Tape hiss and compression

[johnS]

A few months ago I happened to find a recording of my parents' wedding ceremony, made in 1965 on my dad's old Sony 1/4" reel-to-reel. Their 40th anniversary is coming up, and I want to make a decent digital transfer of the tape.

The recording is actually pretty good for its age. No drop-outs or anything. But the hiss definitely a presence. Plus there is a very wide difference in dynamics between the piano/singing parts of the ceremony and the exchange of vows. Any suggestions on how to reduce the hiss without killing the high end? Also, how do I reduce the dynamic range of the recording? I've tired doing some automated level adjustments combined with light compression, which works ok. But in some parts you can really hear the change in hiss level--pumping in response to the compressor, etc. Kind of distracting. Any suggestions?

[dagosto]

If you are able to bring this to a studio where they have the Waves Restoration plug-ins there is an effect called X-Noise that would improve your situation. It can learn a noise signature and dynamically filter it out. It does help if you have a sample of audio where the noise floor is the most prominant sound. Once the noise is filtered out your automation will not be as obvious. Light compression can also help sweeten the sound.

[Nubus]

I've used that X-noise too. I think I used that on a digitized VHS of Corey Haim clips for a friend's project.
I tried DINR and or BNR also, same idea. I used those on old cassette transfers. I don't remember why but I liked xnoise best. I also tried one called Raygun once. How did the aniversary gift go?