The purpose of sound restoration process is quite obvious. The real question is: to what extent can this process restore the freshness of a song? Are there any other advantages to this? There is no short answer. First of all, let's consider the example of an old tape: it's only going to get worse in time, and it's exhibiting a lot of noise and lack of details. Or take an old LP, a lot of cracks and noise. Having them restored and burnt on a CD is definitely an advantage; the CD won't degrade in time like an analog tape.

Basically the sound restoration process deals with noise, crackles, hiss, hum and clicks removal and brings back some of the shine of the recording. The project is loaded in the workstation through high quality A/D converters. If needed, tube pre-amps will be used for some harmonic enhancement. The removal of the unwanted problems is done using high-end programs based on advanced algorithms; they are made to preserve the original sound in the best possible way.

Listen to hear the difference of this 1973 8 track before and after restoration.
BEFORE

AFTER
Prices for Tape and Record restoration $50.00ea
Price includes the following:

• Noise, Crackle, Hum and Click removal
• Mastering and Re-mastering (EQ, Compression and Gate)
• Burning to CD
• Printing
• Shrink wrap

The next step is the harmonic enhancement of the material, so it helps the ear to get the perception of the original sound. This is done through sophisticated programs, and the result is quite spectacular. The last step before mastering is fine EQ to get a sound and frequency balance. 

Once the project is cleaned, it's going to be prepared like a mix down for burning on CD; in plain English, it will be re-mastered through the steps outlined on Mastering page. There are a couple of studios in Hamilton who are doing sound restoration; the most important thing to consider when choosing the place is the experience of the engineer and the extent to which he was exposed to different styles of music, so he can re-master and help recreate the right musical atmosphere.

Questions, info, contact:  peterkramer@mountaincable.net or call 905-312-0234.