Audio Tape Digitisation Workflow

3.9. Save the uncompressed, unmodified archival master


WHY:
It is generally accepted in audio archiving that data reduction (frequently mistakenly called data "compression") must not be used. If data reduction codecs based on perceptual coding (lossy codecs) are used, parts of the primary information are irretrievably lost and the further use of the audio file will be severely restricted. Furthermore, no processing or modifications (e.g. digital restoration and post-processing, like removal of clicks, etc.) should be made to the archival copy, but, if necessary, only to the user or access copies. There is no objection, however, to the use of lossless, fully reversible compression.

HOW:
Save the unmodified, digitally recorded audio signal as an uncompressed .wav (or broadcast wave) file.

SEE:
Mike Casey & Bruce Gordon: Sound Directions - Best Practices for Audio Preservation

IASA-TC04, pp. 6—8.

IASA TC-03 / The Safeguarding of Audio heritage: Ethics, Principles and Preservation Strategy


Wikipedia: Lossy data compression

E-MELD School of Best Practice: Archival Formats for Audio Digitization



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