Preserving Tapes

Sound Advice by Brent Handy Contributing Writer July 22, 2011

In digital land we have the Nyquist theory. Mr. Nyquist decided that the sample rate of the recording had to be twice that of the highest frequency to be produced. If you were to record at 16-bit/44.1kHz, (CD quality resolution) that means all frequencies above 22kHz are limited/filtered. It is even worse if you were to try MP3's. In MP3 world, the drop off starts at 8kHz. In addition, it uses pseudo stereo. That means that one of two like signals is disguarded to save space, and then a DSP trick is done to make it appear as stereo when played back. Not a good idea in my opinion. I have a Pro Tools HD rig that records at 24-bit, 192kHz, so that means I can record 96kHz. Big deal. If the cassette player could reproduce it at double speed, what good is the recording? As you can see it does not work. You have to do it the old fashioned way, REAL time.

"That tape is noisy and has drop out!" If you do not have the time for this, consider a transfer service. Look for a service that can do Forensic Audio work, to repair tapes, clean up the noise, bring out the vocals, do editing, etc. What good is a prestine reproduction of a bad tape? The goal is to preserve it in the best condition that it can be. If you cannot find one in your area, contact me and I will refer you.

Good luck on your preservation of your ministry's work. This is not fun. It is not easy. It is essential. You may meet people in heaven that benefited from your labor. I know that I have benefited from the work of Rev. Ralph in Tennessee.

Brent Handy
HA! LLC, Tulsa, OK
P.O. Box 54641, Tulsa, OK 74155
lowdbrent@sbcglobal.net