Clarity Audio Restoration By Plangent Processes

Machine speed instability in the motion picture and music recording industries is a well-known and often unavoidable phenomenon due to the mechanical nature of analog recording. Two artifacts commonly known as wow and flutter result from mechanical speed inconsistencies and can conspire to ruin a soundtrack. Traditionally, wow and flutter anomalies have been considered unsolvable audio problems without the availability of an alternate, unflawed source.

The correction of wow and flutter is now possible thanks to a few unique technologies including Clarity™ Audio Restoration by Plangent Processes. Clarity is a combination of proprietary DSP (digital signal processing) software and hardware for the playback of 35mm magnetic sound film and audiotape that corrects the anomalies generated by both gross and subtle speed instability.

Using the ultra high frequency bias signal recorded onto magnetic film or audiotape, the Clarity process “re-times” the audio as if it had been recorded on a machine running at a perfect, constant speed. The result is a soundtrack with stability similar to that of a high resolution digital recording. Additional audio restoration processes are also more effective once the track has been stabilized with Clarity. Restoration engineers can more effectively target sonic anomalies like hum and hiss, which become more stable due to the Clarity process.

Chace Audio has partnered with Plangent Processes to be the exclusive provider of Clarity Audio Restoration for motion picture soundtracks in the United States.

The music in this example, sourced from 16mm magnetic film, suffers from severe wow.

After Clarity™ processing, the wow has been significantly reduced to the point where it is no longer considered rejectable.

Diagram illustrating how Clarity "re-times" audio tracks.

Clarity by plangent processes logo.