Many audio recordings only exist on vinyl and shellac records.  Typical examples include public domain recordings prior to 1923, one-off records from studio booths and dictation machines, and transcription discs.  We perform high quality transfers of vinyl, shellac, and acetate (lacquer) records up to 12" to virtually audio format, supporting a wide range of bit depths and sample rates.

Over the past decade, we have tested numerous hardware devices and software techniques to develop state-of-the-art cleaning, recording, and restoration procedures for audio from records.  We work with you to ensure that your media is processed the way that best preserves the integrity of the record while providing the most practical enhancements to the audio.

Flat Transfer to 24-bit / 192kHz File: $15 per 7" or 12" single, $20 per record otherwise

We clean your record, digitize the audio without any equalization to a single 24-bit / 192kHz WAV or FLAC file, apply an appropriate equalization curve in software, then split the recording into sides or tracks as appropriate.

Basic Restoration: $10 / record

We apply conservative denoising methods to the audio, then process and export the results to the bit depth / sample rate / format of your choice.

Custom Restoration: $30 / hour

We selectively and manually repair and enhance the recorded audio.  Examples: speed correction for off-center pressings, heavy denoising for especially noisy audio, manual click & pop removal beyond what automated methods detect and repair.

CD Mastering: $10 per CD

We master your audio for CD and write one audio CD.  We will nondestructively label the CD.  Duplicates from the same master are $5 each.?

CD Labeling: $5 per CD

Have our Canon Pixma Pro 9000 printer directly apply track information and artwork to your CDs.  Need jewel inserts, tray inlays, custom artwork?  Contact us for a quote.

What does "flat transfer" mean?

Instead of using a phono preamplifier, as would be used for live playback for listening purposes, we wire the phono cartridge directly to the "flat" microphone-level inputs on our analog to digital converter (ADC).  This eliminates a noise source and eliminates the possibility of an incorrect EQ curve being applied to the audio in the analog domain.  We are free to choose an EQ method after recording the audio in software.  The quality and scope of the tools available for this task have changed significantly over the years, and if they continue to improve, then you can always go back to this file and apply an entirely different processing chain without needing to digitize the audio from the record again.

How do you deliver the audio?

Generally, a customer will supply us with a hard drive and we write the files out to that device.  We can accommodate virtually any file system.

The ordering process begins with contacting us via our contact form with details about your project.  Useful information includes:

• Number of records
• Format of records: size (7", 10", 12", etc.)
• Record type: vinyl, shellac, acetate (lacquer), etc.
• Level of cleaning desired
• Level of restoration desired
• Desired final audio bit rate / sample rate / format?

If necessary we will follow up with you to ensure the estimate is accurate.  You may drop off your records at our Squaresuit Conversions shop in Kettering for processing.