Some folks don't realize how rapidly a thing called "sticky-shed syndrome" is making magnetic tapes sold by both 3M and Ampex between around 1978 and 2002 increasing unplayable. The binder made by Dow Corning for each tape company is deteriorating and causes the layers to separate into magnetic goo. We have techniques to "bake" these tapes and prepare them for a transfer or two, after which they descend into gooiness again. With each passing year it is harder to get good music transferred to wav files from these tapes. Here's a couple of examples of music (orange) coming loose and getting stuck to the mylar (black) of the layer below. We restored both of these tapes successfully.
Mixing has always been a passion for us, and without the multitrack files you can't, uh, mix. Nor can you sweeten the tracks by adding or replacing and by using the capabilities of today's DAWs to get better mixes than were possible the first time around.
Restoration and transfer of 2-inch tapes to wav files now costs around $200. Because we care so much about preserving the music as it was laid down in the studio, our regular price for this service has been just $75. But we recognize that many folks can't afford that. So, every year or so, we run a sale at a reduced price. This year it's $25 per reel. Not per song, per REEL.
The sale will close June 30 or when the backlog becomes unmanageable. If you look at our services page Services you'll see our regular price and our capabilities to do this well. We have transferred hundreds of tapes and so far we've been able to recover ever track. But it gets harder every year.
So, before your tapes become unsalvageable, complete the form above, send an email to [email protected] or call us at 423 888-8663 to discuss shipping and to get in the queue for this year's sale.