obsolete_formats · @obsolete_formats
143 followers · 40 posts · Server mastodon.sdf.org

Custom 1/4" headstack for the ATR 104. 1/4 Track Stereo in the Sync position / Full Track Mono in the Repro position. Both wired through the Repro electronics, so no need for a switch. Noiseless. This makes format switching and realignment so much easier.

#analogtape #audioarchiving #archiving #audiorestoration #audiopreservation #analogaudio #hifi

Last updated 2 years ago

obsolete_formats · @obsolete_formats
164 followers · 46 posts · Server mastodon.sdf.org

Flash back to one of the worst collections I've had the pleasure to catalog. This was just a portion of 2" tapes that had been in a fire and then basically a flood.. most were un-remediable, but some managed to survive. ALL of the assets were damaged. Mass carnage.

#archiving #audioarchiving #preservation #audiopreservation #remediation #analogtape

Last updated 2 years ago

obsolete_formats · @obsolete_formats
150 followers · 44 posts · Server mastodon.sdf.org

The Magnetic Viewer is the coolest little tool I've ever encountered. Super simple science, but without it my job would be way harder. It's tiny magnetic particles react to the recorded material on the tape, revealing the format. Here's a 4 track on a 1/4" tape. Without documentation, this tool is a mystery solver.

#archival #audioarchiving #audiopreservation #audiorestoration #analogtape #analog

Last updated 2 years ago

obsolete_formats · @obsolete_formats
143 followers · 40 posts · Server mastodon.sdf.org

Here's a 1/4" master reel lit from below to ascertain tape formula before incubation. The opaque, dark section is a song cut on polyester tape, while the remaining transparent tracks are acetate. Because high/dry temps are destructive to acetate- the poly track is removed, re-spooled, baked and then re-spliced onto the reel for transfer.

#analog #archiving #audio #audiopreservation #audioarchiving #restoration

Last updated 2 years ago

obsolete_formats · @obsolete_formats
104 followers · 22 posts · Server mastodon.sdf.org

Cartridge remediation! Here's a single on a DAT tape that was re-housed in a functional cartridge. It arrived looking suspiciously like a dog had chewed the tape, rendering the spring loaded slider inoperable. Had to break out the tiny tools!
PSA:: 90's media is degrading at lightning speed. The decks & tape formulas were mediocre at best. If you have audio on DAT, ADAT, or DTRS- get them digitized!!

#dattape #digitaltape #90saudio #audioarchiving #audiopreservation #archival #restoration

Last updated 2 years ago