Tony Dellaway wrote:

> I am starting to think about transferring my 78 rpm record collection
> to CD and I am looking for some suitable sound restoration software
> for the Macintosh that does not cost megabucks.

Tony, you might try running a Windows program under Virtual PC.
I use DC-ART, available from <http://www.diamondcut.com/> .  Their
"Millenium" package is currently $99.  My somewhat older version
resides in a Windows machine, but I have tested it in the Mac, and it
works fine, if a bit slower.

DC-ART is pretty good for the price, but has some limitations.  The
editing and equalization functions are easy to use and work very well.
The de-clicking feature works fairly well, but getting the best result
takes some practice.  You'll get much better results feeding it with a
flat pre-amp, rather than one with RIAA equalization, as the program is
looking for sharp transients; the sharper the better.  (You'll want to
do this anyway, as the early 78's had no high frequency preemphasis).

The noise reduction algorithm introduces some strange artifacts, so
must be used sparingly, if at all.  It's also beneficial to record in
Stereo, as the de-clicker is more effective, then mix the result to
Mono.  DC-ART will do this, and allows you to play with the balance, so
you can emphasize one groove wall if it's quieter than the other.

If you've ever heard a demo of CEDAR, you'll want it; it's de-clicking
power is as awesome as the price ($20,000 several years ago).  For
those of us who don't have money trees, in my opinion DC-ART is the
best bang for the buck, but I'll admit I haven't shopped around much.
I'll be interested to see any suggestions from other folks.

Hope this helps,

John Ward
East Bloomfield, NY USA