6. 300 $b $c (Sound Recordings, RDA)

3.16. Sound Characteristics (300 $b)

The PCC BSR guidelines list 3.16 as core for sound recordings, so generally the sound characteristic instructions under 3.16 are core if applicable. Any of the instructions (e.g. 3.16.2.4) that include the phrase "if considered to be important for identification or selection" should not be considered mandatory. The core sound characteristic instructions are listed below. Terms in parentheses are authorized RDA terms and should be used when recording characteristics.

Sound characteristics recorded in ‡b may be recorded, in addition, in new MARC fields 344 & 347 (see details on page 7). The core requirement for some of the sound characteristic elements will be satisfied if recorded in 344/347, though the fields are not expected to be displayed to the public.

3.16.2.3. Type of recording (analog or digital-- or both). All compact discs are digital, even if they are reissues of analog recordings. Note that "digital" is always entered in 300 ‡b for compact discs even though they are digital by definition. The rationale has been that the authorized term "audio disc" corresponds to both analog grooved discs (LPs, 45s, 78s) and compact discs, but record "digital" even if the common usage term is entered in ‡a. If a common usage term such as "compact disc" is used in the extent, however, the rationale becomes rather weak. Unfortunately, Type of Recording is RDA BSR core, so continue to enter "digital" in 245 ‡b even when "compact disc" is used in 300 ‡a.  Sound cassettes, on the other hand, must be examined to see if there is any indication that the recording is analog or digital. Corresponding MARC field: 344 ‡a. See also 347 ‡a and ‡b to bring out digital file characteristics. 

3.16.3.3.  Ignore; used only for film soundtracks. (Per Music Library Association guidelines)

3.16.4.3. Playing speed. Although there is a PS, it is still an optional "if considered important for identification" type instruction and is generally applied only to grooved discs (LP, 45s, etc.), not to optical discs or tape. CDs: record meters per second (m/s); standard speed: 1.4 m/s. Tape cassettes: record inches per second (ips); standard speed: 1 7/8 ips. The LC PCC PS follows the alternate instruction and uses inches per second for tape; the default instruction uses (cm/s).

3.16.8.3. If readily available--only if the information is stated explicitly on the item or the accompanying material--enter the number of sound channels. RDA provides the following list of authorized terms:

mono
stereo
quadraphonic
surround

Unlike AACR2 6.5C7, RDA does not treat mono and stereo as abbreviations; no period is used. But "quadraphonic" is spelled-out (it is abbreviated in AACR2 6.5C7).

Corresponding MARC field: 344 ‡g.

3.16.9. Special Playback Characteristic is an equalization system, noise reduction system, etc. used in making an audio recording. Record if readily available.

The authorized terms: CCIR standard, CX encoded, dbx encoded, Dolby, Dolby-A encoded, Dolby-B encoded, Dolby-C encoded, LPCM, NAB standard.

Corresponding MARC field: 344 ‡h.

Separate descriptive elements in 300 ‡b with commas.

3.5.1 Dimensions (300 $c)

The LC-PCC PS under 3.5.1.3 says to use inches (in.) for discs and all audio carriers (PCC & LC follow the alternative RDA practice; the default practice is to use cm). The practice in AACR2 was to leave out dimensions if they were "standard." There is no such provision in RDA. 

Audiocassette dimensions are recorded as length x height for the cassette and width for the tape itself; standard dimensions are 3 7/8 x 2 1/2 in. and the tape width standard is 1/8 in. A non-standard set of dimensions for a cassette is highly unlikely unless the cataloging is for a special collection. If the dimensions and tape width are not stated explicitly, assume that the cassette dimensions are standard.

The standard compact disc size is 4 3/4 in. in diameter.

CAUTION: some compact discs are smaller than 4 3/4 in. If there is reason to measure the disc because the disc is smaller than standard, always measure the diameter and record in inches and fractions of inches, using the standard Appendix abbreviation (in.).

Example 1. Reminder: in 264 only use abbreviations if the word is abbreviated on the source.

Example 2.

Example 3.