Tape Transfer
It's a big deal and it needs to be done correctly. Reel to Reel Haven's Tape Transfer department has your back. Led by Noelle Byer, our experience, equipment and attention to detail return exceptional results. Please see below for complete information on our team and our process.
Who We Are
Noëlle Byer
Meet Noëlle Byer, a reformed classical musician turned archivist. A proud member of the New York Public Library's archival team, Noëlle is all about making analog audio accessible to the public.
Hailing from McGill University’s Sound Recording program, Noëlle was introduced to open reel tape and 78s and never looked back. By day, they're knee-deep in the rich history of the city at NYPL, sorting through everything from vintage jazz to your grandma's favorite radio show.
On the side, they dive into small-scale freelance projects, helping individuals bring their personal audio treasures back to life. Whether it's digitizing old mixtapes or turning a family gathering recording into a cherished keepsake, Noëlle loves preserving audio history.
Jenn Nulsen
Jenn Nulsen is a two-time Grammy nominated audio engineer, holding two Bachelor of Music Degrees from the Hartt School at the University of Hartford, as well as a Masters of Music in Sound Recording from McGill University. She has a long history of academic accomplishments and accolades under her belt, reflecting Jenn’s innate musical talent, acutely trained ear, and high standards of professionalism. Jenn has come to be most recognized for her extensive work with orchestras across the country, but has built strong relationships with performers across the globe in multiple genres, as well as venturing beyond music as a podcasting and radio engineer for Condé Nast Entertainment, Symphony Space, and the Metropolitan Opera.
She recently received her first three Telly Awards for work with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra as mix engineer, and three Mid-Atlantic Emmys for television programs she recorded with the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra. Jenn will begin work as part time faculty at the New School's College of Performing Arts in 2024, and firmly believes in continuous learning through artistic and technical partnerships.
Nancy Conforti
Nancy Conforti was born and raised on Long Island along with her six siblings, but managed to narrowly escape by obtaining music recording degrees from the University of Hartford and McGill University. Over the last decade she’s maintained a commitment to being a well-rounded audio engineer, taking on a variety of projects with a variety of clients, from Live Sound for wedding bands, to analog master digitization for Bob Dylan, to mixing and mastering for small and independent artists. In 2021 she was nominated in the Best Historical Album category at the 64th Annual Grammy Awards for her restoration work on Marian Anderson’s Complete RCA Victor Recordings. Nancy is fueled by learning and connecting, and her favorite way to do that is through good music that sounds good.
What We Do
Why Transfer?
Do you have a stash of old reel-to-reel tapes collecting dust? If you're unsure about how to preserve these valuable audio recordings, it's time to think about transferring them to a digital format before it's too late. Reel-to-reel tapes gradually degrade over time. The magnetic particles on the tape can lose their magnetism or become damaged due to factors such as environmental conditions, poor tape quality, or improper handling. This deterioration can lead to a decrease in audio quality or even complete loss of the recording. By transferring your reel-to-reel tapes to a digital format, you can preserve your recordings and ensure they remain accessible and enjoyable for years. Digital files safeguard the content from further damage and offer improved sound quality through advanced restoration techniques. They are easily accessible on various devices, making it convenient to enjoy and share your recordings with others. Additionally, digital files save physical space and are more resilient to damage, ensuring long-term access and better organization. Overall, digitizing helps protect your audio memories and simplifies their use and distribution.
Standards we adhere to
We believe that staying up-to-date in the field of audio preservation and digitization is essential for maintaining the highest quality standards. To achieve this, we follow the guidelines set by the Association for Recorded Sound Collections, the Audio Engineering Society, and the International Association of Sound and Audiovisual Archives. Additionally, we actively participate in these organizations, which helps us stay informed about the latest developments and best practices in the industry. This commitment ensures that our work remains at the forefront of audio preservation and digitization.
