Some frequently asked questions on the FX Copyroom

Do you just handle music tapes?
No, we process any type of audio tape, including speeches, conference recordings, security tapes as well as specialist archive recordings.

My tapes were recorded on an old machine, can you help?
We keep a large inventory of tape machines from the past, it is likely that we have a machine that will play your tape. Have a look in our list of tape formats.

My tapes will no longer play properly, can you help?
Tapes degrade over time. We can restore tapes through various processes including tape baking. This will allow your tape to be replayed and converted to a different format.

What is Tape Baking?
Older tapes suffer from “sticky tape syndrome” where the tape backing formulation begins to break down and the oxide “sheds” on to the tape machine replay heads. Tape baking uses specialist “ovens” to re-adhere the oxide to the tape. Read more…

What formats can you transfer my audio to?
It is common for us to transfer audio to a digital format (e.g. Protools, wav files) and then supply you with the new files on your preferred media (e.g. DVD, Firewire drive). Have a look in our list of tape formats for options.

Can I send files electronically?
We offer a low cost FTP service which allows you to log in to our secure Copyroom FTP server and download your completed files.

How do you charge?
We charge an hourly rate which depends on the complexity of the job. Since all jobs are different we tend to work on a quote basis.

How can I get a quote?
Please email us with the details of the work. Please try and give us as much information as possible about your tapes, the work required, and the format you require. Click here to see our Help Sheet

Can I listen to my tapes during transfer?
You are welcome to attend our Copyrooms. Please call us to make an appointment – 020 8746 2121

Can you provide a mix/compilation/editing service?
We often provide services additional to a transfer. For example we can de-noise/de-hiss older analogue tapes, we can provide a mix of multi-track tapes, we can stream off parts and further process the audio to your requirements.

How long will my job take?
We are a 24 hour company. We aim to supply a quick service. Depending on complexity we can often complete you job in a few days. (Remember that the tape baking process takes a minimum of 2 days)

Are my tapes insured?
We are unable to insure your tapes. Your tapes/audio media are kept in secure storage and our premises are manned 24 hours a day.

Who uses your Copyroom services?
Everyone. We work with record companies, artists, management companies, individuals, libraries and public and private sector industries.

FX Copyroom Quotation
Help Sheet

To help provide you with an accurate quote for your work, we have prepared a few relevant questions.

Question: What’s the content of your recording?
Example Answer: Music, speech…

Q: What machine was used for the recording?
A: Revox B77, Fostex R8, Alesis ADAT…

Q: What type of media was used for the recording?
A: Analague reel, digital cassette…

Q: How many recording tracks are there?
A: 2, 4, 8, 16, 24…

Q: If analogue reel, what width is the tape?
A: ¹/4”, ¹/2”, 1”, 2”…

Q: What size are the spools?
A: 5”, 7”, 10”…

Q: What tape speed was used?
A: 3³/4ips, 7¹/2ips, 15ips, 30ips…

Q: Was noise reduction used? If so, what?
A: Dolby A, B, C, dbx Type 1…

And remember that digital formats also have a number of transfer options

Q: What digital convertors were used?
A: Prism, Apogee…

Q: What sample and bit rates were used?
A: 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 192kHz… 16bit, 24bit…

Q: What final media do you wish to transfer to?
A: DVDR, FTP files, cd…

As the FX Copyroom can offer huge range of services, it’s extremely handy for us to know the final purpose of your transfer.

For example:
If you need a multi-track transfer from old analogue tape to new digital media, we could supply a rough stereo mix.

If you want to transfer old analogue recordings, we could clean up the audio, remove background hiss and transfer to wav files and deliver on a firewire drive.

If you need duplication of wedding speeches, we can transfer the best man’s speech onto one cd and the groom’s to another.

Supplying all these answers when asking for a quote will speed up the process.

Please email us here for a quote or call us on 020 8746 2121 and ask for The Copyroom