Cleaning reel to reel tapes

Big-Steve wrote on 10/26/2025, 11:46 AM

I have some old reel to reel tapes from the 1960s which have some sections where the recording has faded and sounds muffled. Is there any way to improve these sections? I've tried the normal cleaning which only gives a slight improvement. I want to make CDs from these tapes and would like the best quality sound possible.I am using SF audio cleaning lab 3 on Windows 10

Comments

rraud wrote on 10/27/2025, 11:01 AM

You can try EQ, volume adjustments and the ACL restoration tools. I am not sure about ACL, but with SF Pro, you can automate most plug-ins' parameters. The volume automation (envelope) is relatively easy to adjust. EQ and other Fx can be more intensive. There are third-party exciters available (free and otherwise) to restore high mid and high end presence if some parts are 'dull 'sounding.

btw, I moved your post to the ACL forum.

Big-Steve wrote on 10/27/2025, 12:59 PM

Thank you rraud, I did try volume adjustments but that didn't improve the dullness just increased the volume. I'm not very good with using EQ in this situation but I will give it a go. I can always go back if it doesn't work out.

rraud wrote on 10/30/2025, 2:37 PM

Volume and normalizing will usually not resolve a 'dull' sound. If can post a sample file, we could better recommend a procedure.

Big-Steve wrote on 10/31/2025, 4:40 AM

Hi rraud, sorry, but I am new to using forums and well into my 70s so not sure how to post a sample file. I can save a clip of the audio of the worst bit of the tape to post if you can let me know how to do it.

Thanks, Steve