Audio Reel to Digital
Send your audio reels to Heirloom before aging magnetic tape deteriorates. We convert your recordings into high-quality MP3 files you can easily stream and share. Pay only after we receive and inspect your reels.
What types of audio reel tapes does Heirloom digitize?
Heirloom digitizes all sizes of open-reel audio tape, including home recordings, interviews, music, and archival reels. Each reel is inspected and played back using the correct equipment for safe, accurate capture.
How are audio reels priced for digitization?
Audio reels are priced based on the diameter of the reel: 3", 5", 7", and oversize. You don’t need to measure—Heirloom identifies reel size during inspection and applies the correct pricing.
How are tracks handled when a reel has multiple recordings?
Each track on each reel is delivered as its own separate MP3 digital audio file. This makes recordings easy to listen to, organize, and share without mixing or merging content.
What digital format will my audio reels be delivered in?
Digitized audio is delivered as MP3 files at 128 kbps, a widely supported format that balances sound quality with easy playback and sharing across modern devices.
Does Heirloom remove background noise from audio reels?
Heirloom does its best to reduce obvious background noise during capture while preserving the original character of the recording. Our priority is a high-quality 1-to-1 digital capture—leaving room for optional noise reduction or enhancement later based on personal preference.
Why is it important to digitize audio reels before they shed?
Magnetic audio tape naturally degrades and can begin to shed or flake, permanently damaging recordings. Creating a clean digital capture early is critical, because once shedding progresses, recovery becomes far more difficult or impossible.
How are my digitized audio reel files delivered?
Your digitized audio files are delivered digitally to your secure Heirloom cloud vault, where they can be streamed or downloaded anytime. Original reels are carefully returned after processing.
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
We send a crush-proof box with prepaid shipping so you can fill it up and drop it off.
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Use Your Own Box
Fill your own sturdy box, attach the label you print, and drop it off... as soon as today!
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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.







