Norman Pickering, a co-founder and the first secretary of the AES (Audio Engineering Society), has passed away. During his career, Pickering researched violin strings, bows, and violin acoustics, though he was best known for the Pickering cartridge, a phono pickup/stylus that he developed. Though he created the cartridge for his own use — he was frustrated with the quality of disk playback — it was such a success that he began manufacturing it for broadcast and recording studios.
Pickering was instrumental in the formation of the AES in 1948. At a meeting held at RCA Victor recording studios in New York in February of that year, he addressed the need for an organization that would support audio professionals and improve the exchange of information and ideas in the audio engineering field. The Audio Engineering Society was formed that night. He received an AES Fellowship in 1952 for his contributions to audio engineering, and an AES Award in 1955 recognizing his part in the founding of the Audio Engineering Society.
AES Executive Director Bob Moses cited Pickering’s impact on audio professionals: “Norman Pickering changed the audio landscape with his invention of the Pickering cartridge, then again with his key role in founding the AES. Professionals and music fans owe Norman a ton of gratitude for the hours of listening pleasure his designs provided. His contributions to AES and the industry, both personally and professionally, will never be forgotten. Our deepest condolences go out to his family and friends.”