Convert Reel to Reel to MP3 to Preserve & Share
Found old reel to reel audio tapes in the cupboard but have no reel to reel player to listen to them on?
Let us help! We’ll convert your audio reel to reel tapes to MP3. You can also elect to receive them on either USB, CD or as a cloud download.
For more, view our reel to reel to digital and reel to reel to CD or USB pages now too.
Or call us now for some friendly advice
Freephone 0800 690 6160
Ask About Bulk Discounts too.
- Professionally Converted
- EASY Collection & Delivery
- Super Secure Checkout
- peace of mind tracking
- Professionally Converted
- EASY Collection & Delivery
- Super Secure Checkout
- peace of mind tracking
Join the 1000s of People That Have Entrusted Supaphoto With Their Material
Our customers span from private individuals to institutions and TV production companies
How it Works
Our process is one of the best things you can do for your family, in 3 simple steps!
1. Package Up Your Memories
Simply pack up your precious tapes and send them to us. You can use our convenient courier collection and return service, or post them directly to us via recorded delivery. Once your order is placed, we’ll email you a simple welcome pack to guide you through the process and give you complete peace of mind.
2. Lovingly Converted
Our experienced team carefully digitises every item by hand, ensuring the highest quality and personal care. With over 20 years of expertise and millions of memories safely preserved, you can trust us to handle yours with the same dedication. Plus, you’ll receive regular updates throughout the process!
3. Share & Enjoy With Your Family
This is where your memories come back to life. We’ll return all of your original tapes once they’re safely digitised. You can enjoy your newly preserved memories through a secure cloud download, a handy USB stick, or a beautifully packaged DVD. Then just sit back, relax, and let those moments play out all over again.
All the way, we track your tapes carefully so you always know their progress and when they’ll be returned.
What's Included?
You’ll receive everything needed to safeguard your memories.
Yes, where collection is applicable, we’ll organise for an easy to understand pre-paid address label to be sent to you. Could not be more simple. There’s also a section in there for you to add notes.
We know how precious your memories are. It can feel like a big decision. The Supaphoto Welcome Guide explains the process in step by step simple terms. It will also include useful contact details for peace of mind.
We loe what we do. Our dedcated team will digitise every item by hand. We’ve saved millions of memories over 20 years. And don’t worry, you’ll get regular updates along the way.
This is where the magic begins. We’ll return all of your original media. Once preserved, you can access your files via our easy cloud download service, on a memory stick or a lovely DVD. Finally, just relax and let those memories flood in!.
Choosing the Perfect Digital Conversion for Your Audio Tapes
Just transfer your audio tapes into digital files or another audio format. Choose what you get back, relax and soak it in!
Easy Cloud Backup
USB
CD Set
Easily downloaded, you’ll be able to listen, share and store your audio files converted to digital safely with a simple link sent to you.
Your converted audio, saved to a handy USB memory stick. Just plug it into your computer or any device with a USB port to play, save, and share your files with ease.
Your original audio, lovingly converted and written onto a CD, ready to enjoy again on any CD player, DVD player, or disc drive.
What you‘ll get: Your conversions as digital computer files.
What to order: A simple download will suffice in most cases, unless your order is very large.
Ideal for: Listening, sharing and safeguarding for your family.
What you’ll get: All of your audio tapes on one USB or multiple memory sticks.
What to Order: One pen drive (USB) normally suffices. For larger orders we reccommend an SSD drive for extra safety.
Ideal For: Listening on your computer.
What you’ll get: Your audio transferred to CD in a nice presentation case.
What to Order: Simply ask for the CD option.
Ideal For: Playing on the stereo.
Supaphoto Audio Sample
Over the years we’ve transcribed audio from many people and organisations. Spoken history is always something that fascinates us as the people of speak of events that affected them that to that point unknown.
This particular recording is from a French lady who recalls her first impressions after moving to England in 1946.
We’ve transcribed huge cassette collections from county councils in England to recording the history of people speaking in their own words that lived in a small village called Ditchling in Sussex over many years since they were very young.
See also our Prices and FAQs further below.
