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

[Language Laboratories and Archives <language-labs@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I agree with Marie. Many spoken word recordings have the potential 
for phonetic analysis--whether that was the original intention for 
the recording or not. Get the best digital signal you can (though, 
frankly, in my experience, more than 24-bit, 48 kHz is a waste of 
space), which means doing it in real time.

Barbara Need
Manager (SS4), Computer Support, Archivist
Language Labs and Archives, University of Chicago

At 9:31 -0600 13/2/06, Marie O'Connell wrote:
> I work with spoken word/oral histories all the time, and it is my
> recommendation that to make a digitized preservation copy/master, that it is
> done in real-time.  I work with both reel-to-reel and cassettes, with speeds
> ranging from 15/16ths to 15ips. 
>
> I believe there is a requirement to get the best quality from spoken word
> recordings.  In fact, in terms of preservation work, real-time is the only
> way to go.  I'm sorry, it may take longer, but it is worth it.
>
> Cheers
>
> Marie O'Connell
> Sound Archivist/Audio Engineer
> The Center For Oral History & Cultural Heritage
> The University Of Southern Mississippi
> 118 College Drive #5175
> Hattiesburg, MS, 39401-406
> Ph: 601-266-6514
> Fax: 601-266-6217
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Association for Recorded Sound Discussion List
> [mailto:ARSCLIST@xxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Allinaday@xxxxxxx
> Sent: Sunday, February 12, 2006 11:22 AM
> To: ARSCLIST@xxxxxxxxxxxx
> Subject: Re: [ARSCLIST] 1/4" audio tape digitizing
>
> 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.
>
> I would also love help and a recommendation regarding the best
> organizations
> to work with if I have to outsource much of this work.
>
> Thank you,
> David Hoffman
> _www.thehoffmancollection.com_ (http://www.thehoffmancollection.com)