Polkasound Productions - Digital Audio Restoration

DIGITAL AUDIO RESTORATION:

Many of the software tools we have are specifically designed for improving and restoring audio quality. Four of the key software tools we use for audio restoration are:

Noise Reduction: Using our powerful software, a portion of the unwanted background noise (i.e. tape hiss) is digitally sampled. The software then "listens" to the music while we control how much of the sampled noise to remove.
Snap! Crackle! Pop! 78, 45, and 33RPM records are notorious for their noise, so it's no surprise that software programs were created just for the detection and removal of it. We have some of the best software available. Where more thorough noise removal is required, we can also reduce or remove most noises manually.
Bass and Treble Enhancement: Normal equalization simply amplifies or attenuates selected frequencies. But, if certain frequencies are hardly there to begin with, you're only going to amplify noise. Our software allows us to enhance the high and low end of recordings by adding pleasing harmonics that "feed" off of existing frequencies, no matter how faint.
Multi-Band Digital Compression/Limiting: In short, we can smooth out audio levels not just globally, but in selected frequencies and bandwidths. Our software allows us to narrow down problem frequencies with incredible precision.

AUDIO RESTORATION SAMPLE:
45-RPM record - untreated | 45-RPM record - restored

We want to emphasize that music can only be restored or improved to a point. The best analogy is mixing paint. Once you mix several colors of paint together, you can't un-mix them. The same is true for audio. Once you mix accordion, bass, drums, sax, and even noise together, you can't un-mix them. Restoration software works to isolate and control the frequencies needed to improve the quality of the audio. It is a tool--not a magic wand. When combined with our mastering software and engineering skills, significant improvements to a recording may be possible.

FAQ: What would you charge to transfer a record or cassette tape onto a CD for me?
This is the most common question we are asked, because a lot of people have polka recordings on cassettes, 8-track tapes, 45s, and 78s. Our transfer process is the same as our professional, computer-based mastering process, so we charge the same as our flat-rate mastering service. This is no doubt much more than what you were expecting to pay, so we recommend finding an acquaintance with stand-alone CD recorder who may offer to transfer your recording to CD for a six-pack of Miller Lite. If you have several recordings to transfer, it would be in your best interest to buy a stand-alone CD recorder (or learn how to record onto your home computer) and transfer the recordings to CD yourself.

		DIGITAL AUDIO RESTORATION: Many of the software tools we have are specifically designed for improving and restoring audio quality. Four of the key software tools we use for audio restoration are: Noise Reduction: Using our powerful software, a portion of the unwanted background noise (i.e. tape hiss) is digitally sampled. The software then "listens" to the music while we control how much of the sampled noise to remove. Snap! Crackle! Pop! 78, 45, and 33RPM records are notorious for their noise, so it's no surprise that software programs were created just for the detection and removal of it. We have some of the best software available. Where more thorough noise removal is required, we can also reduce or remove most noises manually. Bass and Treble Enhancement: Normal equalization simply amplifies or attenuates selected frequencies. But, if certain frequencies are hardly there to begin with, you're only going to amplify noise. Our software allows us to enhance the high and low end of recordings by adding pleasing harmonics that "feed" off of existing frequencies, no matter how faint. Multi-Band Digital Compression/Limiting: In short, we can smooth out audio levels not just globally, but in selected frequencies and bandwidths. Our software allows us to narrow down problem frequencies with incredible precision. AUDIO RESTORATION SAMPLE: 45-RPM record - untreated \| 45-RPM record - restored We want to emphasize that music can only be restored or improved to a point. The best analogy is mixing paint. Once you mix several colors of paint together, you can't un-mix them. The same is true for audio. Once you mix accordion, bass, drums, sax, and even noise together, you can't un-mix them. Restoration software works to isolate and control the frequencies needed to improve the quality of the audio. It is a tool--not a magic wand. When combined with our mastering software and engineering skills, significant improvements to a recording may be possible. FAQ: What would you charge to transfer a record or cassette tape onto a CD for me? This is the most common question we are asked, because a lot of people have polka recordings on cassettes, 8-track tapes, 45s, and 78s. Our transfer process is the same as our professional, computer-based mastering process, so we charge the same as our flat-rate mastering service. This is no doubt much more than what you were expecting to pay, so we recommend finding an acquaintance with stand-alone CD recorder who may offer to transfer your recording to CD for a six-pack of Miller Lite. If you have several recordings to transfer, it would be in your best interest to buy a stand-alone CD recorder (or learn how to record onto your home computer) and transfer the recordings to CD yourself.
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