The Digitization Process

Assesment

Knowing what you have is essential when starting a large restoration or preservation project. Masterdisk's engineers can help you determine what formats you have and give you a cost estimate. For large projects, free survey tools such as Columbia's AVDb and Indiana's FACET can be very useful.

COLUMBIA'S AVDb INDIANA UNIVERSITY's FACET INDIANA UNIVERSITY'S AvSAP

Reformating

Reformatting (also called digitization if it is from analog masters) refers to the re-recording of the original content onto a new, current format. Nowadays that format is generally a 96 kHz, 24-bit broadcast WAV file. The transfers are always done "flat", i.e., with no extra processing, and digital encoding ensures that subsequent generations are immune to so-called "generation loss," the implicit loss of quality in analog copies. Reformatting is an absolutely critical step, as future listeners will listen to this material as it was transferred at this point: it can only sound as good as the engineers and equipment making the transfer. Masterdisk's expertise, as well as its world-class tape decks, converters, and pure signal paths (see equipment list) ensure that your masters will be presented at their best for generations to come.

Restoration

Media degradation or poor original recordings can conspire to damage the sonic integrity of legacy materials. The optional process of restoration can help your materials sound better than they ever did. Masterdisk’s vast experience making all kinds of recordings and reissues sound their best can help you when presenting your materials to potential donors, customers, or patrons –or for your own enjoyment.

File Management

It is important to think of digital file management. For projects larger than a few files, it is generally discouraged to keep your masters on optical discs (CDs and DVDs) due to their long-term upkeep cost and possible degradation. Generally, files are stored on redundant hard drive systems, the complexity of which depends on the amount of material, budget, and available expertise. Masterdisk will be happy to help you plan for the long-term safekeeping of your materials.

Equipment

Reel-to-Reel Decks

• Studer A-827
• Ampex ATR-100
• Tube, Cello and ATR
  Electronics

Cassette Decks

• Tandberg
• Tascam
• Sony
• Technics

DAT Decks

• Panasonic SV-3900
• Sony and Tascam
• F-1 501, 701
  1630-umatic decks

Converters

• DCS
• Prism

Software

• Pyramix
• Sequoia
• Sonic Solutions
• Cedar

Monitoring

• Dangerous/Muth
• Duntech Sovereigns
• Cello Amps
• Fran Manzella control rooms

Types Of Media And Risks

ANALOG TAPE

Audio recording tape was invented shortly before World War II and continues to be used every day. This is an astounding run of more than 60 years. However, age can definitely show in some of these materials.

Audio reels can have a substrate of PVC, polyester, acetate and even paper. Acetate reels can suffer from moisture imbalances, which can cause the tape to curl; more modern polyester tape can suffer from "sticky shed syndrome", rendering it unplayable without careful incubation (a.k.a. "baking").

Cassette tape, a consumer format introduced in the 1960s, can suffer from various transport ailings. However, it is capable of remarkable fidelity despite its technical shortcomings. Masterdisk has the facilities to handle virtually any size and track format of analog tape, played on the finest decks available.

Digital Tape

Digital audio tape (DAT) has been commercially available since the 1980s. Always a troublesome medium, DAT is now considered one of the most endangered formats. If you have a large DAT collection, the time to reformat is now!

Various digital tape formats have appeared through the years: F-1, 1630, DASH, and others. Masterdisk has probably handled them all at some point. Give us a call if you wan tot determine what format your audio may be in.

Discs

Discs have been around since the 1900s - over a century of sound has been engraved in those flat, circular records.

Shellac ("78") and vinyl records are generally considered pretty stable. Lacquer ("acetate") discs, however, degrade naturally, leaving the surface unplayable. They are generally considered the format most at risk. If you have a hand-labeled, one-of-a-kind disc, chances are it is a lacquer and is at high risk for natural, irreversible degradation. Contact Masterdisk to schedule a transfer to a digital stable medium.

Odd Formats

Wires, Cylinders, And Others

The twentieth century has produced a myriad of formats for storing audio, from so-called wax cylinders to oversized cassettes. Some of these formats lasted only a few years in the marketplace; others, like wire recordings, were successful for decades but are now utterly extinct. It is sobering to ponder who will be able to play something like our now-popular MP3s in the future, but a careful plan of migration to current digital formats can ensure that your audio will be around for future generations. Which is a good reason to reformat now, before it is literally impossible to play back your precious audio.

Feel free to contact us anytime with any questions about obsolete or unknown audio formats at marcos@masterdisk.com