decibels. This results in clear, detailed sound with excellent fidelity and minimal distortion, making it ideal for use in cinemas where high-quality audio is essential.

The Ra-22 also features a number of convenient design features to make operation and maintenance easy and efficient. The recording head can be easily removed for cleaning or replacement, and the system includes a number of controls for adjusting recording levels and equalization. Additionally, the Ra-22 can be synchronized with the film projector using a variety of methods, including a rotating synchronizer drum or an electronic sync pulse.

Overall, the Bach Auricon Ra-22 represents a major advancement in the field of sound-on-film recording technology. Its compact size, versatility, and high-quality sound reproduction capabilities made it a popular choice for cinemas and film production companies, and it paved the way for the widespread adoption of magnetic recording technology in the film industry. Today, it remains an important historical artifact and a testament to the ingenuity and innovation of the engineers and technicians who developed it.

Bach Auricon Ra-22 is a sound-on-film recording system that was once popular in the film industry, particularly for its compact size and ease of use. However, like all technologies, it has its advantages and disadvantages.

1. Compact size: The Ra-22 system is relatively small and portable, making it ideal for location recording and other situations where space is limited.

2. Simple setup: The system is relatively easy to set up and use, requiring minimal technical expertise.

3. Synchronization: The system synchronizes sound and picture directly on the film, ensuring that they remain in perfect alignment.

4. High-quality sound: The Ra-22 system is capable of recording high-quality sound, particularly in comparison to earlier sound-on-film systems.

1. Limited recording time: The Ra-22 system can only record for a limited amount of time before the film needs to be changed, making it less suitable for longer recording sessions.

2. Limited frequency response: The system has a limited frequency response, which may result in poor sound quality for certain types of recordings, particularly those with low or high frequencies.

3. Expensive: The Ra-22 system is relatively expensive to purchase and maintain, particularly compared to other recording technologies, such as magnetic tape.

4. Requires specialized equipment: The Ra-22 system requires specialized equipment, such as projectors and sync machines, to view and edit the recorded film.

In conclusion, the Bach Auricon Ra-22 sound-on-film recording system offers several advantages, including its compact size, simplicity, and high-quality sound. However, it also has several disadvantages, such as limited recording time, limited frequency response, expense, and the requirement for specialized equipment.

Based on these factors, it may be more cost-effective and practical for modern filmmakers to consider alternative recording technologies, such as digital audio workstations or magnetic tape recorders. However, for those working in restoration or preservation of older films recorded on Ra-22, the system remains an essential tool. Ultimately, the decision to invest in a Bach Auricon Ra-22 system should be based on the specific needs and resources of the filmmaker.

Details:

Thus, it is sold as with no warranty to working order. It appears to be in good used shape for a vintage system, but I cannot test whether it is working order. Shipping is a flat rate of $27.50 for anywhere in the USA via USPS. I am separately selling other Auricon equipment including a CM71 camera and model FT-10 tripod.

Three-tiered box with the Auricon Sound-On-Film Recording Amplifier Equipment model RA-22. Two length y wires may require replacement connectors. Along with the comes earphones and wiring. Feel free to ask any questions.

Box measures 14 height , 17 width , and 6 depth.

part #: ra22 prices

• $299.99-$1799.99

specifications vimopho:

• brand: Bach Auricon
• mpn: Ra-22
• type: Case S

seller vimopho:

• # reviews: 353
• city: Denver, Colorado
• rating: 100.0%

offer vimopho:

• availability: In Stock
• sold: 0
• best offers: True
• options: Ship-to-home
• quantity: 1
• started: October 27, 2025

payments vimopho:

• credit card: Discover
• wallet: Google-pay
• other

returns vimopho:

• policy: Returns Accepted
• time: 30 Days
• method: Money back
• paid by: Buyer

shipping vimopho:

• service: USPS Ground Advantage
• transit: 3-8 Days
• class: Standard
• type: Fixed
• carrier: USPS
• cost: $27.50

general vimopho:

• Cameras Photo > Vintage Movie Photography > Vintage Parts Accessories

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