Harry M. Randel is a distinguished recording engineer and the founder of HMR Productions, as well as a Century Custom Recording Service Franchise Associate. He operates from his home at 574 West Court, Scotch Plains, New Jersey 07076.
An article published in the Scotch Plains Times on February 25, 1965, titled "Ins And Outs About Pressing Records" by Ruth B. Gilbert, recounts an interview with Randel. The article opens with the author's admission of her lack of knowledge in electronics, which heightened her apprehension as she approached Randel for the interview.
As a representative for Century Records, Randel manages a Custom Recording Service from his residence, capturing approximately 70% of the custom recordings for schools and churches in New Jersey. Custom recording refers to the process where individuals or organizations order recordings solely for the use of their participants, rather than for commercial distribution.
During the interview, Randel patiently explained his profession with clarity, despite the author’s unfamiliarity with the recording industry. His career journey began after graduating from Lehigh University in 1940 with a degree in Sales Engineering. He briefly worked as a statistician for the Pennsylvania Power and Light before enlisting in the Army in October 1940. Serving at the Aberdeen Proving Grounds, he became a Senior Instructor in Aviation Ordnance. During this time, he married Lillian Boardman, and in 1944, they welcomed their son, James. Randel later served with the 15th Air Force in Italy as a technical training officer and received the Legion of Merit for his overseas contributions.
After his military service, Randel took a position as a Professional Radio Engineer at the Naval Research Laboratory in Washington, D.C. He reminisced about having one of the first television sets in the area, which attracted neighbors eager to watch the small screen. His daughter, Suzanne, was born while the family lived in Washington.
In 1945, Randel began working in television with Dumont, where he was a remote supervisor responsible for many network broadcasts originating from Washington. He recounted an amusing incident during a broadcast of one of President Harry Truman's "fireside chats," where Truman himself intervened while Randel was troubleshooting a camera issue.
Randel departed Dumont in 1955 and subsequently held various roles at ACF Electronics in Virginia, the N.J. Meter Co. in Plainfield, Walter Kidde and Co. in Belleville, and Universal Toroid Coil Winding Co. in Irvington.
His interest in recording was sparked during his children's early years. Randel and Lillian owned a record cutter and created children's records for Jim, writing scripts and performing all the voices. As their family grew, they began recording school events featuring both children.
In 1961, during a Spring concert at Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School, Randel met Art Brandenburg, a representative from Century Records, who was using professional equipment for the event. This encounter led to Brandenburg offering Randel a recording franchise with Century, marking the beginning of his career in the recording industry.
The first project Randel undertook was recording the Westfield High School Band, using two Sony microphones and an Ampex PR 10 professional recorder. Today, his mobile setup includes an Ampex 354 stereo recorder and multiple microphone channels with a variety of professional microphones, making them a sought-after choice for quality recordings.
Randel's work is a collaborative effort with Lillian, who manages the paperwork, maintains the books, and assists during recording sessions by timing each performance. Additionally, she balances her responsibilities as a clerk-typist at the Junior High School library, manages the household, and enjoys sewing and reading in her spare time.
Their venture has expanded into HMR Productions, producing commercial recordings for clients such as Warner-Lambert and CIBA, as well as unique projects like the sound effects for Western Termite Control radio commercials.
Harry Randel typically records around 60 events each year, including performances by the band at Governor Livingston High School, the New Jersey Symphonic Band, and local high schools. He is actively involved with the New Jersey Music Educators Association, recording events like the All State Orchestra and Chorus in Atlantic City and the Mosque Theater in Newark. Soon, he is set to record the All State Band at Hunterdon Central High School in Flemington on February 28.
One of Randel’s most notable projects was with the New Jersey Music Educators' Opera Festival, which gathers students from 70 to 100 schools statewide. Students rehearse together for the first time under the guidance of their music educators, culminating in a polished public performance that showcases their collective talent.
Randel expresses gratitude for the opportunity to blend his vocation with his passion. He is open to offering lectures on audio recording to interested groups in the area.
The story of Century Custom Recording Service and the Randels is rich and multifaceted, deserving of more than a single article to capture its full scope. Those unfamiliar with electronic equipment might find exploring this field both enlightening and enjoyable.
