At Preserve South our main goal is to ensure the highest quality possible in digital output. This all begins with our initial inspection. Audio assets are inspected for physical damage, poor tape-wind, mold, dust, dirt, or chemical breakdown. We repair media when necessary, remediate any mold issues, and make sure any asset debris or other contaminants that might interfere with the highest-quality transfer are removed. With our wall of laboratory-grade incubators, we can bake any sized tape exhibiting binder hydrolysis or “Sticky Shed Syndrome.”
Following inspection and cleaning, we begin the audio digitization process. We only use professional playback equipment, top-of-the-line analog to digital converters and Merging Technologies Pyramix systems to achieve optimal signal capture, which allows us to capture high-resolution signal up to 32-bit, 384kHz (PCM), DXD and DSD (64/128/256). All audiotapes are set up to tone (if it exists) and program levels checked. Multiple tapes can be ingested simultaneously to create the “Audio Preservation Master” files and help make the process as efficient as possible. Our operators identify signal problems and any additional problematic playback issues (such as stiction/binder hydrolysis and tape damage). They track and inspect regularly throughout the ingestion process, and apply finishing edits to each file, as needed. The aim is to deliver the highest quality and most useful file every time.
Preserve South adheres to rigid quality control standards. All of our operations are conducted in clean, dust-free environments, all of our playback machines are inspected and cleaned regularly. And each and every file is spot checked for completeness and quality prior to delivery. We pride ourselves on a lock-tight process from end-to-end, a blend of speed and efficiency that ensures a quality result for each and every client.
MAGNETIC ANALOG MEDIA
- Open reel audiotape (Speeds: 0.9375ips, 1.875ips, 3.75ips, 7.5ips, 15ips, 30ips)
- 2 inch audio tape
- 1 inch audio tape
- 1/2 inch audio tape
- 1/4 inch audio tape
- Nagra (Control-track & center-track timecode)
- Stenorette
- Cartridge-based audiotape (Speeds: 1.2 cm/s, 2.4 cm/s, 1.875ips, 3.75ips, 7.5ips)
- Audio cassette (Type I-Type IV)
- Mini-cassette
- Micro-cassette
- Pico-cassette
- 1/4 inch audio cassette
- Steno-Cassette (⅛”)
- RCA Tape Cartridge (¼”)
- Fidelipac (¼”)
- Philips EL 3581 (¼”)
- Philips EL 3583 (⅛”)
- Garrard Magazines (¼)
- Echo-matic II (¼”)
- Audiopak (¼”)
- PlayTape (⅛”)
- 4-Track (Stereo-Pak) (¼”)
- 8-Track (Stereo 8) (¼”)
- Film-based audiotape
- Full-coat Mag reels (35mm, 16mm, 8mm, Optical)
- Wire recording (24ips)
MAGNETIC DIGITAL MEDIA
- Open reel SDAT (Stationary-head Digital Audio Tape) formats (up to 48-track)
- 1 inch audio tape (DASH, ProDigi)
- 1/2 inch audio tape (DASH, ProDigi)
- 1/4 inch audio tape (DASH, ProDigi)
- Cartridge-based RDAT (Rotating-head Digital Audio Tape) formats
- DAT
- DTRS (DA-88, DA-98, PCM-800)
- DDS
- Linear Pulse Code Modulation (PCM) encoded media
- ADAT (SVHS)
- Sony PCM-F1, Sony PCM-601 ESD (Betamax)
- PCM-1630 (U-matic)
- Linear Companded Predictive Delta Modulation encoded media
- dbx 700 (VHS)
GROOVED/MECHANICAL MEDIA
- Grooved analog disc
- Shellac Discs (1897 – late 1950’s)
- Aluminum Discs (Late 1920’s – 1940’s)
- Nitrocellulose-Lacquer (Late 1920’s – 1970’s), including Aluminum, Glass, Cardboard & Steel base
- Vinyl Disc (Late 1940’s – present)
- Flexi Disc (1960’s – present), including Recordio, Soundscriber, Soundsheet, Audograph, Edison Voicewriter and more.
OPTICAL MEDIA
- Red Book (CD-DA)
- Green Book (CD-i/ Interactive)
- Yellow Book (CD-ROM)
- Orange Book (CD-R, CD-RW)
- Beige Book (PhotoCD)
- White Book (VideoCD/ Super VideoCD)
- Blue Book (Enhanced CD)
- Scarlett Book (Super Audio CD)
- Purple Book (Double-Density CD)
ANALOG NOISE REDUCTION
- Dolby (up to 24-channels)
- Dolby A
- Dolby B
- Dolby FM
- Dolby C
- Dolby SR
- Dolby S
- Dolby HX/HX-Pro
- dbx
- Type I
- Type II
NEED MORE INFORMATION?
Call us at 770.932.9801 or fill out the short form below and someone from our team will promptly respond to your request.