Subject:Old Reel to Reel Tapes

Posted by: drmikemc

Date:10/14/2009 11:18:14 AM

I'm new to this. I searched for something and couldn't find what I needed. Sorry if there is a previous post. I have some old voice tapes that were recorded at 1 and 7/8. I have a Reel to Reel recorder but it only has 3.? and 7.? speeds. Is there a way to digitize them at the faster speed and then slow it down in SoundForge? Any help would be greatly appreciated

Subject:RE: Old Reel to Reel Tapes

Reply by: Chienworks

Date:10/14/2009 11:33:09 AM

Sure. Play at the slower 3.75ips speed and record at whatever sampling rate your sound card supports, the higher the better, perhaps 48KHz. After recording look for the "48000" displayed at the bottom of the Sound Forge display, right underneath the waveform area. Double-click this and type in "24000" (or half of whatever the original sample rate was). All done, save the file.

Subject:RE: Old Reel to Reel Tapes

Reply by: rraud

Date:10/14/2009 11:45:01 AM

Yes, but not with Dolby or DBX noise reduction encoded tapes.

Double tape speed, and recording sample rate. Then half sample-rate. (NOT re-sample)

Example: 3-3/4ips normal speed tapes. Playback at 7-1/2ips, record to SF at a sample rate of 88.2kHz., change sample rate via the "Properties" menu to 44.1kHz.

Not recommended for important music.

Subject:RE: Old Reel to Reel Tapes

Reply by: drmikemc

Date:10/14/2009 12:20:41 PM

Thank you so much for the replies. No music involved in the tapes. Just voice recordings that have some sentimental value. I will get started tonight!