US recording specialist United Recording has established an archiving division based around what is currently perhaps the most complete, purpose-built archiving suite operating – a secure, climate-controlled suite that features such attention to detail as a specially built anti-static floor to prevent any electrical mishaps.
A full-time dedicated maintenance staff means the gear is well cared for and running correctly at all times.
United was founded in 1957 by recording engineer, Studio Designer and Electronics Inventor Bill Putnam and expert archiving is a key element of the studio’s heritage.
The archiving initiative was announced by Studio Manager Robin Goodchild: ‘United has a 60-year history of uncompromised audio excellence and innovation,’ he explains. ‘We have assembled a vintage treasure trove of virtually all modern recording machine formats and the ancilliary equipment that is crucial to accurate archiving to ensure that the new masters will be preserved for the ages.’
United’s new Head of Archiving is Dan Johnson, who has spent the past five years as a dedicated audio preservation engineer working with priceless masters by such high-profile legacy artists as Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, The Doors, Eagles, Prince, Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Ramones, Van Halen, Rod Stewart and Otis Redding. Prior to that, Johnson was a recording engineer at Capitol Studios and Ocean Way (now United).
‘I started my engineering career at United almost 20 years ago, and opening an audio archiving facility here is a timely decision,’ he says. ‘The studio’s high standard of quality and excellence, as well as the commitment to an unparalleled legacy provided me with the foundation that I have built my career on. It’s good to be home.’
Among the benefits of archiving masters are lower insurance/storage costs by having digital back-ups. Rescues audio from deteriorating tapes, and keeps assets viable after the tape becomes unplayable. Sending digital copies for mastering/mixing means no damage/mishaps to fragile tapes. Digital files can be electronically delivered, which saves on shipping and packing costs. Assets are always safe and available.
For the archiving process, tape condition is checked precisely and processed accordingly. Formats are correctly determined and documentation checked regarding speed, noise reduction etc. All tape boxes, notes, and track sheets scanned at 300dpi. Tape preparation includes baking when necessary, as well as replacing damaged splices and bad leader tape. Multitrack tapes are transferred in real time and synchronised to Pro Tools. Final assembly of recorded assets are transferred to archival DVD or Blu-Ray discs and .wav files.
Fast-and-Wide enquired about storage of archives – something that the new facility has to offer? ‘That’s a great question!’ replied Rob Goodchild. ‘It’s not a service we currently provide but maybe it’s one we should offer in the future. If it’s a service that clients feel they need we will certainly look into it.’
‘We do not handle the indefinite storage,’ Dan Johnson confirms. ‘The assets are handed to the client in a digitised form and from there, permanent storage and continued digital migration is up to the client.’
