Re: [ARSCLIST] 1/4" audio tape digitizing

["Richard L. Hess" <arclists@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

At 12:22 PM 2/12/2006, David Hoffman  Allinaday@xxxxxxx wrote:
> I am working with two libraries to digitize their audio content.  The  audio
> is now in quarter inch tape format for the most part.
>
> I understand that, for spoken word recordings where absolute top quality is
> not a requirement but digitization is, that there are 1/4" machines that play
> at  higher than normal speed, making the process of transferring a great many
> tapes  more cost-effective and less time-consuming.  Could anyone recommend
> what  these machines might be and how much time they save.

Hi, David,

That can be done. If these are mono, two-track tapes, the most 
cost-effective technique I apply and there is no degradation if the 
tapes are not using noise processing, is to record both directions at 
once and flip one side in the computer.

Double speed can be done on any of the high-end recorders that 
provide adequate "handles" (The Studer A810 or A820 have a very wide 
range and the Sony APR-5000 is close, but has a few quirks for this 
type of unintended adjustment) or on any machine if you play a test 
tape at 2x and slow it down in the computer and draw the inverse 
curve to make it flat--storing that as a preset.

If you do double speed and record at 88.2 and then slow down to 44.1, 
you'll actually lose little, especially if the originals are 3.75 or 1.88 in/s.
> I would also love help and a recommendation regarding the best  organizations
> to work with if I have to outsource much of this work.

There are many competent individuals on this list who could undertake 
your project. I'm re-compiling my taxonomy of media which lists a few 
places that can help get the job done for you. Of course, I would 
like the opportunity to propose on your project as well, as this 
falls squarely in my area of specialization (tapes from 0.150 to 1 inch)

Cheers,

Richard

> Thank you,
> David Hoffman
> _www.thehoffmancollection.com_ (http://www.thehoffmancollection.com)

Richard L. Hess                   email: richard@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Vignettes Media                   web:   http://www.richardhess.com/tape/
Aurora, Ontario, Canada       (905) 713 6733     1-877-TAPE-FIX
Detailed contact information: http://www.richardhess.com/tape/contact.htm