Restoration
To restore means to make like it was before or in some cases to make like new. In audio restoration an attempt is made to take an audio source such as audiotape, vinyl disk, digital compact disk or cassette and process the material electronically so it sounds as if it was being played for the first time. A copy of this work is then produced on contemporary media for the client's use. Most work in restoration is done on older recordings from audiotape, vinyl, shellac, or acetate phono disk(s). The restoration we can currently do eliminates most physical or electronic noises and, to some degree, distortion. Sometimes the restoration consists of taking a recording that was done fairly recently and remastering it to enhance the recording or correct mistakes in frequency balance, phase coherency or levels. Restoration is not a miracle cure for all the ills that can befall a priceless recording due to environmental or mechanical problems but it can do amazing things with almost any renovation project that is undertaken.
Please note that it is impossible, at the present time, to take a tape or disk that is missing sections or is physically damaged and have it play back without problems. It is also impossible to take a disk that was recorded in mono on a 78 rpm record and make it sound like a CD that was recorded recently. Restoration can do amazing things but it cannot change the laws of physics or acoustics. We will work closely with you on any restoration project and ask that you understand that no two projects are the same and restoration can be costly in terms of time and money spent. Only you will know how much restoration will have to be done for your intended use.
