The Presto 8n was most commonly found in local broadcast radio stations across the nation beginning in the 1940s, being used to cut live performances "direct-to-disc", for archival or on-air replay purposes. It was also a common solution for early recording studios who utilized the "direct-to-disc" concept for recording artists of the era.  The 8n model was known for its superior overhead lathe system and heavy turntable and steel base, making it a highly reliable machine to this day.  The Van Eps Duotone cutter head, a mythical beast in its own right, was one of the first "hi-fi" cutter heads of its time, allowing for the capture of sonics all the way up into the 10khz range, if done with care. Combined, the Presto 8n lathe and Van Eps Duotone cutter head create a product unlike any other. The output of this dynamic duo feels both out of time yet completely modern. It adds a warmth to the listening experience that takes the listener back to the golden era of record making but with enough high end fidelity to capture every nuance of the source material.​