Oxford Duplication Centre

Our studio specialises in the preservation of magnetic audiotape, supporting our clients with handling, cleaning and storage of magnetic audiotapes to HQ archival WAV or FLAC digital files that comply with The National Archives Specifications. Audio samples are from a Sir Walter Hayes Collection we were commissioned to archive.  These can be viewed https://walterhayes.co.uk/acknowledgments/

Structure of Magnetic Tape: Our studio specialises in converting tape using iron oxide on polyester base film. This base film has been used since the mid-sixties as a replacement for acetate bases film that was prone to chemical instability.

Sticky-shed syndrome:   Unfortunately changes made by manufacturers meant a chemical  instability causing a 'binder' on the tape started breaking down, absorbing water as a result.  This caused the tape coatings to become sticky and shed oxide onto the tape recorders heads, guides, rollers, and capstans. This is commonly called sticky-shed syndrome.  BASF nor 3M studio tapes suffer from the problem because neither manufacturer used the hygroscopic binder).  To resolve this, we heat the tapes at a very low temperature in order drive the water out of the binders. This  is a one-time solution because the binder remains unstable. Tapes that do not show the breakdown syndrome do not need any special treatment.

Handling:  Our trained archive specialists handle all orders with a white glove approach. Audio reels are handled by the center hub area or by the outer edges of the reel flanges, ensuring that the actual tape is not touched. Cassettes are handled by the existing outer plastic case and that fingers not be placed anywhere inside the cassette mechanism.

Storage:  Storage is extremely important. The National Archives recommends that any tapes needing preservation should be stored between 65–70 °F (18–21 °C) at 45-50% relative humidity.  Cold weather conditions below 46 °F (8 °C), means the tape lubricant can separate from the base, ruining the recording. The most important thing is to keep conditions consistent once desirable conditions are achieved.

Digitisation:   Now is the time to convert magnetic audiotape due to age related issues.  Our preservation services are highly successful, especially with fragile tapes.  Our service is to convert to high quality archive standard WAV or FLAC files. Once converted, these can be stored on to servers for safe storage. MP3 files at your desired bit rate can be prepared from the archive files for website use.

With over 10 years in archiving audio tapes and cassettes, we can provide you with solutions to your audio archiving needs. Our studio is equipped with the best recording equipment and properly maintained tape machines, you can expect your audio tapes to be digitally preserved at the highest quality in a timely manner.

Audio Tape Digital Transfer Services

Corporate, Heritage and Consumer Audio Tape Digitisation Output to Waveform Audio File Format (WAV, WAVE, Broadcast BWF) AIFF, MP3 or CD 16-bit 44.1 kHz (CD) upto 24-bit 192 kHz.  All prices exclude VAT at 20%
CASSETTE SERVICES PER TAPE	1+	10+	25+	50+	100+
Cassettes, Dictaphone, Mini and Micro Cassettes
Cassettes - upto 60mins	24.00	22.00	20.00	18.00	16.00
Cassettes - 90mins	26.00	24.00	22.00	20.00	18.00
Cassettes - 120mins	28.00	26.00	24.00	22.00	20.00
1/4" DOMESTIC SERVICES PER REEL	1+	10+	25+	50+	100+
Domestic reel to reel - Charge per reel	40.00	35.00	30.00	25.00	25.00
Tape baking per unit - if required	5.00
Domestic spool diameters are 3.25", 5" and 7" with recording speeds of either 1 7/8 ips, 3 3/4 ips or 7 1/2 ips and usually quarter-track (4 track) mono or stereo.
1/4" HALF/2-TRACK SERVICES PER REEL	1+	10+	25+	50+	100+
2-track studio master professional tape 7"	30.00	28.00	26.00	24.00	22.00
2-track studio master professional tape 10.5"	40.00	38.00	36.00	34.00	32.00
Prices include baking
Spool diameters are 7" and 10.5" half-track (2-track) stereo running at 15 ips or 30 ips.
1/4" MULTI-TRACK SERVICES PER REEL	1+	10+	25+	50+	100+
4-track professional tape 10.5"	50.00	45.00	40.00	35.00	30.00
8-track professional tape 10.5"	60.00	55.00	50.00	45.00	40.00
Prices include baking
1/2" MULTI-TRACK SERVICES PER REEL	1+	10+	25+	50+	100+
1/2 inch 2-track professional tape	60.00	55.00	50.00	45.00	40.00
1/2 inch 4-track professional tape	70.00	65.00	60.00	55.00	50.00
1/2 inch 8-track professional tape	80.00	75.00	70.00	65.00	60.00
1/2 inch 16-track professional tape	100.00	95.00	90.00	85.00	80.00
Prices include baking