Remember, this transfer that you (or I) are about to undertake may be the last time (and hopefully the best time) that the original is transferred. Here are some suggestions:

1. Make at least two masters and a listening copy. Keep one set of masters off-site. //

2. Make straight transfers before processing. Save these as better noise processing algorithms may be available in the future.

3. Save a good portion of the noise footprint on the tape without other signal information for later noise reduction processing.

4. At first, worry less about a final product than getting a good, clean transfer with as few artifacts as possible.

5. Above all, listen…are you getting the best transfer you think you can?