Tape Transfer & Repair

Tape transfer is the migration of audio from analog magnetic tape formats, such as quarter inch, half inch, and one inch reels or digital audio tape, into a digital system.^[1] It often involves cleaning, repairing, and sometimes baking tapes that have deteriorated so they can be played one final time without damage.

Accurate transfer depends on correctly aligned machines and careful handling, because each pass risks further wear on fragile media. The resulting digital files preserve recordings whose original carriers are aging, and they become the basis for any later restoration or remastering.^[2]