The Evolution of Radio Music Play Systems: Carts vs. Records

Before the widespread adoption of computers in radio broadcasting, many radio stations preferred to use carts (cartridge tapes) over traditional vinyl records. This preference was driven by several practical and logistical factors, including durability, ease of use, consistency, and automation.

Transition from Vinyl to Carts

Before the age of digital music, many radio stations utilized music carts for broadcasting. Carts were essentially pre-recorded magnetic tapes that could be quickly and easily loaded into playback machines, providing a more robust alternative to vinyl records. Here’s why these carts were favored:

Durability

One of the main reasons for preferring carts was their durability. Vinyl records were prone to scratches and breaks, which could lead to interruptions in broadcast. In contrast, carts were more resilient, reducing the risk of damage during playback.

Ease of Use

Carts offered a significant advantage in terms of ease of use. A music director could preload a series of tapes, and a single button press would have a cart machine play the next segment. This streamlined process helped in providing a smoother on-air experience, allowing DJs to focus more on engaging with listeners rather than fiddling with records.

Consistency

Another advantage of carts over vinyl records was the consistency in sound quality. Records could vary based on their condition and handling. Carts, being pre-recorded and less prone to wear and tear, provided a more consistent audio experience.

Automation

A significant benefit of using carts was the ability to automate broadcasts. Carts could be used in automated systems, making it possible to manage scheduling with minimal human intervention. This efficiency was particularly useful for large FM stations that required continuous broadcasting without frequent manual operation.

Songs on Carts and Records

Songs were often copied or 'dubbed' from records to tapes, either as carts or reel-to-reel. This practice was more common at higher-budget and smaller playlist stations, as well as mono stations that were primarily AM rather than stereo FM. Due to the infrequent changes required, automated stations often used carts for unattended sequencing. Large market stations sometimes used carts for union-specific reasons, either related to engineers or musicians. Stations with short playlists could cart at a lower cost.

AM vs. FM Stations

I have firsthand experience with radio stations using carts. While it was predominantly AM stations that used carts, a few FM stations also adopted this practice. The primary advantage for AM stations was reducing wear and tear on records, especially for high-rotation songs. For FM stations, the downside was the noticeable hiss, particularly during soft portions of music. To mitigate this, many FM stations processed the audio signal to maintain a constant level, effectively masking the hiss.

Despite the challenges, using music carts provided a reliable and efficient way to manage music broadcasts in the pre-digital era. As technology advanced and computers became more prevalent, these methods evolved, but carts left a lasting impact on the history of radio broadcasting.