General Overview
Our process of digitizing reel-to-reel tapes involves several steps. First, we assess the condition of the collection, noting any physical damage, mold, or deterioration such as sticky shed or vinegar syndrome. Tapes affected by sticky shed syndrome may require baking to make them playable. We then perform any possible repairs, and transfer the analog content to high-resolution digital files. We document the process with photos of the tapes and related materials, provide a hard drive with the digitized files, and offer consultation on long-term digital storage. Basic post-production includes file duplication, global denoising, and level adjustments, while detailed post-production involves targeted denoising and level matching. Finally, remastering involves technical and creative enhancements to ensure the material is ready for release.
How to get started
Step 1: Begin by sending us an email at tapetransfers@reeltoreelhaven.com detailing your project, including any relevant information about your tapes. We will review your email and reach out to you to discuss the project in depth. This conversation will cover timing, pricing, and any additional details or questions you might have.
Step 2: Once you send us the tapes, we will proceed with digitizing them. This process will include any necessary repairs based on the specifications we have agreed upon. Our goal is to ensure the best possible quality for your digital files.
Step 3: After the digitization process is complete, we will securely return your original physical media to you. Along with your tapes, we will provide a hard drive containing all your digitized files. Additionally, you will receive detailed documentation about your tapes and a comprehensive overview of the digitization process.
Services
1. Collection assessment
An overview of what formats are in a collection, as well as a breakdown of their qualities (speed, track arrangement, tape type, etc.). This will also include any damage that might be present such as sticky shed syndrome, vinegar syndrome, brittle or damaged tape, or mold. Based on this information, we can offer a broad estimate of how long a collection would take to digitize.
2. Baking
Polyester tapes often suffer from a physical breakdown called sticky shed syndrome. This will require a process known as “baking” that will render the tapes safely playable for a short time to allow for digitization.
3. Repair
Any possible physical repair of the tape itself to allow for digitization, and to maximize the life of the object.
4. Analog tape transfers to high resolution 96kHz 24bit files of:
¼ ” reel to reel tape with full track, 2 track, half track, and quarter track arrangements at 3.75, 7.5, and 15 ips speeds.
½” reel to reel 8 track tapes.
1” reel to reel 16 track tapes.
2” reel to reel tape with 24 track arrangement.
5. Dolby decoding
Dolby decoding for Dolby A and Dolby SR (open reel tapes ¼” only), and Dolby B and Dolby C (cassettes)
6. Rehousing
Moving the tape onto a new reel if the current reel is damaged, or too small to safely hold the tape. Moving the tape into a new box if the current box is damaged.
7. Photo documentation
Digital images of the tape box, the reel, and any papers included with the object.
8. Data storage
Providing a hard drive including all digitized material, as well as potential consultation on long-term digital storage of materials.
9. Basic post production
Each file will be duplicated, and gently denoised globally, and levels adjusted for a cohesive listening experience. One unprocessed copy and one denoised copy of each tape will be provided.
10. Detailed post production
More surgical denoising to remove unwanted individual noises, as well as more detailed level matching.
11. Remastering
Technical and creative assessment of transferred material, best conducted in tandem with detailed post production. Includes post processing through EQ, compression, and any other desired effects to achieve a release-worthy master.
Fees
Open reel tape:
$150 - A project setup fee. This will cover all machine calibration, as well as any repairs, cleaning, or baking that may need to happen.
$100 per reel up to 30 minutes of runtime length.
$1 per additional minute of runtime.
If a reel is double sided, each side is treated as its own reel.
$25 fee per reel that has speed changes or track changes that require realignment
$25 fee per reel with Dolby noise reduction
Storage included (thumb drive)
Documentation included
One unprocessed file of each tape, and one copy with broadband noise reduction included
For example, if you have 3 1/4" reels that are all 45 minutes per side and double sided, it would work out to:
$150 startup fee
($100 + 15 min x $1) = $115 per side = $690 for 6 sides
Total of $840
We do offer discounted rates for larger groups of tapes if that's something you're interested in exploring.