The Audio Engineering Society mourns the loss of Norman C. Pickering, a pioneer of
innovations in phonograph cartridge design and the first secretary of the AES. Also
known for his research on violin strings, bows and violin acoustics, Pickering, who
was frustrated by the audio quality of recordings, in the mid-1940’s developed a
better-quality phono pickup and styli for records: the Pickering pickup. Later
manufactured as the Pickering cartridge, this design was initially developed by
Norman Pickering for his own use, before he began manufacturing cartridges for
broadcast and recording studios.

“It was a big surprise to me that the public took to this device as they did,’ Mr.
Pickering said in a 2011 oral history interview for the AES. “It was never intended
to be a consumer product. It was a professional transducer for people in the record
business. So we found that we were selling them right and left for people who just
wanted to play records at home.’

“Norman Pickering changed the audio landscape with his invention of the Pickering
cartridge,’ stated Bob Moses, executive director of AES, “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.’

Pickering was instrumental in the formation of the AES. At a meeting held in the
RCA Victor recording studios in New York the evening of February 17, 1948,
Pickering discussed the need for a professional organization to foster the growth of
audio engineering. He cited the lack of exchange of knowledge caused by absence
of a common meeting ground and of a medium for interchange of ideas in the audio
field. The group immediately agreed that such an organization should be formed. A
motion was carried to form the Audio Engineering Society.

Pickering was awarded a Fellowship by the AES in 1952 for his contributions to the
field of audio engineering and an AES Award in 1955 in acknowledgement of his role
in the formation and advancement of the Society.