In the 1940s and 50s, General Electric played a crucial role in advancing broadcast radio technology, particularly through their development of limiting amplifiers like the BA-5. These devices helped radio stations manage audio dynamics by controlling volume peaks and preventing overmodulation, which was essential for delivering clearer, more consistent broadcasts to listeners. GE’s limiting amplifiers featured innovative circuitry, often developed in collaboration with engineers from leading networks like CBS, and incorporated fast-acting control and anti-pump technology to maintain audio fidelity without distortion. These advancements allowed broadcasters to deliver a more polished and professional sound, setting new standards for audio quality in an era when radio was the primary medium for entertainment and news.
