Therefore the restoration process is divided into two different sectors: Standard and Advanced. These options are also available in the further services we offer such as graphical layout.

First of all an overview of our various services:

1. Restoration Process

2. CD Production

3. Graphics (CD Covers/Labels)

4. Additional Services

1. Restoration Process

Before looking at the restoration process, it should be said that this is only one of many options at Carat 24. For instance, if you would simply like a 1:1 copy of your record without any further work, then no problem!

But first of all a look at what the Standard Restoration process involves:

Audio data is transfered to the highest standard from analog to digital. This is especially important as the end result can only be as good as the material available for processing.

Following the digitalization of your record or other sound storage medium the digital processing can begin.

After first of all getting a picture of the condition of the recording we are then able to decide which of the various restoration processes is most appropriate.

A so-called "Wave Assessment" helps in making the right choice. This allows us to graphically illustrate and localize the most serious tonal problems.

The next step is to remove these tonal mistakes without in any way affecting the desired signal. Here extreme care is necessary as mistakes during this very sensitive process could lead to the whole recording being made unusable. Using the so-called "Declicker", at this stage the most significant noises can be removed whilst the "Decrackler" allows the removal of permanent background noises. Because these operations are carried out using state-of-the-art professional studio equipment the results are normally - even with heavily damaged recordings - extremely satisfying. After this job is complete, the recordings are ready to be further processed.

With vintage recordings further background noises are removed using a "Denoiser" tool. At this point many restoration companies make the mistake of over-deadening the recording and thereby losing its dynamics, leaving instead a dull and lifeless sound. Carat 24 however use "noise-print" technology in order to guarantee the recording retains its original tonal qualities.

A final check of the complete recording ensures that all noises and interferences have been removed.

Advanced Restoration

You demand uncompromising quality? Please click here to find out more about this option.

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2. CD Compilation

All recordings are compiled on CD-R. Only one copy can be compiled from each recording. This CD is set-up as copyright protected which means that no further digital copies can be made (however analogue copying is possible).

The reason for the compilation of copyright protected CDs can be read in the license regulations.

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3. Graphics (CD-Cover/Label)

As a matter of course we send your new CD in a CD Slimbox with includes an insert with all appropriate details such as title and artist (printed in black on white).
Instead of using stickers, all CDs are printed (black/white) with details of artist and, where appropriate, title and year of release.

If you would like the original LP cover, then we will colour-scan this and re-print it as a CD insert. This can also be done for text found on the CD cover. For prices, please see our price list.

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4. Additional Services

Who hasn't been annoyed by dull-sounding, dynamically unacceptable recordings? In these cases we offer a wide range of services.

First of all, every recording can be enhanced using Stereo Expansion. This can be used for almost all analogue recordings. In cases where this doesn't produce the desired results, a light Room Simulation can often help.

Another processing possibility is dynamics improvement. The standard response here is: more equalization equals better dynamics. This is without doubt the wrong way forward. The sound engineers who worked on the original recording would have already optimized everything and so additional intrusions would likely result in damage to the sound if not, under certain conditions, its complete destruction.

You love the recording's original sound and want to retain this as much as possible? We completely agree. Therefore we believe it is essential to use fine adjustments to calibrate the recording in order to fit in with modern listening expectations. To achieve this we employ Frequency Masterprint technology.

A further service we offer is the transformation of mono recordings into stereo. For this we apply our professional Pseudo Stereo tool.

As you can see, your treasures are close to our hearts and we do our utmost to conserve or, when desired, to improve them. Using the latest technological solutions, we always seek to meet your highest expectations.

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