The Pro Audio Suite: Backup With Confidence: Lessons from the National Archives

Backup With Confidence: Lessons from the National Archives

Jul 9, 2024

Join us for a deep dive into the fascinating world of audio archiving with special guests Ben Chesterman and Craig Field from the National Archives of Australia. In this two-part series, we explore the intricate processes involved in preserving our audio history, from old vinyl records to modern digital formats. Whether you're a seasoned audio professional or just curious about how our audio heritage is kept safe, this episode is packed with insights and stories that will captivate and inform.

Highlights:

Introduction to Ben Chesterman and Craig Field, their roles at the National Archives of Australia, and their backgrounds in music production and post-production.
The remit of the National Archives: handling records from various government agencies including the Department of Defence, ABC, SBS, and more.
The process of archiving: from receiving physical materials to ensuring they are stored in optimal conditions.
Digitizing audio: challenges, techniques, and the importance of maintaining the original format.
The significance of preserving cultural and historical records for future generations.

Advanced archiving techniques: using lasers to read vinyl grooves and preserving shellac records.
The importance of creating multiple copies and using cloud storage for long-term preservation.
Digital preservation challenges: dealing with outdated formats and ensuring accessibility.
Real-life examples of rare recordings being rescued and digitized.
The role of archivists in maintaining and updating archives to keep them relevant and accessible.

Sponsors:

Tribooth: The best vocal booth for home or on-the-road voice recording. Use code T-R-I-P-A-P 200 to get $200 off your Tribooth.
Austrian Audio: Making passion heard.

Links and Resources:

National Archives of Australia: Website
Ben Chesterman's LinkedIn: Profile
Craig Field's LinkedIn: Profile
Source Elements: Website
Tribooth: Website
Austrian Audio: Website

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