We expertly convert reel to reel audio to CD and digital files
Reel-to-reel is exactly what it sounds like. Used mostly for audio, magnetic tape wound on one reel is pulled through a machine and wound onto another reel. Instead of the magnetic tape self-contained inside of a cassette tape, reel tape is exposed and must be pulled through a machine before rewinding on an empty reel on the other end.
Our audio engineers are proud to have the first-hand experience to convert reel-to-reel audio tapes and love working with it! Reel-to-reel tape was never very common in households because of the size of the machine needed to read the tape.
The most common audio format is the cassette tape and you can learn more about that format here.
Reel-to-reel audio in action
In use since the early 1940’s, reel-to-reel audio tapes were the preferred recording method of professional artists through the 1980’s, even after cassettes became popular consumer products. Reel-to-reel recording is still used today as an alternative approach for recording artists. Like shooting film for photographers today, recording on reel-to-reel tape has revived a cult following. It’s said to have a more natural and warm sound that is hard to replicate in digital recordings.Reel-to-reel tape measures 1/4″ wide, or about twice as wide as the cassette tape, and varies in length. Because of the greater width of reel-to-reel tape, it is thought to be much higher in quality than any other recording format of its time.
These tapes often sound beautiful but they have been known to deteriorate over time. Digitizing them as soon as possible is often the best way to preserve their beautiful sound quality.
We’re Local. And the most convenient.
Three easy ways to work with us:
We have over 30 locations in MA, NH, RI, ME, CT, NJ & NY. Our clients almost never have to drive more than 30 minutes to see us.
If shipping is easiest, we'll send you a box with prepaid shipping labels to save you a trip to the post office. *NOTE: ship kits do not include the cost of digitizing or post-project return shipping*
If you prefer to do the shipping, let us know to reserve space in our schedule for your tapes and we'll be expecting them!
If none of these options work for you, we also offer in-home consultations throughout the Northeast.
Standard reel-to-reel audio options
We’ll digitally capture your labeling when we convert your reel-to-reel audio to CD or USB
- USB drive or CDs
- High quality transfer to computer
- Digital mp3 files
- Experienced and trained local technicians
- Custom audio editing options
- Label transcription
- Experienced and trained local technicians
- Private website included
- Download to media players
- Private website included
- Experienced technicians
- Label transcription
- Mp3 files & CDs available
- Private website included
- Custom pricing on oversized reels
- Label transcription
WE ORGANIZE AND DIGITIZE ALL OF YOUR MEMORIES
Get an estimate on your reel-to-reel audio to CD or digital project!
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What sort of equipment does EverPresent use for reel to reel tape transfers?
We primarily use fully restored players from TEAC, Tascam, Sony or Otari. Our specialty is ¼ inch full and half-track open reels. This size of audio reel represents over 90% of what’s out there, and over 99% of what families and organizations have in their archives. Larger ½ inch, 1 inch and 2 inch open reels were almost exclusively used in studio production environments. The best equipment for reel to reel audio transfer is old equipment that must be constantly maintained and restored. We spend $1,000 to $3,000 initially on each machine and almost that much annually restoring each one.
How does the reel-to-reel transfer work?
Initially, the audio reel is examined, cleaned and set at appropriate tension for capture. Then, the reel is fed through the machine to an empty reel that captures the footage as it plays through the machine. The reel itself is played on the vintage equipment, but then connected via high density audio cables to a pre-amp, and then into a very powerful computer. Depending on the nature of the reels, we are capturing in stereo or mono depending on the original recording style. Once the footage is on the computer, we check it for quality and produce final .mp3 files or CDs. If clients would like individual music tracks split and labeled based on the original reel to reel recordings, we can do that.
Do you improve the quality of the reel to reel audio during or after transfer?
The improvements come after the transfer. Reel to reel footage suffers from inconsistent noise level, crackle and other issues. The files are initially created as an uncompressed .wav file, at which point we apply software to reduce hiss, equalize volume levels and remove crackle. It’s not a full audio restoration, but it helps a lot. At that point, our audiophile clients sometimes ask for the exports to be full .wav files, which are large and good for sound editing. But most of our clients prefer .mp3 files that work on their smartphones, or CDs to play on their home stereos.
How do I pick the right service for reel to reel digitizing?
In the grand scheme of digitizing businesses, reel to reel tapes are one of the rarest formats. Honestly, reel to reel tapes are a situation where if the price seems too good to be true, it probably is. Reels run slowly though the machines, are very finicky, use expensive equipment, and require some post-transfer work in most cases. If you see something really cheap, it means it’s a set it and forget it situation with the digitizing service. That can be OK for some formats, but not for audio reels. The other piece of this is knowing your own reels, which can be asking a lot. Many companies will just transfer at one speed and one track and that’s it. But audio reels can have four discrete tracks at different recording speeds. If you’re not careful, the digital rendering of the reel can be too slow, too fast, or just miss tracks altogether. So as you think about a service, if you know your reels have some complexity, you should confirm the digitizing process at the service can accommodate.