Introduction
Have you ever wondered why some old tracks on a vinyl record sound as if they were recorded just yesterday? Or how your favorite song from the 80s is still crystal clear when played on your phone? The answer is simple: audio restoration and audio remastering.
While these terms are often used interchangeably, there are differences between them that can make or break the quality of your audio. In this post, we'll dive into what each of these terms means and which method is suitable for you.
What is Audio Restoration?
Audio restoration refers to the process of cleaning and repairing aged or damaged audio to restore its original quality. It involves removing unwanted noise, clicks, pops, distortion, and other issues caused by improper storage or handling.
This method is often used for archival recordings, speeches, radio broadcasts, or other materials that have historical value. Audio restoration is a complex process that requires specialist tools and skills. The end result is re-mastered audio that sounds as good as possible given the condition of the source.
What is Audio Remastering?
Audio remastering, on the other hand, is the process of enhancing the overall sound quality of an audio track by adjusting its EQ, adding effects, and improving its dynamics. This process does not address any specific issues with the source material but aims to improve its overall quality.
Audio remastering is commonly used for commercial releases of re-releasing old recordings, compilations or for reissuing classic material. However, it can also be used to create a different version of an existing recording or to enhance a recording that has already been restored.
Differences between Audio Restoration and Audio Remastering
While both methods aim to improve the sound quality of an audio track, the key difference between them is the approach they take. Audio restoration is focused on repairing damaged or faulty recordings while audio remastering aims to improve the overall quality of an already acceptable sound.
Audio restoration requires more advanced tools and skills, while audio remastering can be more artistic and creative. The main goal of restoration is to remaining true to the source and reproduce the sound as it was but clean. The main goal of remastering is improving the sound to sound good on a particular environment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, whether you need audio restoration or audio remastering depends on the condition of your source material and the purpose of the final product. If you want to restore an old recording or recover vintage speeches, you will need audio restoration. If you want to release a compilation with enhanced sound quality or bring your favorite track to the next level, you require an audio remastering.
No matter which process you choose, what matters most is preserving the authenticity of the original recording while making it more accessible for modern listeners. Contact us if you have a question or need a quote, we can help you choose the right process for your purposes.
References
- Audio Restoration vs. Remastering. Accessed on September 20, 2021.
- Audio Restoration: The Complete Guide. Accessed on September 20, 2021.
- The Difference Between Audio Mixing And Audio Mastering. Accessed on September 20, 2021.