How to archive recordings — a quick guide to resources on this site

You’ve been asked to digitize recordings in your collection and don’t have any idea where to start. There are  several resources on this site which might be of use.  

What I use is shown on my facility page. That\’s one of the main reasons it is there. If I’m using it, it’s because I like it or it solves a problem for me. If I’m not using it, either I don’t have an opinion about it, won’t spring for it, or don’t like it.

It seems the good stand-alone CD recorders (like the Sony CDR-W33) are going out of production. Your best bet is to use a computer. Please consider a good USB/1394 audio interface and a good audio editing program.

Pro Tools is a good program, but I think Samplitude (which I use) offers more bang for the buck and is very, very clean sounding. Many musicians that I know use the Steinberg lineup of software. Adobe Audition (the former Cool Edit) is also widely used.

Browsing all the topics in this section, reviewing the Formats & Resources section, and looking at my facility page  should give you a good idea of where to start and why.

I’d be happy to answer any questions submitted via email. Some may be answered here, so please let me know if you wish to remain anonymous or quoted by name/email/website.