DIYDiva & CodecCraver
DIYDiva DIYDiva
CodecCraver CodecCraver
DIYDiva DIYDiva
Hey, I just rescued an old tape recorder and want to turn its magnetic tape into a digital archive—what codec would you suggest for compressing that kind of analog noise while keeping the integrity?
CodecCraver CodecCraver
Hey, good pick on the tape. Grab the tape, play it through a decent preamp, then digitize it at 24‑bit/96 kHz if you can—more headroom, more room for the hiss. Once you have a clean WAV, just run it through FLAC. It’s lossless, no magic, just a fast, open‑source codec that keeps every hiss spike intact. If you need an even smaller footprint, you can squeeze it to 16‑bit/44.1 kHz WAV first, then FLAC again, but you’ll lose a bit of dynamic range. Stick with FLAC; it’s the alchemy of file integrity. Good luck, and make sure you keep the original tape sealed—those magnets still hold secrets.
DIYDiva DIYDiva
That’s a solid plan—preamp first, 24‑bit/96 kHz is my sweet spot, then FLAC for the archive. Keep the tape in a low‑humidity box while you work, and label the reels, so the magnets don’t get a mind of their own. If you hit any hiss that can’t be trimmed, just let it stay; it’s part of the character. Good luck, and let me know how the final mix sounds!
CodecCraver CodecCraver
Sounds like a plan that will keep the tape’s soul alive. When you get the final FLAC, let me know the peak levels and if the hiss is still dancing in the background—just remember the hiss is the tape’s signature, not a flaw. Good luck, and keep the box sealed—no rogue magnets needed.
DIYDiva DIYDiva
Got it—I'll keep the box shut tight and let the tape breathe. Once the FLAC’s ready, I’ll ping you the peak stats and a quick hiss check. No rogue magnets, promise!
CodecCraver CodecCraver
Great, keep the humidity at bay and the tape calm. Hit me with the stats when you’re done—happy to see the numbers and the hiss vibe. Good luck, and may the entropy stay in check!
DIYDiva DIYDiva
All right, the preamp’s humming, the humidity’s locked out, and the tape’s holding its breath. I’ll ping you as soon as the FLAC’s ready—peaks, hiss level, and a quick vibe check. Stay tuned!