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That tiny spur no one noticed: Unexpected results found when digitising audio recordings
Journal of Digital Media Management,
9
(4),
337-347
(2021)
Abstract
When digitising an analogue audio recording, audio archivists adhere strictly to the recommendations compiled by bodies specialised in audio preservation; entrust the original sound documents to the hands of well-trained preservation engineers; use the best, optimally calibrated, transfer equipment; and listen carefully to the result of the transfer. To gauge the quality of the work in progress, archivists rely on a number of graphic aids. Perhaps understandably, these visual tools are usually focused within the boundaries of the audio signal; however, by extending the fields and methods of measurement, it is possible to make some interesting — and sometimes even alarming — discoveries. As this case study demonstrates, no one can be 100 per cent insulated against this.
Keywords: Audio digitisation; cultural heritage; sampling rate; interference; ethics
The full article is available to subscribers to the journal.
Author's Biography
Stefano S. Cavaglieri is Chief Technology Officer of the Swiss National Sound Archives, a department of the Swiss National Library. He is an active member of the technical committees of the Audio Engineering Society, Association of Recorded Sound Collectors and International Association of Sound and Audiovisual Archives and has previously received the James A. Lindner prize for his contributions to research in the field of the technology of preservation of recorded sound. Stefano holds degrees in both electroacoustics and computer science.
Gabriele Franzoso is the principal audio preservation engineer and machinery maintenance manager of the Swiss National Sound Archives. His passion for all things audio and music, combined with his great wealth of technical knowledge and hands-on experience make him one of the most highly skilled technicians in his field. He is a full member of the Audio Engineering Society.
