Step-by-step guide to digitizing reel-to-reel tapes at home. Equipment requirements, IASA standards, azimuth adjustment, and proper workflow.
- Home
- Resources & Articles
Resources & Articles
Polartape is built on deep audio-technical expertise. We believe in openness and shared industry development. That's why we share some of the tools and knowledge we use in our own archival work with professionals and enthusiasts alike.
Articles
View all →Articles about reel-to-reel tape and cassette digitization.
Step-by-step guide to digitizing cassette tapes at home. Equipment requirements, IASA standards, azimuth adjustment, and proper workflow.
The history and technology of compact cassettes. From magnetic tape invention to Philips, cassette types, track layouts, and noise reduction.
Tools
Magnetic Tape EQ Calculator
IEC 60094-1 compliant tool
Calculate correction values between different equalization standards (IEC, NAB, AES) and tape speeds. The tool enables device calibration for different standard equalizations. Data can be used for digital equalization conversion.
- • Cross-calibration: Convert values between standards (e.g., IEC1 ↔ NAB)
- • Speed conversions: Calibrate 15 ips playback using a 7.5 ips test tape
- • Precision: Mathematical modeling based on time constants