AES Budapest 2012
Thursday, April 26, 17:00 — 18:00 (Room: Brahms)
W4 - The Replay of Historical Magnetic Tape - More than Pressing the Play Button
Nadja Wallaszkovits, Phonogrammarchiv, Austrian Academy of Sciences - Vienna, Austria
Dietrich Schüller, Phonogrammarchiv, Austrian Academy of Sciences - Vienna, Austria
Since analog magnetic tape technology is no longer a part of the audio production process, specific knowledge is endangered to decline. This workshop discusses the various problems occurring in the transfer process of historical magnetic audio tapes. Starting with a definition of historical tape brands and an overview of early magnetic tape developments, the practical handling of critical tapes is outlined: based on an analysis of the physical and chemical preservation status of the individual tape, the choice and adjustment of the replay equipment and parameters are discussed. Problems of carrier handling and physical as well as chemical restoration are outlined, as well as possible signal enhancement on the playback process only. The workshop focuses on the handling and reproduction of original tapes from the early ages of magnetic recording, stored under irregular conditions.
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