Our Expertise

Preserving a sound recording involves far more than simply digitising it. It requires an understanding of the original carrier, its condition, the circumstances in which it was recorded and the technical parameters needed to reproduce it under the best possible conditions.
 

The United Music Foundation brings together several decades of experience in the preservation, restoration and enhancement of recorded sound, along with specialised equipment capable of handling a wide range of analogue and digital formats.

 

PRESERVATION AND RESTORATION OF RECORDING MEDIA

Before playback, each carrier is carefully examined to assess its condition and identify any deterioration. In some cases, attempting playback without prior treatment could cause further damage or even render the carrier permanently unplayable

Depending on its condition, the carrier may require specific treatment before it can be played safely and under the best possible conditions. This may include::

 

  • examination and assessment of the carrier;
  • specialised cleaning;
  • treatment of certain forms of magnetic tape deterioration;
  • remedial work or repair prior to playback.

The objective is to recover the recorded content while minimising any further stress or damage to the original carrier.


CURRENTLY SUPPORTED FORMATS




  • 1/4" Tapes: Mono, Stereo, Stereo 0,75 and 4 tracks stereo
    Standards: CCIR, NAB, AES and Nagramaster
    Speeds: 3 3/4", 7,5, 15 and 30 ips.
  • 1/2" Tapes: Stereo, 3, 4 and 8 tracks
    Standards: CCIR, NAB and AES
    Speeds: 7,5, 15 and 30 ips.
  • 1" Tapes: 4 and 8 tracks
    Standards: CCIR, NAB and AES
    Speeds: 7,5, 15 and 30 ips.
  • 2" Tapes: 16 and 24 tracks
    Standards: CCIR, NAB and AES
    Speeds: 7,5, 15 and 30 ips.
  • Audio Cassettes
    Speeds: 1 7/8 and 15/16 ips.
  • DAT Tapes:
    Frequencies: 32, 44.1 and 48kHz
    Resolution: 16bits
  • ADAT Tapes
  • DTRS Tapes

 

    Preservation of a master tape
    Tape cleaning process
    on special equipment
    Heat treatment of magnetic tapes
    affected by the "Sticky Shed Syndrome"
    Cedar Cambridge system

    AUDIO RESTORATION

     

    We have access to a wide range of audio restoration tools, including the prestigious Cedar Cambridge system, of which we are currently the sole holders in Switzerland.

     

    This system offeres unparalleled performance for:

     

    • Reducing broadband noise;
    • Eliminating clicks and crackle;
    • Attenuating or eliminating distortion;
    • Correcting audio phase;
    • Restoring the stereo image;
    • Correcting speed variations;
    • Equalizing the sound spectrum.

    Each treatment is carried out with the utmost respect for the original works, ensuring a faithful preservation of their artistic and historical integrity.

     

      PREPARATION OF RECORDED WORKS

      to be made available to the public
       

      To share these recordings with future generations, we are committed to enriching them through meticulous research. This includes gathering narratives, interviews, photographs, and other essential historical documents that bring depth and context to each recording.

      We make every effort to gather comprehensive credits, including artist and songwriter credits, and, whenever possible, participating musicians, as well as recording dates and locations.


      In the event of a discographic publication, we assist you with all necessary procedures to ensure the legal and ethical release of each work.

       

        Information on the box
        of a master tape from 1955