Development of a Technique for Restoring the Fidelity of Distorted Playback Audio Signal from Analog Cassette Tape
A. O. Atijosan *
Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria
S. A. Adeniran
Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria.
M. O. Sokunbi
Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria
R. A. Badru
Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
A simple yet elegant analog based technique for restoring the fidelity of playback audio signals emanating from magnetic cassette tapes is presented. The technique makes use of information from the high frequency bias signal in magnetic cassette tapes to correct for errors in the playback audio signal. Performance evaluation of the developed technique shows that the technique can correct for errors due to noise, scratches on the tape surface, clipping, and non-linear distortion. The developed technique will be valuable in restoring the fidelity of playback audio signal from magnetic cassette tapes stored in archives and private homes.
Keywords: Magnetic cassette tapes, audio restoration, compensation technique, playback audio signal.