You send us your transcription records and we do the rest!

If you have rare radio station programming, commercials, or other homemade audio on transcription discs we can transfer them for you!

Audio Conservation can transfer, digitize and convert your large, oversized 16″ (or larger) transcription records to new modern digital formats and preserve them for future generations.

Most transcription discs were recorded at slow speeds and as a result they tend to be noisy and have lots of crackle, pops and electrical hum. They generally respond well to modern audio restoration techniques. Please specify at checkout if you would like a quote for additional restoration work.

We digitize all records to uncompressed 16/44.1K WAV audio files, however we can transfer to nearly any professional audio format upon request at no additional charge.

$39.99

Digital Download Option
Cloud Download
$4.99
Samsung 128 GB USB Drive
USB Thumb Drive 128GB
$29.99
24k Gold Archival GradeCD-R
Gold Archival CD-R
$4.99
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Rated 5 out of 5

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3-5 Day Turnaround Time

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16" Transcription Record History

16″ transcription records were a type of audio disc used for broadcasting and recording purposes in the early to mid-20th century. They were larger than the more common 10″ or 12″ vinyl records used for commercial music releases, and were often made of materials like shellac or acetate.

The use of 16″ transcription records began in the 1920s and 1930s, when radio broadcasting was becoming more popular. These records were used by radio stations to record and play back programming, such as news broadcasts, live music and performances or for military, educational and government recordings. They were also used by musicians, recording & film studios for making high-quality recordings of their music.

One advantage of the 16″ transcription record was its longer playing time compared to commercial records. While commercial records typically only had enough space for one or two songs, a 16″ record could hold up to 15 minutes of audio on each side. This allowed for longer programs and performances to be recorded and broadcast.

Another advantage of 16″ transcription records was their high sound quality. They were often recorded at higher speeds than commercial records, which allowed for more detail to be captured in the recording. They were also played back on specialized equipment, which could extract a higher level of fidelity from the discs.

However, 16″ transcription records were expensive to produce and required specialized equipment to play and record. They were never sold commercially to consumers due to the fact that they were largely unplayable on most phonograph’s & record players at the time. As new technologies like magnetic tape emerged, the use of 16″ transcription records began to decline. Today, they are rare and likely one of a kind, they should be transferred as soon as possible to preserve them historically as the media is deteriorating and not improving with age.

SIMPLE INSTRUCTIONS

  • Add Your Media Type & Quantity To The Cart, Choose Your Return Shipping Method & Complete Checkout
  • You Will Receive A Receipt Which Also Includes Our Mailing Address
  • Carefully Package & Ship Your Media To Us, We Recommend USPS Priority Or Media Mail (Both Provide Free Tracking). If You Need Help With Packaging Please Contact Us.
  • We Will Log, Assess & Transfer Your Media & Contact You If There Are Any Issues.
  • Your Media & New Digital Transfers Are Shipped Back To You And A Tracking Number Is Provided
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Greg K
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Audio Conservation helped preserve priceless recordings of my grandfather from fragile lacquer discs. Sean was knowledgeable, professional, and communicative throughout the process. The recovered recordings exceeded my expectations and preserved an important piece of my family's history. Highly recommended for anyone looking to preserve irreplaceable audio recordings.
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Mike T
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In 1948 my grandfather had a gospel quartet that included my mother and father. They recorded some records in an AM radio station in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. They were never stored properly, probably were subjected to extreme heat and cold at times, badly scratched, vinyl falling off in places and 78 years old. I found Audio Conservation with an online search and sent one to them to see if they could do anything with it. THE RESULT WAS AMAZING! They digitally downloaded the recording as it was and then as it was cleaned. I had little hope that they could do anything with it. Just the opposite! With it on lacquer vinyl and recorded at a radio station, I doubt it sounded much better when first recorded! It is clear and I can hear the distinct voices of my parents and grandfather as they sing. Thanks to Audio Conservation for the work they did. I have more records that I will send. If you have a damaged recording or want something to be digitized, this is the place! The results exceeded my expectations by miles and miles. And, on the cost side, the price was very, very reasonable. If you need them, use them. You'll be glad you did.
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Tommy L
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Amazing digitization and improvement to the sound itself. THANK YOU
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Randy W
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Have nothing but positive remarks about what Sean was able to do with an 80 year old record I recently sent to him that was severely delaminated. I can certainly understand why Audio Conservation has all the five star reviews they have and I have now left my five star review as well. I am convinced if Sean can't restore the audio file(s) from the very old records and tapes you might send in, nobody in the entire country can ! Thanks Sean !
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R A
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I recently sent Audio Conservation a Teac Tascam 4 track cassette tape from 1985. I thought the thing would be toast at this point, but Sean worked his magic and transferred it to a high quality digital (wav) format. The transaction was effortless, and worth every penny. I spoke to Sean twice before sending it along, asking him questions about procedures, process, and equipment, and he was incredibly personable, patient, and knowledgeable. I couldn't be happier to have this composition resurrected after 41 years. Thank you Sean and Conservation Audio!!! You rock!
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Nicholas H
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I sent Audio Conservation a number of cassette tapes containing interviews about family history with long deceased relatives. Sean did a great job with the cassettes, and the digital files are very clear. Turnaround time was super fast and communication was perfect throughout - thanks!
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Rod R
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I had some trouble getting my recording to its destination because the Post Office didn't recognize the address and truncated it. I was blessed to have the Post Office return it. I then sent it a second time to the advertised address, this time insisting that the one I provided be used. It made it that time. Sean at Audio Conservation provided personal care with my old WWII Record-O-Graph lacquer disk. His digitizing of the recording was flawless. His service was off-the-charts. This service was a God-Send. To hear the voice of my Uncle from the 1940s during his Army service in the Philippines was inexpressible. I was able to share it with his brother and son. This is the place to go for a professional result. It was worth every penny!
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Rebekka H
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Incredible service and quality! In cleaning out my parents' home/estate, found two homemade old records of my father as a child. They were in VERY poor shape (husband and I thought they were goners) but we sent them off. Audio Conservation did amazing and fast work in restoring and sending me the digital files. I cried hearing my father's voice from the past! So impressed with the service provided, highly recommend Audio Conservation to preserve your memories. Don't hesitate.
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Andrea K
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I’ve worked with a number of audio conservation studios over the years, but this one genuinely stands apart. What struck me most wasn’t just their technical skill (which is excellent), but the level of care and intention behind everything they do. From the start, it felt personal. There’s a clear respect for the history embedded in each recording, and that respect shows up in the smallest details of their process. In an industry where it’s easy to be swayed by marketing buzz this studio actually lives up to its commitment to "audio conservation". My exchanges with Sean never felt rushed or transactional. There’s a lot of thought and care in how he and the team handle everything, and that shows in both the process and the final result. If you’re looking for a studio that treats your audio not just as a project, but as something worth preserving with integrity and purpose, this is it.
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Suzyq318
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Audio Conservation retrieved the recorded messages from a 1944 Philco record that none of us had ever heard because we thought it was ruined. The recording was recovered and restored beautifully. Sean was a delight to work with. Understand this record was sent to my Dad in Europe during WWII. It was really incredible to hear family sending love and encouragement to my dad during the most traumatic events of his life. Only 1 person on that recording is still alive, my brother who was 2 at the time. You can trust Audio Conservation.
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