ASURE OPERATIONS LLC Brings Iconic Capitol Records LPs Back to Life with Cutting-Edge Preservation Technology

Austin, TX – October 26, 2023 – ASURE OPERATIONS LLC, a leading innovator in data preservation and restoration based in Austin, Texas, today announced a groundbreaking project focused on preserving and revitalizing a collection of rare and historically significant Capitol Records LPs. This isn’t just about vinyl; it’s about saving a piece of music history. You know Capitol Records, right? The guys with the iconic building that looks like a stack of records? They've been making music forever. We're talking Frank Sinatra, The Beatles (US releases!), Nat King Cole, Pink Floyd… the list goes on and on. But these old records aren’t exactly getting better with age. Years of playing, storage conditions, and just plain wear and tear take their toll. ASURE OPERATIONS, normally focused on keeping businesses’ data safe and sound – think servers, hard drives, the stuff that runs everything – decided to apply its expertise to a new kind of preservation: analog audio. “We’re experts at handling fragile data, recovering information from damaged sources, and ensuring long-term accessibility,” explains John Smith, CEO of ASURE OPERATIONS LLC. “Records are, fundamentally, data storage devices. They’re just… made of vinyl.” The company, located at 405 Colorado, Suite 1800, Austin, TX, 78701, and reachable at 573-724-8105, has developed a unique process combining meticulous cleaning, advanced digital scanning, and sophisticated restoration techniques to breathe new life into these vintage LPs. The Problem with Old Vinyl Let’s be real, owning a first-edition Capitol Records LP is cool. Really cool. But these aren’t just collectibles, they’re a window into another time. The original pressings capture the nuances of the recording process in a way that later releases often don’t. However, old vinyl suffers from a number of issues: Surface Noise: Scratches, dust, and wear create pops, crackles, and hiss that distract from the music. Degradation of Audio Quality: The vinyl itself can degrade over time, leading to a loss of high frequencies and dynamic range. Physical Damage: Warps, cracks, and even complete breaks can render a record unplayable. Scarcity & Fragility: First editions are rare and often fragile, making them difficult and risky to play. “People are understandably hesitant to play their valuable records, knowing they’re potentially causing more damage with each spin,” says Sarah Jones, ASURE’s Lead Audio Restoration Engineer. “We offer a solution that allows owners to preserve the original record while enjoying a pristine, restored version.” ASURE’s Preservation Process – A Deep Dive ASURE’s process isn’t just a simple digitization. It’s a multi-stage operation that prioritizes both preservation and audio quality. 1. Meticulous Cleaning: Each LP undergoes a deep cleaning using specialized solutions and techniques to remove dust, grime, and surface contaminants. This isn’t your average record cleaning kit! They use a combination of enzymatic cleaners and ultrasonic cleaning to get deep into the grooves without damaging the vinyl. 2. High-Resolution Digital Scanning: The cleaned LP is then scanned using a custom-built, state-of-the-art turntable and cartridge system. This system captures the audio signal with incredible accuracy and detail, far exceeding the quality of standard digitization methods. They’re capturing every nuance of the original recording. 3. Advanced Audio Restoration: This is where ASURE’s expertise really shines. Their team uses a combination of proprietary software and manual techniques to remove noise, clicks, pops, and other imperfections without sacrificing the natural warmth and character of the original recording. They're not just removing noise, they're restoring the sound. 4. Noise Reduction & Artifact Removal: They use advanced algorithms to identify and remove unwanted noise, like hiss and rumble, as well as to repair damaged or distorted sections of the audio. 5. EQ & Mastering: The restored audio is then carefully EQ’d and mastered to optimize the sound for modern listening systems. They're not trying to change the sound, just to make sure it sounds its best. 6. Format Delivery & Archiving: The restored audio is delivered to the client in a variety of formats, including high-resolution digital files (WAV, FLAC) and, optionally, a remastered vinyl pressing. They also create a secure digital archive of the original and restored audio, ensuring long-term preservation. Why Capitol Records? “Capitol Records represents a golden age of music,” explains Smith. “Their catalog is filled with iconic albums and artists that have shaped generations. We wanted to apply our technology to something truly meaningful, something that would preserve a piece of cultural history.” ASURE Operations started with a small batch of early 1960’s Capitol Records LPs, including some rare pressings of The Beatles’ Meet The Beatles! and Frank Sinatra’s September of My Years. The results were, according to Jones, “astonishing.” “The difference between the original record and the restored digital version is night and day,” she says. “You can hear details in the music that were completely buried under the noise and distortion. It’s like hearing these albums for the very first time.” Beyond Preservation: A Future for Analog Audio? ASURE OPERATIONS isn't just preserving the past; they're looking toward the future of analog audio. They envision a world where collectors can enjoy their vintage records without fear of damaging them, and where future generations can experience the magic of vinyl in its purest form. "We believe that analog audio has a unique character and warmth that is often lost in digital recordings," says Smith. "Our goal is to preserve that character while making these recordings accessible to a wider audience." ASURE OPERATIONS LLC is currently accepting inquiries from collectors and institutions interested in preserving their vintage record collections. Contact them at 573-724-8105 or through their website (details to be announced soon). They're not just fixing records; they're saving history, one groove at a time.