compact cassette
what we offer
transfer
We can copy and convert cassettes to CD or high resolution audio file or even transfer to MP3 if necessary.
2 track stereo, 4 track and 8 track, Dolby B, C and DBX encoded cassettes can all be copied in addition to cassettes recorded at half normal speed, 15/16 inches per second and double normal speed, 3.75 inches per second.
Due to the small tape width and slow speed that normal speed cassettes run at they usually have a reputation for poor sound quality and reduced frequency response. This is often the case but with the right tools well recorded cassettes can sound very good and the best can be got from other recordings.
It’s quite common for the Azimuth in cassette recordings to vary between tapes and recording machines. Unless you are playing back a tape recorded from a known properly calibrated tape machine it is often necessary to adjust the playhead azimuth to get the best high frequency response. On many cheap tape players this is difficult, not very accurate and is often not done so tape transfers can suffer. The machines we use all have easily adjusted playhead azimuth to get the best from your tapes.
We use Nakamichi RX505 and 680 and 600 series 3 head cassette decks for 2 channel transfers and Teac C-3x and Tascam 234 and 238 decks for high speed 2 channel, 4, and 8 channel transfers. These machines all have their transports regularly cleaned and demagnetised and are serviced and checked using test equipment such as the Nakamichi T100 Audio Analyser.
Please feel free to contact us for a free and friendly discussion about your needs.
physical repair
Sometimes, compact cassettes have physical problems that need to be addressed and repaired before a good transfer can be made. These can be:
- respooling loose or damaged tape in the existing cassette shell
- splicing or refixing the leader tape to a reel hub
- reshelling the tape in a new cassette shell
- baking sticky tape
- addressing fungal growth on tapes stored in less than ideal environments
audio restoration
For the best transfers, the tape and playback machine must be in good order but what if the digital transfer has unwanted noises such as excessive tape hiss, audible hums, buzzes or pops and clicks?
These kind of noises can be successfully addressed and reduced with digital noise reduction techniques.