What you can Expect From Us & Our Advantages
Here are just a few reasons why people choose Supaphoto to convert their audio tapes everyday. You won’t be disappointed.
Our dedicated studio is devoted to transferring peoples memories. We constantly invest in the latest technology for our professional grade studio in order to get the best possible results from your family recordings.
We inspect all your tapes at the onset and advise accordingly, if any repairs are needed. The journey of your tape is tracked at every step and quality checked. For Audio Cassettes, and Reel to Reel Tapes with mould, please contact us as we have dedicated processes for these too.
Output & Listening
Digital file download via Cloud, USB or CD. Listen on PC, tablet, mobile or cd player
Audio Corrections
Expert sound correction for old audio tapes and magnetic reel to reel tapes in poor condition
AI Audio Restoration
Optional AI audio restoration delivers cleaner recordings with enhanced sound
Free Services
Free pre-transfer tape inspection and absolutely no charge for blank tapes
Security of Handling
We take security of handling very seriously at Supaphoto with step by step tracking
Supaphoto's Audio Tape To Digital Conversion Advantages
Here are just a few of the reasons why people choose Supaphoto everyday. You won’t be disappointed.
Output & Viewing
Colour Corrections
AI Video Restoration
Free Services
Security of Handling
Don’t Just Take our Word For it...
The Best Way to Convert Audio Cassettes and Reels
Whether it’s your teenage band’s first album, a heartfelt chat with a grandparent, or another precious memory captured on cassette, those old recordings are worth keeping alive.
Over time, audio cassettes naturally deteriorate — and as they do, the quality of the recordings, and the memories they hold, begin to fade.
Converting audio cassettes to digital files is the best way to restore and preserve those sounds for the future. It’s a delicate process that requires the right equipment, experience, and a careful touch.
With many thousands of hours of audio conversions completed, we’ve helped countless people bring their memories back to life. Whether you’re looking to convert old audio tapes to digital or simply want to preserve your audio memories, your old cassettes and tapes are in safe hands with us.
We love what we do — helping people beat the technical challenges of digital conversion and keep their stories alive for years to come.
We’d love to preserve yours too.
Preserve, Share & Enjoy The Supaphoto Way
The best thing you could ever do for your family in three simple steps.
1. Package Up Your Memories
2. Lovingly Converted
3. Share & Enjoy With Your Family
Preserve, Share & Enjoy The Supaphoto Way
The best thing you could ever do for your family in three simple steps.
1. Package Up Your Memories
2. Lovingly Converted
3. Share & Enjoy With Your Family
Sussex University's Massive Collection of Bob Copper's Priceless English Folk Music
We were so proud to have been chosen by the University of Sussex to digitalise and convert their priceless collection of beautiful audio reel to reel magnetic recordings from Bob Copper. We’ve also scanned hundreds of images from Sir Richard Attenborough’s photo collection which he left to Sussex University.
Bob Copper, who has died aged 89, was a leading member of the famous singing Copper family of Rottingdean, East Sussex, and an important collector of English folksongs. His earliest musical memories were of sitting around the fire singing with his father, Jim, and his grandfather James Copper, who was born in 1845.
Our Audio Reel to Reel Tape to Digital Transfer Prices
At Supaphoto we take pleasure in doing things in the right way and growing our business slowly through referrals.
Audio Transfer Prices for 1/4 Inch Reel to Reel Magnetic Tapes:
Per Tape: £29.99 (1st Hr of work including adjustments for any speed changes, track changes, playing both sides and re-splicing – per Item) If you have magnetic tapes where the work exceeds 1 hour of time, costs are limited to just £19.99 extra per hour of work, per item.
I’m not sure what type of reel to reel tape and recording speed I have!
Don’t be concerned, we’ll advise you on receipt. (Typical speeds in inches per second (IPS) will be 1 & 7/8, 3 & 3/4, 7 & 1/2 and 15). Reel to reel is also tricky since you may have more than one track for example. The duration will also depend on how much is actually recorded and the playing speed which will sometimes change mid way through.
