We can record (aka digitize) your 2" (2 inch) 24 track and 16 track analog audio reel-to-reel tapes to multiple digital audio files in the .wav or .aiff files format at 44.1, 48, 96 or 192 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. 2 inch tape is enjoying a comeback for the warm sonic qualities. Many engineers now choose to transfer these tapes tracks to digital (aka digitizing), allowing for safekeeping, and easy editing in these DAWs. 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.
What to Expect
- Get in touch — Contact us with details about your project: how many tapes, track count, tape speed, and any special requirements.
- Ship or drop off your tapes — We'll provide our studio address in Lakewood, 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 2 inch tape playback decks with proper azimuth alignment and speed calibration for an accurate, archival-grade transfer.
- 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
- Calibrated 2 inch Playback — with proper azimuth, bias, and speed calibration for each tape
- Tape Baking Available — In-house restoration for sticky-shed tapes before playback, preserving fragile magnetic media
- Sample Rates up to 192kHz / 24-bit — Archival-grade lossless WAV or AIFF delivery at the resolution you need
- Free File Delivery Included — Many services charge $5–$30 extra for cloud storage or 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
Who This Service Is For
- Musicians and bands with unreleased studio sessions or demos recorded on 2 inch tape
- Families preserving home recordings, oral histories, and personal archives
- Audio archivists, libraries, and universities digitizing tape collections
- Record labels preparing catalog reissues, box sets, or remixes from original masters
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a 2 inch 12 or 16 track tape transfer take?
Most 2 inch tape transfers are completed within one to two business days of receiving your tapes. Transfer happens in real-time, so a 30-minute tape takes 30 minutes to capture, plus setup, calibration, and file preparation. Large multi-tape projects are quoted with a specific turnaround at the time of booking.
Do you ship tapes back after transfer?
Yes. We return every original tape via tracked shipping after digitization is complete. Your masters are handled with care throughout the process and never outsourced to a third-party facility.
What file formats do you deliver?
We deliver lossless WAV or AIFF files at sample rates up to 192kHz and bit depths up to 24-bit. You choose the settings based on your intended use — archival, remixing in a DAW, or mastering for release. File delivery via download link is included at no extra charge.
he 2 inch 24 track and 16 track reel formats were one of the most popular professional multitrack audio recording formats of all time. A staple in recording studios for music and film audio since the 1970s, these formats allowed for multi-track audio recording with minimal bounces and cutting/splicing due the greater number of available tracks. With 24 available tracks, entire sessions could be recorded without syncing multiple reel to reel decks. Many hits from the 1970s to the 1990s were recorded on this format, with the wide availability of 2" magnetic tape from manufacturers such as Scotch/3M and AMPEX/Quantegy.
2" tapes from the 70s, 80s, and 90s including AMPEX/Quantegy 406/407, 456/457, 499 and Scotch/3M 206/207, 226/227, 808, and 986 are unfortunately prone to "sticky shed" syndrome, due to the breakdown of the binder (glue) holding the oxide particles on the tape. We have mastered the process of treating and rescuing these tapes suffering from severe sticky shed by baking them at a precise temperature and duration. Let our team of seasoned engineers handle the delicate process of saving your recordings; giving them an infinite lifespan in the digital domain. Contact us now for a quote and directions on sending us your tapes.
We do not work with 2 inch video tape.