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

Austin, TX – November 8, 2023 – ASURE OPERATIONS LLC, a leading innovator in data preservation and media migration located at 405 Colorado, Suite 1800, Austin, TX, 78701, United States (573-724-8105), today announced a groundbreaking project focused on the meticulous preservation and digitization of the legendary Capitol Records LP collection. This isn’t just about old records; it’s about saving a piece of musical history. For decades, Capitol Records has been synonymous with musical innovation and timeless classics, home to artists like The Beatles, Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, and countless others. But these iconic albums, pressed on vinyl, are vulnerable. Time, handling, and environmental factors degrade the sound quality and physical integrity of these valuable artifacts. ASURE OPERATIONS is stepping in to make sure future generations can experience these recordings as they were originally intended. “We’re not just scanning records,” explains a representative from ASURE OPERATIONS. “We’re undertaking a full lifecycle preservation process. These aren’t just grooves in vinyl; they’re cultural touchstones. We treat each LP with the utmost care and respect.” The Challenge: Preserving Fragile History Vinyl LPs, while durable in some respects, are surprisingly delicate. Scratches, dust, warping, and even the breakdown of the vinyl compound itself can lead to irreversible audio degradation. Traditional methods of transferring vinyl to digital formats often introduce unwanted noise and distortion, failing to capture the full richness and nuance of the original recordings. Moreover, simply playing a record degrades it further. ASURE OPERATIONS recognized this challenge and developed a unique, non-destructive workflow leveraging advanced imaging technology and proprietary software. The core of the project involves high-resolution scanning of each LP surface, creating a detailed digital ‘map’ of the grooves. This map isn’t just an image; it's a data representation that accurately captures the audio information encoded within the vinyl. “Think of it like taking a super-detailed photograph of the grooves,” explains the ASURE team. “But instead of just looking at the photo, we’re reading the information in it. We’re essentially recreating the cutting lathe process that created the record in the first place, but in a digital format.” ASURE’s Innovative Approach: Beyond Simple Digitization What sets ASURE OPERATIONS apart is their commitment to true preservation, not just digitization. They don’t just convert the audio to a digital file; they create a preservation master – a high-resolution digital archive that can be used to create any future format without loss of quality. Here's a breakdown of the process: High-Resolution Imaging: Each LP is meticulously cleaned and then scanned using a custom-built imaging system that captures millions of data points per inch. This is far beyond the resolution of traditional vinyl-to-digital converters. Advanced Signal Processing: Proprietary software algorithms are used to decode the scanned data, removing noise, correcting imperfections, and reconstructing the original audio signal. This process goes beyond simple equalization and noise reduction; it’s a sophisticated form of audio restoration. Metadata Enrichment: Detailed metadata is added to each digital file, including information about the artist, album, recording date, mastering engineer, and provenance of the LP itself. This ensures that the recordings are properly contextualized and searchable. Archival Storage: The preserved digital files are stored on secure, redundant storage systems, ensuring long-term accessibility and protection against data loss. They utilize multiple backup locations and employ industry-standard data security protocols. Format Flexibility: The preservation masters can be used to create a wide range of audio formats, including high-resolution WAV, FLAC, MP3, and even future formats as they emerge. This ensures that the recordings will remain accessible for generations to come. Beyond Preservation: Revitalizing a Legacy The ASURE OPERATIONS project isn’t just about saving old records; it’s about revitalizing a legacy. By creating high-quality digital archives, they’re making these iconic recordings more accessible than ever before. “We’re working with Capitol Records to explore a range of potential applications for these preserved recordings,” says the ASURE team. “This could include remastered reissues, digital streaming, immersive audio experiences, and even educational resources.” The project also has implications for other industries dealing with fragile analog media. ASURE’s technology and workflow can be adapted to preserve a wide range of materials, including audio tapes, film, photographs, and documents. “We see this as a model for preserving cultural heritage in the digital age,” explains a representative. “It’s about leveraging technology to protect our shared history and make it accessible to future generations.” Capitol Records’ Response Capitol Records has expressed enthusiastic support for the ASURE OPERATIONS project. “We are thrilled to partner with ASURE OPERATIONS on this important initiative,” said a spokesperson for Capitol Records. “Their innovative technology and commitment to preservation will help us ensure that our iconic recordings continue to inspire and entertain audiences for years to come. This is about more than just sound quality; it’s about protecting a piece of musical history.” Looking Ahead The ASURE OPERATIONS and Capitol Records project is ongoing, with plans to preserve hundreds of classic LPs over the next several years. The team is also working on expanding their capabilities to handle other types of analog media. They are confident that their innovative approach will revolutionize the field of media preservation and ensure that our cultural heritage is protected for future generations. About ASURE OPERATIONS LLC: ASURE OPERATIONS LLC is a leading provider of data preservation and media migration services. Based in Austin, TX, the company specializes in developing innovative solutions for preserving fragile analog media in the digital age. ASURE OPERATIONS serves a wide range of clients, including record labels, libraries, archives, and private collectors. Contact: ASURE OPERATIONS LLC 405 Colorado, Suite 1800 Austin, TX 78701 United States 573-724-8105