Simon Finnigan wrote:
the quick story is that I`ve got a very old recording that`s been
transferred tape to tape a few times over the years, and I want to try and
restore it as much as possible. It`s not worth money, it`s a present for a
friend that would have a lot of sentimental value, but there`s not much
money to spare to get this done - certainly not enough to have a
professional look at it.

How close to the original can you get, and what is the original recording?
Do you only have an n-generation dupe, or can you get the master? Is this
tape, acetate, cassette, or what?

The recording has a lot of hiss, and the actual part I want restored is
fairly quiet against the hiss - it`s hearable, but it`s not brilliant. The
treble and bass are out of balance, the treble needs knocking down a bit,
but that I can do for myself. I`m looking for suggestions for the best
program to use to remove as much of the hiss as possible while leaving the
rest of the recording in as good a condition as possible. Freeware would be
ideal, shareware with a demo would be my second choice, but if I need to pay
then I`ll have to look at how much money I`ve got spare.

First get the best possible transcription, then start looking at the NR
systems. If you have a hiss problem and too much treble, it's possible
that EQ will fix the hiss as it's fixing the top end.

Anyone got any suggestions for good programs/programs with plug-ins that
would be able to help?

A lot of the NR systems are available for a short evaluation period, which
might be find if you only have a short clip to do. Are you using a PC or
a Mac? Would you consider renting hardware?
--scott

--
"C'est un Nagra. C'est suisse, et tres, tres precis."