United Recording of Hollywood, California has launched its new archiving division, it was announced by studio manager Robin Goodchild. 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.
“United has a 60 year history of uncompromised audio excellence and innovation,” commented Goodchild. “We have assembled a vintage treasure trove of virtually all modern recording machine formats and the ancillary equipment crucial to accurate archiving to insure the new masters will be preserved for the ages.”
United’s new suite is 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’s new head of archiving, Dan Johnson, spent the past five years as a dedicated audio preservation engineer working with priceless masters by such 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,” commented Johnson. “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.”
Archiving masters lowers 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.
The archiving process involves tape condition being 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. Multi-track tapes are transferred in real time and synchronized to Pro Tools. Final assembly of recorded assets are transferred to archival DVD or Blu-Ray discs and .wav files.
