Studio NAB Carts
THE PROCESS
Transfer Studio NAB cartridges to CD:
Broadcast studio NAB cartridges (or 'carts' for short) were widely employed in radio stations for playing jingles. We are all familiar with those short snippets of music and info, ranging from show promos to traffic and news jingles etc.
NAB (National Association of Broadcasters) carts have been around since the early 1950s and remained the presenters favourite 'gadget' until the 1990s.
However, modern digital technology has largely rendered the NAB cart obselete; nevertheless, they enjoy a well-earned place in modern radio history. Similar in construction to consumer 8-track cartridges, the NAB cart consists of an endless loop of tape, which runs at 7.5ips (twice the speed of 8-track) and therefore offers greater quality of recorded sound.
Like 8-track cartridges, NAB carts often suffer deterioration of their pressure pads through age. This can render them unplayable. Before transfers are undertaken, we carefully check the condition of the pressure pads, and replace them if necessary.
We use an ex-BBC Sonifex HS Micro NAB cart machine to playback both mono and stereo recordings.
Broadband hiss and noise levels are reduced or removed during the transfer process.
As standard service, individual tracks are separated to give full track skip/search functions. CD text is added for convenience, and your disc is returned to you in a CD jewel case. The transfer cost includes on-CD printing and a bespoke cover (front and back CD inserts) with full track listing. Alternative file formats (WMA, .mp3) can also be accommodated if required.
Any number of duplicate CDs (of non-copyright transfers) can be provided - see Prices page for details.
Contact Us to discuss your requirements.
