Digitizations of audio tapes & reels, vinyl records, minidiscs

In this case, an attempt will be made to repair it if technically feasible. However, you should be aware that during the repair, a small section of the magnetic tape will need to be cut, resulting in the loss of the corresponding audio segment. The repair cost ranges from 5 to 8 Euros per cassette plus VAT, depending on the difficulty of the repair.

Certainly! We will schedule an appointment at our office, and together we will listen to a representative segment from each cassette so you can choose which ones you want to digitize. The charge is 30 Euros per hour of review if you do not wish to proceed with the digitization, while if you entrust us with part or all of your collection, the corresponding charge is 15 Euros per hour of review. For more information, please refer to our services price list

Audio files are delivered either on digital Audio CDs, so that they can be played on most CD players or computers, or on a USB stick or external hard drive. In case you don’t have a drive, Office Support can lend you, free of charge, an external hard drive for transferring the files to your computer, with the obligation to return it within ten days.

Audio tapes can be converted/digitized into different file formats, such as .wav, .mp3, or another format.

Advantages of .wav files:

• they contain uncompressed material in very good quality.
• they can easily be converted to .mp3 or other file formats.
• they can be played on most CD players, even on older technology devices.

Advantages of .mp3 files:

• they take up much less storage space on a computer.
• you can store your personal cassette collection on a few CDs to save space and make management easier.
• most mobile phones and portable audio playback devices support .mp3 files.

For 60-minute tapes, one audio CD is required, whereas tapes with longer durations require more CDs. If digital files are in .mp3 format, it is possible to include multiple tapes on a single CD. Indicatively, a typical 700MB CD can hold approximately ten hours of audio, equivalent to ten one-hour tapes.

For each cassette or vinyl, one digital file is created, while for each audio reel, up to 4 files are created, depending on the number of recordings/channels.

There is also the option of splitting tracks, where technically feasible. Additional charges apply for this service, depending on the number of different audio segments in each cassette/vinyl/reel.

Digitization creates added value as digital files:

Preserve unique moments in our lives. Through digitization, we create copies of physical files, preserving the precious information they contain, which is susceptible to degradation over time due to the sensitivity of magnetic tapes.

Are easy to playback, edit, and copy from a mobile phone, tablet, or computer.

Searching for them and archiving them is very easy.

The physical files remain intact as you have access to their digital counterparts. This way, the wear and tear of the “sensitive” source material is limited.

Provide us with free space and ease of transfer.

They make unique gifts! Think of the expression of your childhood friend, a relative or a colleague when you offer them a special audio recording made fifteen years ago. A special gift, at no significant cost.

We have the ability to transfer the magnetic tape to a new box/shell, in order to be able to play it. However, we need to inspect the cassette to inform you whether repair is possible and what the associated cost will be.

The cost of repair and replacement of the shell is 8 Euros per cassette plus VAT, in addition to the digitization cost.

Of course it is possible! First, we will digitize the entire content of the cassettes, and then from the digital files, we will select the parts you indicate, which will be recorded on the CD. It is important that you know, however, that Audio CDs have a limitation of 80 minutes per disc, while Data CDs have a limit of 700MB and Data DVDs have a limit of 4.7GB.

The quality of the digital file depends directly on the quality of the original. Consequently, if the initial recording is good, the quality of the digitized file will be very satisfactory. If, however, the file has a persistent, constant-frequency noise/hum, then it is possible to remove it through noise reduction processing. At Office Support, we use the appropriate equipment to get the best possible result.

The standard time for digitizing 2-3 sixty-minute cassettes is 3 business days from the receipt of the material. In cases where digitization needs to be done urgently, there is the option of express delivery, upon consultation.

The delivery time depends on the number, duration, and condition of the cassettes (cut or crinkled tape, broken shell, need for dust cleaning), as well as the availability at that particular moment. In the case of express delivery, the cost is increased by 30%.

Please note that Office Support operates from Monday until Friday, 10:00 – 18:00.