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What's up with the analog "echo" phenomenon?

I was recently listening to an Analogue Productions LP record: "The Intimate Art Pepper". I couldn't help but notice--particularly on the solo horn cuts--an anoying echo-type of phenomenon. Actually, it is more like a reverse echo with the quieter "decay" sound proceding the loud actual intended sound by about a half second. I hope this makes some sense. Actually, I've noticed this for years on other analog recordings. It is very noticable during very quiet passages just before a loud passage. I didn't expect to hear this on a supposed "audiophile" pressing.

Is this phenomenon a necessary evil in the analogue tape medium?
mstram
jvogt
212 posts
 
It's called pre-echo, and in not uncommon on vinyl
recordings. The stylus is reading loud passages on
the adjacent inside groove.

On tape, an echo is frequently due to print-through.
The magnetic tape, when it sits tightly wound,
prints through the magnetic signal to the adjacent
layer, and can be heard as an echo.
rcprince
2,830 posts
 
In addition to Jvogt's explanation, even with a record it may not be the vinyl's fault, as sometimes the old analog tape has print-through on it, which you'll hear even if the vinyl is cut well enough to minimize pre-echo. For example, the Classic reissue of the Bartok Concerto for Orchestra has what I thought was pre-echo at a few points, but when I heard the CD the same problem was there, indicating that print through on the master tape was the culprit.
rockvirgo
587 posts
 
It's part of the vinyl experience. The sound you hear is in the adjacent, upcoming groove.
mstram OP
83 posts
 
Thanks to all who responded with these interesting explanations!
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