Clicks and crackles are inseparable companions of old vinyl and shellac (78 rpm) records. Before re-mastering to CD they have to be removed and the remaining gaps have to be reconstructed properly.

The ScratchFree DirectX/VST Plug-In copes with any kind of transient noises, perfectly preserving the audio quality of the original signal.

The ScratchFree DirectX/VST Plug-In effectively removes clicks and crackles from old vinyl and shellac (78 rpm) records and cleans up audio recordings tainted by switching noise, static discharge, digital cross-talk, or thyristor buzz.

Unlike other systems, the ScratchFree DirectX/VST Plug-In works virtually without artifacts when using correct settings for all parameters. It includes an excellent de-crackling algorithm preserving timbre, ambience, and low-level details in the original signal.

The de-scratching algorithm consists of two main parts: the de-clicking module and the de-crackling module. While the de-clicking module is used to remove severe clicks from old shellac and vinyl records or switching noise originating from cross-talk or improper setups of digital audio equipment, the de-crackling module removes any remaining small clicks and crackles.

ScratchFree is extremely easy to use. With only three sliders and a few preset buttons you can get respectable results within minutes.

The signal scope helps you to find ideal settings for the DeCrackler. The advanced parameters Width, Smooth, and DePlop are useful for minimizing the appearance of artifacts. The unique Differ feature allows intuitive parameter settings. You can switch between the output signal and the input/output difference, i.e., the part of input signal removed by the de-scratching algorithm. Normally, this differential signal should not contain any audible parts of the original audio material that you want to preserve.

ScratchFree provides pre-defined application profiles (Type). They preset the internal parameters and external advanced parameters to help you in typical restoration situations: digital spikes, shellac (78 rpm) or vinyl. In addition to its main application, the removal of clicks and crackles, the ScratchFree DirectX/VST Plug-In effectively diminishes any kind of distortion caused by signal overload (Clipping).

Since the CPU requirement for ScratchFree is very low, you can adjust and optimize all parameters while listening to the audio in real-time.

flawless operation with up to 384 kHz sampling frequency, thus perfectly suitable for high-resolution DSD post-production

effective removal of severe clicks from old shellac (78 rpm) and vinyl records

detection and removal of switching noise, static discharge, digital cross-talk, and thyristor buzz

an excellent excellent de-crackling algorithm preserving timbre, ambience, and low-level details in the original signal

reduction of distortion caused by signal clipping

pre-defined processing profiles simplifying restoration tasks in typical situations

clickless real-time parameter adjustment during playback

expert parameters for minimizing the appearance of artifacts

virtually no artifacts when using correct settings for all parameters

signal scope for real-time tracking of the de-crackling process

unique difference function for real-time monitoring of the disturbances being removed

complete setup exchange among several simultaneously opened PlugIns

extremely high internal calculation precision (double floating point - 80 bits)

moderate CPU load, thus suitable for real-time multi-channel operation

automatic latency compensation with compatible DAWs (e.g., Sadie, Wavelab, Cubase, Soundforge)

short learning curve; good results within minutes with only three sliders

Applications

cleaning up vinyl and 78 rpm (shellac) records from clicks and crackles

restoring of wax cylinder recordings and optical soundtracks

re-mastering old recordings to CD, SACD, or DVD

removal of switching noise, static discharge, thyristor buzz, and digital crosstalk

masking drop-outs

real-time operation with a turntable

archiving and restoration of historic audio material

System Requirements

Minimum configuration (one real-time DirectX/VST PlugIn loaded)

Windows 9x/Me/NT4/2000/XP/Vista or 7

Pentium II 500 MHz

64 MB

1024x768 pixels resolution with true color (24bit or 32bit)

any compatible DirectX or VST Host Editor

USB port for hardware dongle (eLicenser/Syncrosoft or WIBU)

Sequoia/Samplitude 7.x, 8 allows fully automated PlugIn latency compensation

Recommended configuration (more than one real-time DirectX/VST PlugIn loaded)

Windows 9x/Me/NT4/2000/XP/Vista or 7

Pentium IV or AMD Athlon XP with at least 1.5 GHz

512 MB

1280x1024 pixels resolution with true color (32bit is usually fastest)

any compatible DirectX or VST Host Editor

USB port for hardware dongle (eLicenser/Syncrosoft or WIBU)

Sequoia/Samplitude 7.x, 8 allows fully automated PlugIn latency compensation