Past

The Audible Past

By Jonathan Sterne

Review and Summary: The Audible Past by Jonathan Sterne

Introduction

Jonathan Sterne's The Audible Past: Cultural Origins of Sound Reproduction is a landmark work in sound studies. Rather than simply exploring the history of sound recording technology, Sterne delves into the complex interplay between culture, technology, and the very notion of what it means to hear. This book isn't just about how we capture sound, but how that capture shapes our understanding of the past, presence, and future of hearing itself. It's a dense but rewarding read, offering profound insights for scholars in media studies, cultural history, and anyone interested in the power of sound.

Summary of Key Arguments

Challenging Technological Determinism

• Rejects the narrative of technological progress: Sterne argues that the history of sound reproduction isn't a simple, linear progression of better and better technology. He shows that social, cultural, and economic factors played a crucial role in shaping the development and adoption of specific recording technologies.
• Emphasis on the "cultural a priori" of sound: The book stresses that our perception and understanding of sound are not neutral but are already shaped by cultural frameworks and expectations before any technology intervenes.

The "Auditory Object" and Its Formation

• Focus on the emergent "auditory object": Sterne examines how the idea of a "sound" that can be captured, preserved, and reproduced emerged as a cultural concept rather than an inherent property of sound waves.
• The role of the phonograph: The phonograph is not just a recording machine but a catalyst for a paradigm shift in how we understand sound, separating it from its immediate context and turning it into an object for analysis and manipulation.

The Politics of Sound Reproduction

• Power dynamics and social control: Sterne highlights how sound recording technology is not neutral but carries social and political implications. It has the power to control, manipulate, and shape our hearing experiences, and these power dynamics are deeply embedded in its history.
• The construction of "reality" through sound: The book investigates how the manipulation of recorded sound can create specific interpretations of reality, raising crucial questions about truth and authenticity.

Key Themes and Concepts

• The Historiography of Hearing: Sterne urges a critical approach to historical analysis, encouraging readers to consider the social and cultural contexts surrounding the reception and adoption of recording technologies.
• The Mediatization of the Senses: The book underscores how technologies shape our sensory experiences and understanding of the world around us.
• Sound and Modernity: Sterne links the emergence of sound reproduction to the broader processes of modernization and the changing experience of time, space, and perception in the 19th and 20th centuries.
• The Problem of Fidelity: He questions the notion of "faithful" sound reproduction, showing that the perceived "accuracy" of a recording is shaped by cultural expectations and the specific limitations of the technology itself.

Review

Strengths

• Scholarly Depth and Rigor: The Audible Past is exceptionally well-researched, drawing on a wide range of sources and offering a nuanced understanding of the subject matter.
• Critical Perspective: Sterne's work moves beyond a simplistic view of technological progress, offering a crucial critique of the cultural and social forces shaping sound technologies.
• Engaging and Thought-Provoking: The book challenges readers to rethink their assumptions about sound and its role in society, making it a compelling and intellectually stimulating read.
• Interdisciplinary Approach: The work seamlessly combines elements of media studies, cultural history, science and technology studies, and philosophy, appealing to a broad academic audience.

Weaknesses

• Dense and Demanding: The book is not an easy read. Its theoretical complexity and scholarly language can be challenging for those not familiar with academic discourse.
• Limited focus on more recent sound technologies: While incredibly thorough on early sound reproduction, the book doesn't delve as deeply into the implications of more recent digital sound technologies.

Conclusion

The Audible Past is an indispensable text for anyone interested in understanding the history of sound reproduction and its impact on culture and society. Sterne's work is not just a history of technology; it's a profound exploration of how we perceive, interpret, and understand the world through sound. Despite its challenging nature, it's a rewarding read that encourages critical reflection on the power and politics embedded within our auditory experiences.

Buy the book here.