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78 & LP RESTORATION

The very first thing we do is to copy the original recording to a digital file. This is our 'safety' copy and no matter what might happen to a recording later on, we will always have this copy available. Only after this has been done, will we explore any possibilities of cleaning that may present themselves.

After cleaning, a second - and hopefully improved - digital transfer is made. All subsequent operations are carried out in the digital domain, thus precluding the introduction of any further degradation.

TAPE RESTORATION

We can also restore tape recordings - both open reel and cassette - and transfer the result to CD. We can handle most domestic and studio ¼" formats, mono, stereo and four track. over a range of speeds and equalisations. We will shortly be adding ½", 8 track, facilities to our list. To check the formats which we currently work in, please look at the formats page.

Apart from reducing background noises and tape hiss, we can frequently solve or reduce problems such as tape drop-out, incorrect speed, etc.

END QUALITY

The degree of improvement possible depends on many factors. Obviously, the initial condition of the recording is of paramount importance, but the other major factor is time. Our basic, one-price service, includes the reduction of surface and/or tape noise and the elimination (wherever possible) of the most annoying clicks, etc. For most of our clients, this is sufficient for them to start enjoying their memories again.

For those looking for that something 'extra', the time element then becomes the largest proportion of the work. If the client requires this, we would discuss, on an individual basis, any additional costs involved to do such extensive recovery work.

Not all problems can be solved. For example, any distortion in the original recording will be retained. Indeed, it may become even more apparent after the noise levels have been reduced. This is as much an aesthetic problem as a technical one and our engineer will make value judgements, based on his many years experience as a recording engineer for both the music and film industries, as to what will be an acceptable trade-off.

EQUIPMENT

This is a partial list of the basic equipment, in use on a daily basis. Obviously, some of the material we receive requires special equipment to provide the initial optimum transfer to the digital mode. In such cases we beg, borrow or steal from colleagues whatever is necessary. In the last resort, we hire the equipment needed.

* Actually we use a 3 GHz PIV computer with loads of RAM and HDD space (audio files eat hard drives for breakfast) and software from Syntrillium, Coyote, Sonic Foundry, Steinberg, Diamond Cut and others.

THE CD

The finished item is a unique CD recording of the client's material. Each disk is supplied in a standard Jewel Case with our normal label (which includes the client's name) affixed to the disk. For more individual requirements (and, it has to be said, for a slight additional cost) we can supply inserts, track listings, etc., to special order. We can also generate artwork to the customer's instruction or use existing artwork he has supplied. If you run out of ideas, just leave it up to us - we're sure you will be pleased with the final result.

The CD's we use are of the latest 'silver' type (although why anyone should call them silver beats us, they are distinctly blue in colour) and these are a considerable improvement on the earlier 'gold' disks. The higher reflectivity of the silver disk means it should be playable on any reasonably modern domestic CD player. We have tested these disks on a wide variety of players, from 'ghetto-blasters' to ten year old hi-fi models, and have not found any problems yet. If your CD player will not play one of these disks, then we would strongly recommend that you consider the purchase of a more up-to-date player as you are falling behind the rest of the world!