Audio Reel to Digital
Heirloom's audio reel to digital service makes it easy to preserve priceless reel-to-reel audio recordings before they deteriorate. We professionally digitize open reel audio tapes of all common sizes into 128 kbps MP3 digital audio files, making them easy to listen to, download, organize, and share.
We digitize 3-inch, 5-inch, 7-inch, and oversize audio reels, with oversize including any reel larger than 7 inches in diameter.
Whether you're sending audio reels, cassette tapes, records, photographs, slides, negatives, videotapes, or other media, simply send everything together. Heirloom specialists carefully inspect every item, identify exactly what you've sent, verify it can be digitized, and prepare a detailed, itemized quote.
There is no counting, measuring, or guesswork—and no obligation. During our free inspection, Heirloom specialists identify the size and condition of every reel before emailing you a detailed, no-obligation quote. We begin digitizing only after you've approved the quote and submitted payment.
Why Use an Audio Reel to Digital Service?
Reel-to-reel tapes often contain irreplaceable family recordings, interviews, music, sermons, oral histories, and business recordings. Over time, magnetic tape deteriorates, playback machines become increasingly difficult to find, and every playback increases the risk of damage. Professional digitization preserves these recordings before they're permanently lost.
Why Choose Heirloom?
Most audio digitization companies expect you to identify your tape format and estimate reel sizes before placing an order.
Heirloom doesn't.
Simply send your recordings, and Heirloom specialists will:
- Identify every type of media you send
- Classify every reel size
- Inspect every reel for damage
- Verify every tape can be digitized
- Prepare a detailed, itemized quote
- Answer any questions before work begins
Only after you've reviewed and approved your quote do we begin digitizing your recordings.
Which Audio Reel to Digital service should I order?
You don't have to choose. Simply send your reel-to-reel tapes, and Heirloom specialists will inspect every reel during your free inspection, identify whether it's a 3-inch, 5-inch, 7-inch, or Oversize reel, verify it can be digitized, and email you a detailed, no-obligation quote before any work begins.
Can you recover damaged reel-to-reel tapes?
Often, yes. Heirloom specialists inspect every audio reel for damage before digitization. If a tape can be safely recovered, we'll include the appropriate recovery service in your no-obligation quote. If a tape is too fragile to safely attempt recovery, there is no charge for that reel.
How will I receive my digitized audio reels?
Heirloom assigns every audio reel a unique tracking number before digitizing it. Each audio track is delivered as its own 128 kbps MP3 file in your private Heirloom cloud, with the file names corresponding to the tracking number on the original reel. You can immediately stream, download, organize, and share your recordings, add an optional Heirloom Flash Drive to your order, and your original reels are safely returned.
Will my reel-to-reel tapes stay organized?
Yes. Heirloom assigns every reel a unique tracking number before digitization. Your MP3 files are delivered in correspondingly labeled digital folders, making it easy to match every recording to its original reel.
Will my reel-to-reel recordings be AI enhanced?
No. Heirloom's audio reel to digital service is focused on creating the highest-quality digital capture of your original recordings before they deteriorate further. When appropriate, Heirloom may reduce background noise and increase the volume of faint recordings to improve listenability. However, we do not use AI to recreate voices, music, or sounds that have been lost as the tape has aged. AI restoration and advanced audio editing are best performed later by the content owner, allowing you to preserve an original digital master while creating enhanced copies that match your own preferences.
How It Works
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Send Your Media
Most customers simply drop off their old media at any UPS Store using a prepaid Heirloom label.
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Approve the Quote
We inspect your media and deliver a clear, no-obligation quote. No counting or guesswork before you pay.
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Laugh, Cry, and Share
Stream memories from your digital vault. Download anytime. USB backup drives also available.
Choose How to Send
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Buy a Labeled Box
Get the right size box sent to your home. Each includes a prepaid label. Starts at only $20!
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Use Your Own Box
Fill your own box, attach this label, and drop it off as soon as today! Only $14.99 for any size!
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Ship It Your Way
Use your preferred carrier for a low-cost option when digital delivery is all you need.
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Deliver In Person
Meet our experts and get an immediate quote when you drop off your media.
