THE PROCESS

Transfer Reel to Reel Tapes to CD:

Open reel tapes were produced in many formats - the two most often encountered are "domestic open-reel tape" and "studio" tape. Both types come in a variety of playing speeds and tape lengths, giving a range of playing times.

Domestic tapes were usually recorded at 1 7/8 ips (inches per second), 3 3/4 ips or 7 1/2 ips and were normally quarter track.

In contrast, Studio recordings were often made on half-track tape at running speeds of 7 1/2 ips and 15 ips.

We use a pair of Revox B77 professional decks to replay tapes, catering for all speeds in both quarter- and half- track format.

Slower tape speeds (1 7/8 ips and 15/16 ips) can be accommodated using software designed for the purpose.

8-TRACK QUARTER INCH TAPE

 Studio 8-track recordings on 1/4 inch tape were often made by up and coming bands. Individual instruments and vocals were allocated a separate track, with a view to mixing-down to 2-track stereo at a later date.

We use a Fostex R8 8-track open reel tape deck running at 15 ips to transfer each track separately onto CD, in studio quality. This enables the client to do the final mix-down on their own computer using one of the numerous studio software packages currently available.

How much will this cost......?

As a guide, transfer of all types of reel to reel tape is charged at £25 per hour of recorded material per reel. This price includes any simple splicing and editing which may be required prior to digital restoration and transfer to CD. More extensive repairs to broken or damaged tape, and also treatment of "Sticky Shed Syndrome" (see cassette section for details) can also be carried out at extra cost; in such cases it would be necessary to send the tape to us, so that we can advise on the cost and viability of restoration and transfer on an individual basis.

What if I don't know what is on the tape......?

Very often, tapes which have been inherited or discovered in a dusty corner of the loft, arrive at the studio where the customer has little or no idea what is actually on the tape. In these situations, we offer a "Listen and tell" service whereby we perform a no frills transfer of the entire contents of the tape to CD (or CDs) and let the customer decide what (if any) of the recorded material is required.

This service is charged at the normal rate of £25 per hour per reel and the CD package remains the property of the customer. Any subsequent content editing is carried out at a reduced rate of £19 per hour of material transferred. 

Please contact us to discuss your requirements.

Broadband hiss and noise levels are reduced or removed during the transfer process.

As standard service (excluding "listen and tell"), 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. For longer transfers, a second disc will be required, and both discs will be returned in a double CD jewel case at no extra charge. 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 preferred.

For non-copyright transfers, or if you own the copyright, any number of duplicate CDs can be produced, and the album artwork can be scanned to fit the CD jewel case - see Prices page for details.

Contact Us to discuss your requirements.

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