LP To CD Service Overview

What we can do with albums

Audiography is uniquely set up to preserve and protect all types of records - from shellac recordings to Bakelite, lacquer to vinyl, we know what we're doing and we do it perfectly, every time.

We can specifically recover and repair audio from

• 78 RPM discs (Bakelite, Shellac, Lacquer, and vinyl)
• 33 and 45 discs of all ages and types
• Singles, EPs, and plastic recordings (remember MAD magazine's giveaway recording in the 80's?)

What our services provide

We treat every single recording with the utmost care. From lint-free handling, to environmentally stable recording environment, we treat every recording like it was one of our own.

We can clean, protect, and preserve all types of recordings, using an archival-quality, approved wet cleaning solution that removes the dirt, mould, dust, and grease, and protects against oxidation, fungus, and mould growth in the future. But please note, we only clean the recordings that absolutely require it - if you have a clean recording, we won't need to touch it!

We make the highest-resolution archival-quality digital recording using state-of-the-art hardware and software, including any defects and problem areas. We always use the best quality stylus and tone-arm balance to ensure optimum reproduction.

The high-resolution (192kHz, 32-bit) master is the basis for all the restoration and repair work that follows. In most cases, we can near-perfectly repair skips and jumps, eliminate most or all background noise, and reduce or eliminate all the transients (clicks and pops), whether they're due to manufacturing imperfections or wear and tear.

Once we're happy with the quality of the recording, we apply the appropriate equalisation (RIAA, FFRR, NARTB, or whatever is appropriate for the recording). We can also skip this step if required, so you can later play the recording through your own HIFI equipment using your own preferred settings.

Finally, all the tracks are separated out (if appropriate), labeled, and the whole recording is downsampled to CD format (44.1kHz, 16-bit) or DVD-audio format (48, 96, or 192kHz, 24-bit). The track listing is prepared and the LP cover artwork is scanned and fitted to a CD jewelcase insert (we can also optionally provide full-size CD front/rear artwork).

Your recordings are returned to you in the best possible condition, every time. And properly stored, they will last almost indefinitely, while you are free to enjoy the best conceivable digital reproduction of your old recordings.

Anyone can copy an LP to a CD, right?

So why pay us to do what anyone else can do in their own lounge room?

The answer is in the details. Listen to one of our converted recordings, and compare that with the very best "free" editing or recording software on the Internet, and you'll instantly appreciate the difference!

Everyone can sing (theoretically), but you don't necessarily want to listen to some people singing! In the same vein, anyone can play a record and record it  to tape or to the computer, but you wouldn't want to necessarily listen to a recording made on less-than-perfectly set up recording equipment!

Plus, there's the added hassle of getting a truly good quality turntable, a great stylus, connecting it properly to the right kind of sound card, getting the grounding right, setting the recording levels correctly for every type of vinyl recording, applying the right kind of equalisation, noise reduction, transient removal, track separation, mastering and burning, getting a nice track listing, scanning and patching together the album cover, putting the right tracks in the right sequence... And we guarantee that with the very best of intentions, you won't get anywhere near the perfection that we pride ourselves on providing for every single recording we handle. It's not bragging, it's fact.

But I can buy a Record-To-CD player at K-Mart for $95!

Oh, don't get us started on the proliferation of "LP to CD" "copying machines" available for less than $200. In that case, you will most definitely get exactly what you pay for - a muddy, distorted, muffled, single-track CD that's about as pleasant as listening to your favourite album from three blocks away. These all-in-one players don't provide any level of quality in any aspect - they're mass-produced to the lowest possible price, and you're lucky if you can change the stylus, let alone adjust the recording levels!

Think about this - for the same cost as one of these plastic junkboxes, we'll provide you with at least three of your favourite albums in perfect condition, and with all the attention to detail that makes the recording unique to you.

What about 78s?

78 RPM recordings require very specialised equipment and expertise in order to properly recover and archive them.

We have, after much customer feedback, decided to provide the same level of sound recovery services for 78 RPM discs of any type - Bakelite, shellac, lacquer, gelatin (glass platter) and vinyl. Pricing for these recordings is different to pricing for other recordings due to the specialised setup, playing, and recording needs, but we're still providing the same excellent noise reduction, transient suppression, and specialised equalisation for all these recordings.

Damaged and 'Unplayable' recordings

We realise that not all records or tapes have survived in attics, basements, garages, storage boxes, or under the bed. Many recordings, unlike most of us, didn't survive the 60's and 70's too well. In most cases, this results in minor or intermediate surface damage (scratches, thumbprints, cigarette ash, and so on) - and we can easily clean and recover most such damage. We can easily repair and re-spool tapes that are broken; in nearly every case, without significant loss of audio data! So we are happy to handle most common problems. If we can't repair it, we'll let you know before we try and 'fix' it!

More serious damage, like broken or warped records, mould or viral-infected tapes, may require more stringent handling. We are able to look after and recover from such serious damage, but you need to be aware that unless it's a relatively small amount of damage, we may need to cover this specifically under our Specialised Services. A single track or side, or part of a tape spool, can be handled separately - this saves you time and money.

Please have a look at our Intensive Care page for more details on badly damaged recordings.

Rare or Precious recordings

Have you got a copy of the Beatles' White Album that's only been played once? Or an un-played copy of the Bay City Rollers?

Don't worry - we always take extreme care of your recordings, and never more so than for unique, rare, personal, or precious recordings.

We always take care to use properly aligned playback equipment, properly configured and maintained, and if you have a preference for (for example) a particular stylus, we can usually meet your needs. Particularly unusual or really weird needs can be met, but we may need to discuss using our more specialised services, especially with some styluses costing upwards of AUD$1400 or more each!

If you have a couple of copies of a single album, we'd be happy to record both and select the best quality tracks from each album to create the final CD. There is an additional fixed charge of $12.50 for this service, but that just covers our time and expertise.

More Information?

If you'd like more specific information on how we look after your recordings, what sort of equipment is used, please refer to our Services Overview page! And if you have any questions, please feel free to contact us using our contact form.

Send mail to Webmaster@audiography.com.au with questions or comments about this web site, or use our Contact form to report any issues.

Our street (postal) address is:

20 Churinga Avenue,

Mitcham.

Victoria.         3132

Phone Details:

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Last modified: 01-Nov-2008

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