What Do I Want Back? – Choose from one of the following options:
i) Mp3 Digital Files as a Free Download from Supaphoto Cloud for easy listening & sharing with family
ii) Mp3 Digital Files on a Master USB Stick
iii) Conversion to a new CD in a nice presentation case
Optional Extras:
– Back-up Version on Master USB Memory Stick: £24.99
– Back-up Version of CD in Presentation Case: £24.99
– Extra copy of CD in Presentation Case: £14.99
Got compact cassettes?
For a type of audio tape not listed here, visit the service page in question.
Free Doorstep Collection & Safe Return & Signed-For Delivery
We’re easy to deal with at Supaphoto. Contact Us Now to receive your free welcome pack. We’ll liaise with you to collect your package free of charge. We safely return items with signed-for delivery for extra peace of mind too.
No Upfront Payment? – When do I pay?
We never charge upfront unlike other companies. Why? Because there’s always a chance that you have blank tapes.
Want to Order? – How Can I contact You?
Simple! Just Call us on freephone 0800 690 6160 or drop us a line.
All Prices are Inclusive of VAT
FAQs
We’ve made life easy for you by compiling the the most commonly asked questions that we’ve been asked over the years in one place!
How can I listen to my recordings?
Could not be easier! Either plug in a simple USB and listen on PC, laptop or ipad. Listen on your mobile phone or play a CD on a CD player.
Which media output is best?
Digital files are easy to play and share on PCs, laptops, ipads and phones. Have fun too sound editing as well. A back-up CD also makes sense.
Do you offer an advanced service?
Yes we do. It delivers a superior, cleaner sound. It takes a little longer but doesn’t cost much more.
Our Advanced AI Sound Restoration Service
This service delivers superior noise reduction and background music removal. The unique algorithm often produces cleaner, more faithful audio recordings.
Would I be charged for blank tapes?
Don’t worry. We NEVER charge for blank tapes!
How long does it take?
Typically 5-10 working days or less.
Do you send the originals back?
Yes indeed – It’s important that you always keep your originals somewhere safe.
My audio tape sounds very poor in places. Can it still be transferred?
You’ll be amazed at the results we deliver. Our audio restorer will review first and advise you..
Can I listen to them and save them on a Free Online Cloud Gallery?
Yes indeed and you can share them with your family thereafter.
Where can I read reviews about your service?
We always treat tapes as if they were our own. Read our reviews for yourself
Why should I do it?
All sound recordings slowly deteriorate. The sooner you do it – the better.
What’s your security like?
Rest assured that we take security of handling very seriously and have an insurance policy to match.
I have a lot of audio tapes – Can I get a bulk discount?
Just contact us to see how we can help. We also offer a buy now, pay later option.
I still have questions!
Call us for some friendly help on freephone 0800 690 6160 or drop us a line.
All Prices are Inclusive of VAT
It's Time to Convert Audio Tapes to Digital Formats for Peace Of Mind
While our parents penned love letters, we crafted mixtapes.
Audio cassettes revolutionised our world. Coupled with the advent of the Sony Walkman, they revolutionised how we experienced and shared music, delighting our ears, and we cherished every moment. It was akin to discovering fire or the wheel. Our auditory pleasures became portable, offering a private sanctuary on the bus, during lectures, at the half-pipe, or post-breakup. Nothing silenced a nagging teacher or a parental sermon better than slipping on a pair of headphones.
The mixtape cassette, a novel form of self-expression, wielded power that rivalled a sword. That legacy endures, but the old tapes themselves, unfortunately, do not. They’re deteriorating. If you neglect the need to convert audio tapes to digital formats, you risk losing both the music and the memories. Our Supaphoto audio tapes to digital or CD conversion service, whether through a thumb drive or via Supaphoto Cloud™, serves as your time machine back to those emotions, the playlists as unique as fingerprints, live recordings, and music absent from any other format.
We’re all familiar with it—the compact cassette, music cassette, cassette tape, or audio cassette—a magnetic tape nestled between two miniature spools encased in protective plastic. Digitising reel to reel audio tapes is something we do everyday.
