DAT Tape Transfer Service - Digital Audio Conversion

Base Pricing*

We charge by program time or byte count:

  • DAT audio tape 34 minute $28
  • DAT audio tape 65 minute $35
  • DAT audio tape 72 minute $42
  • DAT audio tape 90 minute $58
  • CD audio extraction $15 (up to 670MB)
  • Audio from video or audio from device 
    (Request quote)

Before quantity discount. Flash drive additional (or provide your own). Shipping not included. Minimum order $85.

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Digital Audio Conversions

If you already have digital audio, why would you need us? Simple, because it may be in a format you can't play! 

  • DAT - Digital Audio Tape - became the de facto standard for serious recordists, used in studios and garage bands until DAW (digital audio workstations) became a reality. We maintain a DAT machine just for those who have masters in that format that they would like to hear again.
  • CD Extraction - Many computers these days do not have CD drives, and even if yours does, it's difficult to play the content on a media player device without going through an extraction process. If you have CDs and would like them as regular audio files, we can help.
  • Audio from Video - Occasionally people have been know to use video recorders to capture audio content. We can capture the audio from a video tape or digital recording and provide it for you.
  • Audio from Device - Includes smartphones, voicemail, PDAs, memory cards or hard drives (PATA or SATA), floppy drives, Zip or Jaz drives

Options
(Extra cost)

Enhancements:

  • Format conversions
  • Noise reduction
  • Track splitting

Deliverables:

  • Flash Drive (standard)
  • CD/DVD ROM
    (for computer)
  • Audio CD
    (for CD players)

The Digital Audio Process

DAT tape audio is digitally transferred through the S/PDIF protocol, so it is a purely digital transfer.  We transfer at the sample rate of the source tape (44.1KHz or 48KHz), and save it to uncompressed WAV format as a source file. We can then convert it to any compressed format you prefer for a release file.

CD extraction (commonly called RIP, for Raster Image Process), produces an uncompressed WAV file at 44.1KHz, 16 bit. We save that file as your source, and then convert it to any compressed format you prefer. 

Audio from Video: We can extract audio from any of the video formsts we support, including digital DV, DVCAM, HDV, Digital-8 or analog VHS/SVHS HiFi, Betamax HiFi, Betacam SP, 8mm/Hi-8mm, and even movie film with sound.

Digital audio on devices (phones, chips, hard drives) takes many forms. We'll extract the audio, convert it to standard contemporary formats, and place it on a flash drive.

If the digital content extracts as a single file and it has songs or segments, we can split the tracks into discreet files for ease of distribution.

What You Get

You'll get a flash drive with your digital files. The file types will vary depending on what we do.  Normally, you'll get the original source files that we pull from the media, and then if needed we'll render those to compressed MP3 or any other format you wish. 

You may also choose to receive output on optical media, either as a computer-readable ROM disc, or a set-top player compatible CD (audio only), Authoring fees apply, and discs have capacity limits.

How it works.

2. Drop Off
3. Pick Up

Turnaround Time:1

Typically within 1-2 weeks. Larger orders may take longer. Rush service available (extra cost).

We're located in NW Columbus, Ohio, very near the OSU airport.
(We accept major carrier shipments if you're not in the Columbus area. You provide the box!)

$85 minimum per order.*

Digital Audio Q&A

  • What do I need to provide for an accurate quote?

    You can combine media types with any order and get extra quantity discounts. In the contact form, please specify:

    • The TYPE of materials you want to transfer (Video, movie, stills, etc.) Combination orders are welcome and qualify for greater discounts
    • If a tape, the LENGTH of program on the tape. If you don't know how full the tape is, just report the number on the case, e.g. T120.
    • If a tape, the SPEED at which it was recorded, if you know. 
    • And the QUANTITY of each type of material
    • If items are damaged, describe the problem
    • Whether you want your files on a flash drive or optical drive (DVD/CD)
  • Can you transfer commercial recordings by popular artists?

    As we understand the Fair Use provisions of copyright law, you may copy purchased recordings for personal use, but the output may not be shared or distributed publicly or privately. You bear full responsibility for any copyright infringement claims. It is advisable to purchase your albums as a digital download from authorized sources. 

  • What are my deliverable options?

    USB Flash Drive:
    Most of our customers choose delivery on a USB flash drive or portable hard drive. With so many sizes available, we can usually fit all your content on one USB drive. Most modern TV sets and all computers (Mac/PC) will play content from a flash drive. We include instructions on how to backup and safeguard your investment

    CD
    Some customers prefer delivery on CD. While we can put data on a CD-ROM disc, playable on a computer, we must "author" a CD to be playable on a common CD player.  CD has the following disadvantages:

    • Cannot reorder or rename files
    • Difficult to back up
    • Players are becoming rare

    If you order delivery on CD you will also get a flash drive with source files.

  • Can I provide my own disk for output?

    Yes, we support BYOD (bring your own disk). While we normally provide output on our media (cost varies with drive size), you can instead provide a new-in-box (sealed) flash drive or portable hard disk/SSD at no extra charge. We can estimate drive size needed with your estimate, and confirm it when transfers are complete.

  • Can I make my own copies?

    Absolutely! We make no copyright claim on your content, so you are free to make copies (provided, of course, the material is not copyrighted by a 3rd party.) If you prefer for us to make your copies, they're available for only the cost of the media.

    Additional copies may be ordered from our master files with or without the source files for up to 3 months following delivery. Our masters are scheduled for deletion after 3 months unless you choose the archive option.

Take the next step.
Let us know what legacy materials you have to see how we can help.
Get a quote