Will your efforts to restore my tape damage it?
We are experts in handling and archiving tapes of all kinds. Normally, we make an exact copy and work from that, so that the original can be returned to you for safekeeping.

What if my tape is already damaged physically?
Don't try to play or fix a physically damaged tape yourself. Call (212-873-8772) or email us for advice on handling and shipping the tape. A surprising number of tapes damaged by exposure, immersion, crushing, etc. can be successfully restored.

How about tapes that have been erased or rerecorded?
Whether an erased or rerecorded tape can be restored depends on the type and recording method. In general, digitally recorded tapes can't be restored, and that's true of analog video tapes (VHS, BETA, NTSC, etc.), too. Analog audio tapes are the best candidates for restoration. Call (212-873-8772) or email us for specific advice about your tape.

What can you do about the noise on my tapes?
There are many types of noise. Both impulse noise such as car horns, doorbells, and gunshots, and background noises and hums like motors, fans, and air conditioners can often be reduced dramatically if not eliminated entirely. Sometimes the noise can't be removed but the signal (conversation) can be increased and made more intelligible. Call (212-873-8772) or email to arrange a no-obligation consultation.

How much do you charge to restore or enhance a tape?
We can quote rates for some standard services, such as for sound recording and CD duplication, but for many services the time, talent, and equipment requirements can't be known until we know your needs. Please call (212-873-8772) or email for a no-obligation consultation.

How quickly can I get my taped evidence enhanced?
At Legal Audio, we understand the time constraints imposed by the court calendar, and pride ourselves on making and keeping realistic delivery schedules. But some work simply cannot be compressed into a short time frame -- several hundred hours of recorded evidence may take many passes to enhance -- so plan accordingly, and remember to ask for expedited service!

In what format will you provide the enhanced or restored tape?
Since analog tapes deteriorate with time and use, we normally provide the enhanced or restored material in digital format on CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, DAT tape, or transferred directly to the hard drives of your laptop or desktop computers. We can accommodate the storage and presentation needs of most firms and courtrooms.

What about transcripts of the evidence?
Since most of our clients have a court reporter or court approved stenographer on staff, we don't provide transcripts. However, we can arrange for transcription services by a local freelance reporter if you don't have access to one yourself.

Do you provide authentication services?
Yes. It is possible to determine if a tape is original and unaltered -- to authenticate it -- by examining the machine that made it and the tape itself, physically. This type of analysis is similar to using the striations on a bullet to identify the gun that fired it. The widespread availability of digital editing equipment, software, and expertise makes authentication of digital copies sometimes inconclusive. Examination of the recording is necessary.

Do you have the ability to provide voice identification?
Legal Audio does not offer voice identification. As recent high-profile cases made clear, there are several competing methodologies, none of which have widespread court approval. And the outlook for approval is, in our opinion, bleak. Unlike fingerprint, pupillary and DNA identification methods, all of which measure immutable physical attributes, voiceprint identification measures recorded sound production which varies by age, stress, training, illness, etc., and which can be digitally edited and "synthesized".

Will I need a Lawyer to work with you?
Yes. We can not take possession of evidence directly from the client. You must be represented by either a lawyer, government agency or investigative firm.