The Revolution of Audio Cassettes
It housed pre-recorded audio or blank tapes for personal use. It marked a pivotal advancement in both home recording and portable audio. Cassettes played a role in societal transformation, spurring underground rock, hip-hop, and punk movements, uniting people, and catalysing political change and artistic freedom. There’s never been a better time to transfer audio tapes to digital.
While many of us have upgraded our music collections from the days of hitting the record button when our favourite song aired on the radio, we’ve also preserved a few cherished cassette tapes. Take a moment to evaluate your collection. If it’s from a major record label, chances are the music is available in a superior format (CD or digital).
But if it’s from a smaller label, or if it’s a mixtape, a live recording, or those whimsical fake radio commercials you recorded in your bathroom, those treasures are irreplaceable. They can only be preserved, and time is slipping away. You deserve easier access to your cherished moments.
Do your cassettes emit hissing sounds, waver, fade in and out, or suffer from uneven playback? Does your tape player occasionally feast on them? Do you even have a working tape player? Are the metal components rusting, or the cassettes warped or cracked? If you’ve answered yes then it’s time to convert audio tapes to digital.
We Simply Love Our Audio Tape to Digital Service!
Yes! We really love providing our audio tape to digital service. But we also know that it’s better to avoid the issue arising in the first place so we advise our clients how to take care of their tapes too.
Remember to preserve magnetic audio tapes and slow down their deterioration, it’s important to store them in a controlled environment with stable temperature and humidity, protect them from strong magnetic fields, and handle them with care.
Digitising the content on the tapes is also recommended to create a digital backup and reduce the need for physical playback, which can contribute to wear and tear.
Some older magnetic tapes, particularly those from the 1970s and 1980s, are prone to a condition known as “sticky shed syndrome.” This occurs when the binder used to hold the magnetic particles together on the tape becomes hydrolysed, causing the tape to become sticky and less playable. We’re used to this at Supaphoto and can ‘bake’ the tapes at a controlled temperature and humidity in a scientific oven especially used for such purposes. This will aid the digitisation.
Finally Time to Transfer Audio Tapes To Digital?
Our expert technicians are on standby, ready to breathe new life into your aging cassette tapes by digitising them for the modern era. Our audio tape to digital transfer service will convert the content into CD and .wav files. When we’re through, it’ll be like receiving that mixtape from your summer camp crush all over again. Put on those headphones and relive the magic of 1985.
You may also in your collection audio CDs – see our Disc section for more information
Audio Conversion Sample & Customers
Why not check out the quality of our Audio Transfer Service. Over the years we have converted many audio recordings, ranging from the entire collection of the Copper Family’s reel to reel copies of old English folk songs (literally hundreds of hours!) to an entire collection of oral history cassette tapes from the residents of Ditchling Village.
We were chosen to undertake conversion work for the TV Production Company behind the BBC’s Repair Shop!
Other projects include digitalising Sir Richard Attenborough’s personal collection of images, converting early footage of Virgin Airways promotional films and digitalisation work relating to Windsor Castle, the Mary Rose and the late Queen Elizabeth II.
Discover more about the range of audio tapes and formats that we transfer – convert audio tapes to digital services.
If you’re still unsure which audio conversion service is best for you – read our audio tape inspiration and conversion guide.
More Questions About this Format
A: Trying to convert reel-to-reel tapes to MP3 at home can easily lead to problems such as tape damage from mishandling or using old, unreliable equipment. DIY attempts often result in poor sound quality because consumer tools lack precision and proper calibration. Supaphoto’s professional reel-to-reel digitisation service ensures your tapes are carefully handled and transferred using advanced studio-grade systems, producing crystal-clear MP3 files that preserve every detail of your original recordings.
A: While it’s technically possible to digitise reel-to-reel tapes yourself, home conversions rarely achieve the same results as professional transfers. Most consumer-grade tools cannot manage the various tape speeds and formats found in reel-to-reel recordings. Supaphoto uses high-end playback decks and mastering software to ensure that each recording is transferred to MP3 with perfect accuracy and clarity.
