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Convert Reel to Reel to Digital

Have you got old reel to reel tapes in the attic, but no longer have a reel to reel player to listen to them on?


No problem! Convert your audio reel to reel tapes to digital formats in two easy steps and make them accessible for everyone in your family for generations to come.

As well as digital audio files, you can also convert your reel to reel tapes to CD, or reel to reels to MP3.
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Clients we've worked with.

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How reel to reel tape conversion works..

Our reel to reel to digital transfer process is simple, reliable, and trusted by thousands of happy customers

Send them

After you order, we'll email you to arrange a courier collection. If you'd rather send your reel to reel tapes directly, we'll also explain how to post them to us in North Yorkshire.

Save them

We'll let you know as soon as we receive your reel to reel tapes. Our specialists will carefully begin work to preserve and digitise your memories.

Savour them

You'll get an email when we've sent your digital versions (and your original reel to reels) back to you. After that, it's over to you to enjoy your old memories made new!

You'll always know where your reels are, when we're working on them, and when you can expect to get them back.

What type
of conversion
should you
order?

How to choose the right
reel to reel tape conversion.

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Reel to Reel Tape to USB

Your reel to reels transferred to a memory stick. Plug in to your computer (or any other device with a USB port) and you can play, save, and copy your digital files.

What you get

All your reels on one memory stick

All your reels on one memory stick
What to order

You only need to order one USB to get all your conversions

You only need to order one USB to get all your conversions
Perfect for…

Listening on the computer

Listening on the computer
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Convert Reel to Reel Tape to CD

Your reel to reels converted to CD. You'll be able to play it on any CD player, DVD player, games console or other disc drive.

What you get

Your audio on at least one disc

Your audio on at least one disc
What to order

You only need to order one CD set to get all your conversions

You only need to order one CD set to get all your conversions
Perfect for…

Listening on the stereo, in the car, or on the computer.

Listening on the stereo, in the car, or on the computer.
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Reel to Reel Tape to Digital

Your reel to reel tapes digitised and stored online. We'll upload your files to the cloud and send you a private access link, so you can stream and download with no limits.

What you get

Your audio reel to reels converted to digital audio files

Your audio reel to reels converted to digital audio files
What to order

You only need to order one cloud backup link to get all your conversions

You only need to order one cloud backup link to get all your conversions
Perfect for…

Sharing far and wide

Sharing far and wide

What you can expect from us.

Your memories are irreplaceable - this is how we'll take care of them

Free blanks

Free blanks

You'll never have to pay for sending blank reels. If we find any blanks in your order, we'll refund them ASAP.
Free return

Free return

Your originals are priceless. We'll send them back to you free of charge along with your conversions.
Free repairs

Free repairs

Our technicians can fix most problems and will always try their best to repair any damaged reels you send us.
Bulk discounts

Bulk discounts

More conversions, more savings! You can get up to 30% off, depending on how many reel to reel tapes you're converting.
Quality equipment

Quality equipment

The best conversions are made using the best equipment. What else would you expect us to use for your memories?
Real-time updates

Real-time updates

You'll be updated via email when your order arrives and again when it is sent back to you. You can check on the status of your order at any time using our real-time order tracker.

What do Digital Converters
customers think?

Thousands of people have trusted us with their memories already.
This is what they made of the experience...

Reviews
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The UK's Favourite
Reel to Reel to Digital Converter

Whether it's your teenage band's first album, a chat with a grandparent, or another precious memory stored on reel to reel, old recordings are worth keeping alive.

Reel to Reel tapes deteriorate over time, which means the quality of their recordings - and the memories they contain - can fade.

Converting audio reel to reels to digital formats restores and preserves those memories, but it isn't a quick or easy job. In fact, it needs some specific equipment and skills.

Digitising reel to reel tapes is the perfect way to preserve those precious memories and relive them.

We're proud to help people beat the technical trap of converting their old media and keep their memories alive. With many thousands of hours of audio reel to reel conversions under our belt, your old reel to reels are in safe hands.

We'd love to preserve more memories. Would you?

Examples of our reel to reel tape conversions.

Denoising

If you've ever recorded on cassette, you will have had to accept that plenty of hums, crackles, and hisses would end up in your recording. Our technicians have tools and techniques that can cut all these unwanted noises down significantly.

Example

Equalisation and levelling

One of the main ways cassettes deteriorate is through changes in their ‘signal strength’. You’ll know this has happened if the volume or bass changes from section to section. We can level this inconsistency out and restore the audio to its former glory.

