ADAT Tape Transfer Service - $49 USD per tape
Professional ADAT Digitization & Conversion
ADAT conversion: We can professionally transfer and digitize your ADAT tapes (S-VHS), both 16 and 20 bit, and support any number of tracks to multiple lossless digital audio files in WAV or AIFF formats. We offer a 24 hour turnaround time on most projects. Our flat rate of $49 per tape includes free file delivery—no additional charges for cloud storage, downloads, or file hosting regardless of size. After digitization the tape tracks will allow you to digitally remix the tracks in a modern DAW (digital audio workstation) such as Pro Tools, Cubase, Nuendo, Logic Pro X, Garage Band, Studio One or Reaper. We can convert tapes that were tracked with the original "blackface" ADAT and the "silverface" ADAT XT, ADAT XT 20 or ADAT LX 20.
Don't Wait—ADAT Tapes Are Degrading
ADAT tapes recorded in the 1990s and early 2000s are now 20-30 years old. The S-VHS tape stock used in ADAT recording is susceptible to oxide shedding, binder deterioration, and magnetic signal loss over time. We've seen an increasing number of tapes come through our studio with dropouts and degraded audio that wasn't present when the recordings were made. The longer you wait, the greater the risk of permanent data loss. If you have masters, demos, or unreleased sessions sitting on ADAT, now is the time to get them transferred while the tapes are still in playable condition.
Multi-Deck Configurations
It was not uncommon to have projects recorded with a single deck (8 tracks), 2 decks (16 tracks), 3 decks (24 tracks, the most popular configuration), 4 decks (32 tracks), 5 decks (40 tracks), or 6 decks (48 tracks) synced together. There is no limit to the number of tracks we can transfer and digitize. When you bring the audio files into your DAW and drag them all to the very start of the timeline we guarantee they will all be lined up and in sync. We have well maintained machines that are synchronized with a precise master clock distributed to all machines for a perfect, sample-accurate transfer. Contact us now for a quote and directions on sending us your tapes.
What to Expect
- Get in touch — Contact us with details about your project: how many tapes, track count, and any special requirements.
- Ship your tapes — We'll provide our studio address in Long Beach, CA. Pack your tapes securely and ship via USPS Priority Mail or your preferred carrier.
- We transfer your masters — Each tape is transferred in real-time on calibrated ADAT machines with master clock sync for sample-accurate multi-deck transfers.
- Download your files — Once complete, you'll receive a link to download your lossless WAV or AIFF files. Unlike other services, we don't charge extra for cloud storage or downloads—it's included in the price, no matter how large your files are.
- Get your tapes back — We return your original tapes with tracking information so you can follow the shipment home.
Why Choose Deep Signal Studios
- 24-Hour Turnaround — Most projects completed within one business day of receiving your tapes
- Sample-Accurate Sync — Master clock distribution ensures perfect alignment across multi-deck sessions
- Free File Delivery Included — Many services charge $5-$30 extra for cloud storage or digital downloads. We don't. Your files are ready to download at no additional cost, no matter the size
- Experienced Engineers — Your tapes are handled by audio professionals on maintained machines, not outsourced to a mass-digitization facility
- Local Drop-Off Available — In the Los Angeles area? Drop off your tapes at our Long Beach studio
- Trusted by Musicians & Studios — Read what our clients say about working with us
The History of the Alesis ADAT
The Alesis ADAT was the first affordable 8-track digital audio recorder, in production from 1992 to 2003. They recorded on the same type of tape that VCRs used for video, except they required a higher grade called S-VHS. Some notable records were tracked on ADAT in the early 90s including Alanis Morissette's Jagged Little Pill, Primus's Pork Soda, and Queensryche's Promised Land. Each machine could record up to 8 tracks, and multiple machines could be synced together, with the typical system consisting of 3 machines for 24 tracks. The original ADAT "blackface" and ADAT XT were capable of recording at 16-bit. Recordings made using an ADAT XT20 or LX20 are capable of recording at 20-bit. Alesis would later release the HD24 hard disk recorder as the successor to the ADAT.
ADAT Tape Brands We Transfer
Some common tapes used with Alesis ADAT multitrack machines include:
- Quantegy DM 42
- HHB ADAT45
- HHB ADAT60
- BASF DA 40
- Quantegy ADAT 42C
- ADAT 60C
- Ampex 489
- Panasonic DA44
- EMTEC ADAT Master
You will always see the ADAT logo on tapes designed specifically for ADAT machines. S-VHS video tapes could also be formatted and used in ADAT machines, so if you see any hand written notes on the label like "Master 16 bit / 48 KHz" or "Master 1 of 3" etc., you are likely looking at a tape recorded with an ADAT machine.