A: DIY reel-to-reel conversions typically use outdated tape players and low-quality recording devices, which can create distorted, incomplete, or noisy audio files. Supaphoto’s technicians use professional-grade playback machines, precise tape-head alignment, and real-time audio restoration to deliver a smooth and polished reel-to-reel to MP3 conversion every time.
A: Yes, with a professional service like Supaphoto, your reel-to-reel tapes are handled with care and expertise. DIY methods often involve trial-and-error, increasing the risk of tearing or stretching the tape. Supaphoto’s experienced engineers follow strict handling and cleaning protocols to protect your recordings throughout the MP3 conversion process, ensuring they remain safe and undamaged.
A: Although DIY methods might seem cheaper at first glance, they often involve hidden costs such as buying new hardware or accidentally damaging irreplaceable tapes. Supaphoto’s reel-to-reel to MP3 transfer service starts from just £14.99 and provides professional, reliable results at an affordable price — without the risks or frustration of doing it yourself.
A: Yes, even damaged tapes can often be digitised, but they require professional handling. Attempting to convert or repair them at home can worsen the damage. Supaphoto’s engineers use specialist cleaning and restoration tools to repair, stabilise, and digitise reel-to-reel tapes safely, preserving fragile recordings in high-quality MP3 format.
A: Yes, the final sound quality depends largely on the tape’s condition, but professional equipment can significantly improve results. Supaphoto’s reel-to-reel audio transfer process restores clarity, balances volume, and removes hiss or background noise, maximising the playback quality of every MP3 file we produce — far beyond what DIY setups can achieve.
A: Supaphoto offers flexible output options, converting reel-to-reel tapes to MP3, USB, or CD depending on your preference. DIY conversions are limited by what your home equipment supports and can result in incompatible or low-quality files. With Supaphoto, you can choose the digital format that best suits your needs while ensuring professional-level sound quality and consistency.
A: DIY reel-to-reel to MP3 conversions are often time-consuming and frustrating, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the process. Supaphoto’s professional workflow is efficient and streamlined — most projects are completed within one working day after your tapes are received, and you’ll typically have your MP3s and original reels returned within a week.
A: Supaphoto uses premium-quality reel-to-reel players, calibrated playback heads, and cutting-edge digital workstations to produce exceptionally clear and accurate MP3 recordings. Every transfer is carefully monitored to ensure optimal playback speed, tone balance, and noise reduction for a faithful digital reproduction of your original audio.
A: When you choose Supaphoto, your original tapes are always returned in the same condition. DIY setups can easily stretch, snap, or warp tape during playback, but our technicians handle every reel-to-reel conversion with professional care, ensuring your physical reels remain safe and intact.
A: Cleaning is an essential part of the reel-to-reel to MP3 conversion process. Dust, dirt, and debris can interfere with playback and degrade sound quality. Supaphoto’s experts carefully clean and prepare each reel before transfer to guarantee crisp, distortion-free audio files that sound as true as possible to the original recording.
A: No, professional conversions don’t degrade quality — they often enhance it. Supaphoto’s reel-to-reel digitisation process captures every nuance of the original sound while reducing unwanted hiss or background noise. The result is an MP3 that sounds vibrant, balanced, and faithful to your original recording.
A: Reel-to-reel tapes naturally deteriorate over time, risking the loss of treasured memories and recordings. Converting your reel-to-reel tapes to MP3 now ensures they’re safely preserved in a modern, easy-to-share format. Supaphoto’s process captures them at their best quality before any further tape degradation occurs.
A: Home conversion equipment often produces uneven playback or speed fluctuations that cause poor-quality results. Supaphoto’s reel-to-reel to digital conversion uses precision tools and stabilised playback systems to deliver consistent, distortion-free audio from start to finish.
A: Yes, reel-to-reel tapes were recorded at several different playback speeds, and using the wrong one will distort pitch and timing. Supaphoto’s engineers carefully determine and apply the correct speed during the reel-to-reel to MP3 transfer, ensuring that every recording sounds exactly as it was originally intended.
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