In a word: YES. We handle virtually every open-reel analog format up to 24 tracks, recorded at any speed, with any Dolby or dbx noise reduction system. If your tapes were originally synchronized with time code, we can also make synchronized transfers.

Absolutely. We will evaluate your tapes, determine the correct configuration, and ensure proper playback alignment and decoding—no worries if the documentation is missing.

We provide a digital mirror-image of your tape in Broadcast WAV files at the sample rate of your choice. Each track is captured as an individual file, making them fully compatible with popular DAWs (Pro Tools, Logic, Cubase, Nuendo, Reaper, and more).

It depends on your end goals:

• 96 kHz / 24-bit is the current NARAS standard for archiving and high-resolution workflows.

• 44.1 / 24-bit or 48 / 24-bit are common if your focus is CD or broadcast.

• For projects going to multiple destinations (e.g., streaming, CD, future remaster), consider capturing at a higher rate to avoid repeated transfers. We are happy to discuss your needs and determine the best sample rate for you if you don’t know what you want.

Certain tape formulations from the early ’70s onward can develop Sticky Shed Syndrome (SSS) due to binder breakdown. These tapes may stick to themselves or the tape path, causing squealing, speed fluctuations, and potential damage if played untreated.

Baking temporarily re-stabilizes the tape, allowing it to be safely played without shedding or stretching. This process does not typically degrade audio quality, and we’ve successfully restored thousands of tapes using precise, time-tested protocols.

No. We strongly advise against it. We never charge extra for baking, and doing it yourself risks permanent damage if not done properly. Our professional-grade incubators and decades of experience ensure the best possible outcome. And we prefer to be able to schedule your restoration so that your tapes are ready to play when we are ready to work on your project.

Turnaround generally ranges from 3 to 4 weeks, but depends on:

• Our current queue – our projects can range from one tape to hundreds of tapes

• The demands of the tapes in the queue ahead of your project. We are at the mercy of the needs of the tapes and these days tapes require more and more focus. We give each and every tape we transfer the undivided attention it needs and we look forward to giving your project the exact same uncompromising service

• The demands of your project. Every tape has a story from the day it is manufactured and we treat each tape with utmost care.

Turnaround times have become unpredictable because we are unwilling to provide anything less than absolute care to any tape. We ask that you are understanding with turnaround times because we will give your project the same attention to detail that the tapes ahead of yours in the queue require.

If you have a rush project, let us know—we will do our best to accommodate.

We typically provide a password-protected download link. For larger or multiple reel projects, you may send us an external drive, or we can arrange other methods upon request.

Please pack your tapes in a tough box with at least 2 to 3 inches of packing material between your tapes and the outside world. It is better to slightly overstuff to prevent the tapes from shifting while in transit. Use a reliable carrier who takes their tracking number seriously, such as UPS or FedEx. Please provide the tracking number once you have one so we can let the receiving department know to expect your project.

We’ll email you an online invoice for secure credit card or PayPal payment. If you would prefer a different payment method let us know and we’ll make arrangements. Upon receipt of payment, we’ll send your digital files for your review. Once you approve your transfers we’ll send back your tapes.

Yes, unless you object, we prefer to keep your tapes on site until you’ve reviewed and approved the transferred files. This way if you have any questions about your transfers we have your tape on-hand for answers.

We typically use UPS Ground (no signature required) unless you request otherwise.

After your transfer, your tapes will have a nice library wind and they’ll be ready to be securely packed and shipped for safe transit. Once your transfers are approved and your tapes are returned we typically remove your files from our servers. It is your responsibility to make sure your digital assets are properly backed up and archived.

We charge per reel, with each reel’s price depending on factors like:

• Tape width (e.g., 2″, 1″, 1/2″, 1/4″)

• Track format (2–24 tracks)

• Recording speed (30, 15, 7.5 ips, etc.)

• Noise reduction systems (Dolby A, B, C, S, SR, dbx, etc.)

We do our best to keep it simple and charge by the reel, format, and setup. However, many tapes require special handling for a variety of reasons — such as mold, adhesion syndrome, and lubricant destabilization — that require extra time and attention, sometimes significant extra time and attention, anywhere from 1-32 extra hours per tape. It’s fair for us to be compensated for the dedication we give to your tapes, and the results will prove that every second was worth it. We do our best to keep within the original estimate we send you and if anything arises that will affect it we will contact you for approval.

Running time alone doesn’t capture the complexity of your project. Each tape requires evaluation, possible baking or cleaning, calibration, and alignment. That’s why we ask for details like tape width, track count, speed, and NR system to provide an accurate quote. And regardless of the running time of your songs we must play your entire tape to ensure we haven’t missed anything and to ensure a proper library wind at the end of your project. The requires billable engineer time, machine wear, and power usage

No. Our first reel rate covers reasonable restoration, such as baking, retensioning, and light splice repair, as well as initial lab setup and transfer of your first reel.

Reasonable restoration includes incubation, light splice repair, and retensioning. If your tapes are bound, moldy, or suffering from lubricant destabilization, they will require extra restoration. Since this extra restoration requires a large amount of additional time, effort, and resources we do charge extra for it.