We can record your 1/2" (half inch) 2 track, 4 track, 8 track, or 16 track analog reel-to-reel tapes to multiple digital audio files in the .wav or .aiff files format at 44.1, 48, 96 or192 kHz at 16 or 24 bit. This will allow you to digitally remix the tracks in a modern day PC based digital audio workstations like Pro Tools, Cubase, Nuendo, Logic Pro X, Garage Band, or Reaper. Two track tapes can be played on any modern PC, Mac, or mobile device, converted to FLAC or MP3, or used for a remastering project.
1/2" is still in use by many engineers around the world today but digitizing allows for safekeeping, and editing and mixing digitally. This is also critical to preserve the recordings, since magnetic tape has a finite lifespan. We also provide tape baking services for older unstable tapes. Contact us now for a quote and directions on sending us your tapes.
Half inch magnetic tape has been in use both professionally, and later in the home studio environment beginning in the 1970s. The two and four track format, made popular by the AMPEX ATR-100 series, set a new standard for high-end multi-track recording. Many engineers still use these decks to this day for multi-tracking and stereo mixdowns (master recordings). Later, other reel-to-reel manufacturers adopted the use of 1/2" tape for even greater track counts. One of the more popular 1/2" multi-track decks to come out early on was the TEAC 80-8, which allowed for 8 tracks of audio recording. TASCAM followed up with the model 38, and eventually the TSR-8, which were all capable of recording eight tracks. TASCAM went on to maximize the track count on 1/2" tape, releasing the TSR-16, which was capable of recording 16 tracks. Other manufacturers such as FOSTEX followed suit with the B-16, E-16, and G-16S 16 track decks.
Audio Tape Transfer FAQ