Can Sonicraft transfer my tapes if they are [X inches wide], [X number of tracks], and [X noise reduction]?
In a word: YES. We handle virtually every open-reel analog format up to 24 tracks, recorded at any speed, with any Dolby or dbx noise reduction system. If your tapes were originally synchronized with time code, we can also make synchronized transfers.
I’m unsure of the exact format, speed, or noise reduction. Can you still help?
Absolutely. We will evaluate your tapes, determine the correct configuration, and ensure proper playback alignment and decoding—no worries if the documentation is missing.
What deliverables do I get once my tapes are transferred?
We provide a digital mirror-image of your tape in Broadcast WAV files at the sample rate of your choice. Each track is captured as an individual file, making them fully compatible with popular DAWs (Pro Tools, Logic, Cubase, Nuendo, Reaper, and more).
Which sample rate and bit-depth should I choose?
It depends on your end goals:
Why do tapes become sticky, squeal, or shed oxide?
Certain tape formulations from the early ’70s onward can develop Sticky Shed Syndrome (SSS) due to binder breakdown. These tapes may stick to themselves or the tape path, causing squealing, speed fluctuations, and potential damage if played untreated.
How does tape baking help?
Baking temporarily re-stabilizes the tape, allowing it to be safely played without shedding or stretching. This process does not typically degrade audio quality, and we’ve successfully restored thousands of tapes using precise, time-tested protocols.
Can I bake my tapes myself to save money?
No. We strongly advise against it. We never charge extra for baking, and doing it yourself risks permanent damage if not done properly. Our professional-grade incubators and decades of experience ensure the best possible outcome. And we prefer to be able to schedule your restoration so that your tapes are ready to play when we are ready to work on your project.
How long will my transfers take?
Turnaround generally ranges from 3 to 4 weeks, but depends on:
Turnaround times have become unpredictable because we are unwilling to provide anything less than absolute care to any tape. We ask that you are understanding with turnaround times because we will give your project the same attention to detail that the tapes ahead of yours in the queue require.
If you have a rush project, let us know—we will do our best to accommodate.
How will you deliver the digital files?
We typically provide a password-protected download link. For larger or multiple reel projects, you may send us an external drive, or we can arrange other methods upon request.
What’s the best way to ship my tapes to Sonicraft A2DX Lab?
Please pack your tapes in a tough box with at least 2 to 3 inches of packing material between your tapes and the outside world. It is better to slightly overstuff to prevent the tapes from shifting while in transit. Use a reliable carrier who takes their tracking number seriously, such as UPS or FedEx. Please provide the tracking number once you have one so we can let the receiving department know to expect your project.
What happens once my transfers are complete?
We’ll email you an online invoice for secure credit card or PayPal payment. If you would prefer a different payment method let us know and we’ll make arrangements. Upon receipt of payment, we’ll send your digital files for your review. Once you approve your transfers we’ll send back your tapes.
Will you keep my tapes for further review?
Yes, unless you object, we prefer to keep your tapes on site until you’ve reviewed and approved the transferred files. This way if you have any questions about your transfers we have your tape on-hand for answers.
How are my tapes returned to me?
We typically use UPS Ground (no signature required) unless you request otherwise.
After your transfer, your tapes will have a nice library wind and they’ll be ready to be securely packed and shipped for safe transit. Once your transfers are approved and your tapes are returned we typically remove your files from our servers. It is your responsibility to make sure your digital assets are properly backed up and archived.
How do you price your services?
We charge per reel, with each reel’s price depending on factors like:
We do our best to keep it simple and charge by the reel, format, and setup. However, many tapes require special handling for a variety of reasons — such as mold, adhesion syndrome, and lubricant destabilization — that require extra time and attention, sometimes significant extra time and attention, anywhere from 1-32 extra hours per tape. It’s fair for us to be compensated for the dedication we give to your tapes, and the results will prove that every second was worth it. We do our best to keep within the original estimate we send you and if anything arises that will affect it we will contact you for approval.
Can you quote based on the running time of the songs?
Running time alone doesn’t capture the complexity of your project. Each tape requires evaluation, possible baking or cleaning, calibration, and alignment. That’s why we ask for details like tape width, track count, speed, and NR system to provide an accurate quote. And regardless of the running time of your songs we must play your entire tape to ensure we haven’t missed anything and to ensure a proper library wind at the end of your project. The requires billable engineer time, machine wear, and power usage.
Is tape baking extra?
No. Our first reel rate covers reasonable restoration, such as baking, retensioning, and light splice repair, as well as initial lab setup and transfer of your first reel.
What is reasonable restoration?
Reasonable restoration includes incubation, light splice repair, and retensioning. If your tapes are bound, moldy, or suffering from lubricant destabilization, they will require extra restoration. Since this extra restoration requires a large amount of additional time, effort, and resources we do charge extra for it.
