Old 1/4" tape To WAV or MP3

[JonV8V]

I've just been given an old 1/4" tape reel which has a conversation between my aunt and I from when I was about 3 years old. I've seen places converting cine films but not tapes. Any suggestions?

[JulianHJ]

Look up local recording studios - hopefully they'll have the kit.

[NiceCupOfTea]

ebay for a cheap to reel to reel? Then sell it back on. Love the clunks of a nice reel to reel!

[otherman]

I ran a service for many years doing vinyl and cassettes to cd/mp3, and occasionally I got asked for reel to reel. Technically its straighforward, but finding someone with the right reel to reel player still working will be the problem. There were a few different formats. Maybe these people can help.

[JonV8V]

Thanks, I'll give them a call. i think the recording studios might have 4 track stuff if they still have anything and I imagine this isn't but also worth a thought.

[clived]

JonV8V said:

Thanks, I'll give them a call. i think the recording studios might have 4 track stuff if they still have anything and I imagine this isn't but also worth a thought.

Most studios would have had stereo 2 track 1/4" and most domestic machines were stereo 4 track (two tracks in each direction, so you could flip the tape over.

Studio machines would also be 7 1/2 and 15 ips. Domestic machines were mostly 3 3/4 and 7 1/2 so depending on how yours is recorded if your local studio still has a R2R in the corner, don't assume all will be well.

[LordLoveLength]

clived said:

Studio machines would also be 7 1/2 and 15 ips. Domestic machines were mostly 3 3/4 and 7 1/2 so depending on how yours is recorded if your local studio still has a R2R in the corner, don't assume all will be well.

Through the wonders of modern technology it is possible (and common) to play in to a computer at 15 ips and equalise / slow down in the software domain.
Don't worry too much about finding the correct speed!

[JonV8V]

Yes if I can get it at any speed I can manipulate the speed so that's not a worry. I may have an option as a friend on here didn't realise I had the need and he knows an retired old school sound engineer who has a room of kit.

It's one of those situations where I'd almost prefer not to try than to send the tape away and somebody butchers it and loses it forever.

[Monty Python]

This any use:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Cassette-reel-to-reel-ta...

[JonV8V]

Monty Python said:

This any use:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Cassette-reel-to-reel-ta...

Could well be thx. It looks like a nice drive out there too!