Example

FAQs

Q. What are the risks of converting reel-to-reel tapes to digital at home?
Converting reel-to-reel tapes yourself can lead to several issues, including damage to the tapes from improper handling or outdated equipment. Additionally, DIY methods often result in poor sound quality due to inferior transfer devices and lack of expertise in calibration. A professional service like Digital Converters ensures your tapes are treated with care and digitised using advanced audio equipment, delivering crystal-clear sound and preserving your recordings in pristine condition.
Q. Can I digitise reel-to-reel tapes without special equipment?
While it’s technically possible, the results are often disappointing without professional-grade equipment. Consumer-grade tools usually lack the precision to handle the variety of tape speeds and sizes found in reel-to-reel recordings. Digital Converters uses state-of-the-art audio equipment to capture every nuance of your recordings, ensuring a professional-quality result you can’t achieve at home.
Q. How does professional reel-to-reel conversion differ from DIY methods?
DIY methods often involve using outdated or inadequate tape players and recording devices, which can result in distorted or incomplete audio. Professional services like Digital Converters use specialised equipment to properly align the tape heads, clean the reels, and ensure accurate playback. This results in superior sound quality and a hassle-free experience.
Q. Is it safe to send my reel-to-reel tapes for conversion?
Yes, when using a trusted service like Digital Converters, your tapes are handled with the utmost care. DIY methods often involve trial-and-error handling, which can damage delicate reels. Professionals have the expertise and equipment to ensure your recordings are protected throughout the conversion process.
Q. How much does it cost to digitise reel-to-reel tapes professionally?
While DIY methods may seem cheaper initially, they often require costly equipment and can lead to subpar results—or even damage your tapes. Digital Converters offers affordable rates for expert-level digitisation, starting from just £14.99, giving you high-quality audio files and peace of mind without the hidden costs of doing it yourself.
Q. Can damaged or old reel-to-reel tapes be digitised?
Yes, but damaged tapes require careful handling and specialised equipment. Attempting to digitise them yourself could worsen the damage. Digital Converters has the tools and expertise to restore and digitise old or deteriorating tapes, ensuring even fragile recordings can be preserved in digital formats.
Q. Can I convert reel to reel tapes that are damaged or very old?
Yes, but the quality of the conversion depends on the condition of the tape. Tapes that are physically damaged or have deteriorated significantly over time may produce poor quality audio.

While you can attempt to convert such tapes at home, our professional services are particularly beneficial for damaged or old tapes, as we have the expertise and equipment to handle and potentially restore them, ensuring the best possible outcome.
Q. What audio formats can my reel-to-reel tapes be converted to?
Professional services like Digital Converters offer a variety of digital formats, including MP3, USB, and CD. DIY methods often limit you to what your equipment supports, which might not offer the best quality or compatibility. With professionals, you can choose the format that works best for your needs.
Q. How long does it take to convert reel-to-reel tapes to digital?
DIY conversion can be time-consuming, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the process or dealing with large reels. Digital Converters efficiently handles the conversion process, saving you hours of trial and error while delivering professional results in a timely manner. We can usually turnaround a reel to reel conversion in 1-2 days once we receive it, meaning you should get your conversions and originals back within 7 days of posting them to us.
Q. What kind of equipment is used for professional reel-to-reel conversion?
Professionals like Digital Converters use high-end tape players, precise head alignment tools, and digital audio workstations to ensure the best possible sound quality.
Q. Can I convert multiple reels into one digital format?
Yes, we will seamlessly merge multiple reels into a single digital file or separate tracks, depending on your preference. But we will always try to fit multiple reels onto one CD or USB. DIY methods often lack the software and expertise to do this efficiently or without errors. Digital Converters ensures your recordings are organised exactly as you want them.
Q. What happens to my original tapes after they’re digitised?
With professional services like Digital Converters, your original tapes are returned to you in the same condition they were received. DIY methods sometimes risk damaging the reels during playback or conversion, which could compromise the physical tape.
Q. Do professional conversion services clean the tapes before digitisation?
Yes, a crucial step in professional digitisation is cleaning dirty tapes to remove dust and debris that can affect playback quality. DIY methods often skip this step, resulting in distorted audio or damaged reels. Digital Converters ensures your tapes are properly prepared for optimal results.
Q. Will the audio quality degrade during digitisation?
No, it should actually improve, as Digital Converters use advanced technology to enhance and preserve the original quality of your recordings, ensuring the final digital files sound as clear and vibrant as possible. DIY conversions often result in degraded sound due to poor equipment or improper settings.
Q. Why is it important to digitise reel-to-reel tapes now?
Reel-to-reel tapes deteriorate over time, risking the loss of your precious recordings. Digitising them professionally with a service like Digital Converters preserves your audio for the future. Waiting too long could make tapes unplayable, while early digitisation ensures you capture them in the best condition.
Q. What if my reel-to-reel tape doesn’t play smoothly?
DIY equipment often struggles with uneven playback or tangled tapes, which can cause permanent damage. Digital Converters uses specialised tools to repair and stabilise playback, ensuring your tapes are digitised without skipping or distortion.
Q. Are there different speeds for reel-to-reel tapes, and does it matter for conversion?
Yes, reel-to-reel tapes come in various speeds, and proper playback speed is essential for accurate digitisation. DIY methods often fail to handle this correctly. Digital Converters has the expertise to identify and match the correct speed, ensuring your recordings sound as they should.