FAQ
Why is it important to digitise analogue archives?
Analogue formats are now obsolete and playback equipment in good condition increasing hard to source. In addition, the delicate nature of the recorded analogue medium is deteriorating constantly and, if not migrated to a digital format, will eventually become totally inaccessible. Based upon scientific evidence most old analogue recordings are now to a stage where digital migration has become urgent.
Why is digital migration essential?
Recorded information on tape or film is the real artefact. In most cases it is irreplaceable. Digital migration is the only way to ensure this information remains accessible. Many recording mediums used in the past are inherently unstable and fast becoming unplayable. Digital migration is essential to ensure an accurate copy of the recording is held in a digital format. High definition digital masters can then be losslessly copied and distributed indefinitely without loss of information.
Most analogue archives are very inaccessible because they need to be played on a variety of old and obsolete machinery. A digitised archive is accessible via any computer based delivery system including your local network, the Internet, MP3 players etc. Researchers never need handle the original tape or digital master files as all access and post work is carried out on copies that sound as good as the original.
Are digital copies as good as the original?
Yes. The specialist equipment we use digitises to a far higher fidelity than the original recording machines. The sound on the original will be copied to the digital master. The digital master is an accurate copy of the original.
Can the digital recordings be improved?
Yes. Once a digital master is made we can reduce hiss and sharpen the recording to make the audio more intelligible. The digital master is not affected as we only work on a copy. A basic restoration service is included in the price.
Will the tapes ever need to be digitised again?
Very unlikely. We use specialist high quality tape decks and electronic equipment to obtain the best possible copy of your reel to reel and cassette tapes. We produce a high resolution analogue to digital conversion to the internationally accepted archive standard of 96KHz 24bit WAV (CD is 44.1 KHz 16 bit). The result is a much higher standard than the original recording machines could achieve.
What equipment do we use?
Our studio machines are re-engineered by a small team of dedicated specialist audio equipment technicians. These machines, chosen for their ability to be adapted for our purpose, have all record and erase components including the erase heads removed. The tape path is made as gentle as possible and all our machines are maintained to a high standard.
How do we handle paper tapes?
All our machines are specially adapted to place very little strain on the tape and to minimise oxide shed. A special technique is used to recover oxide drop-outs extremely well. As paper tapes are run slower than normal through our machines, an additional cost is incurred for this service.
Where is the work carried out?
The process of digitising your audio tape archive can be carried out on your premises. We would require a small work space in your building convenient to where the archive is stored and at least one electrical outlet. Our specialist equipment is not large and can be delivered to your premises in secure flight cases. We are used to working in Museum and Academic environments and are happy for your staff to observe how we work.
We prefer to work on site because we believe the risk of transporting unique original recordings to and from a another location for digitisation is too high. By working on site, we only need access to the original tapes from the archival store for a short period of time. This approach protects valuable archive material from untoward temperature and humidity variations and risk of loss. It also provides peace of mind that the archive remains under your control at all times.
Does it cost more for on site digitisation?
No. We specialise in on site digitisation and have built our business model around this service.
Our charges are competitive with studio based operations and may be cheaper as we include some services as standard.