VinylRest
vinylrest.com
What it is
VinylRest offers tools for restoring vinyl recordings and comparing audio, including real-time processing, file restoration, and synchronized playback. VinylRest Live processes stereo audio with DeClick and DeCrackle, plus optional NRNG surface-noise reduction. It supports 16-bit or 24-bit audio from 32 to 192 kHz when input and output formats are compatible. Its browser WebApp controls and monitors a session from a device on the same network, without an account or cloud synchronization. The WebApp uses unencrypted HTTP without a password, so VinylRest advises limiting it to a private, trusted LAN. VinylRest File restores recordings or folders while preserving source files and saving restored audio and reports as new files. It supports mono or stereo WAV, AIFF, FLAC, and ALAC up to 192 kHz. ABC Player synchronizes compatible files and switches among Source, Cleaned, and live Difference monitoring. The tools are listed for Linux, macOS, and web. Live and File are free public Betas requiring free licenses for processing; ABC Player is free on the Mac App Store.
Spec sheet
- What it does
- VinylRest is a suite for real-time vinyl restoration, offline restoration of digitized records and synchronized audio comparison.Read 15 Oct 2026 · vinylrest.com
- API
- The Live WebApp exposes versioned local HTTP endpoints for monitoring, events, sensitivity, repair settings, output, noise reduction and grading.Read 15 Oct 2026 · vinylrest.com
- Support
- ABC Player support asks users to provide version, macOS, hardware, error text and audio-file characteristics without sending copyrighted audio.Read 15 Oct 2026 · vinylrest.com
- Headquarters
- Portugal, EuropeRead 28 Sep 2026 · vinylrest.com
- ABC comparison
- ABC Player keeps original and processed files on one exact sample timeline and switches among Source, Cleaned and live Difference monitoring.Read 15 Oct 2026 · vinylrest.com
- ABC compatibility limit
- ABC Player requires matching sample rate, channel count, and frame count, and rejects incompatible file pairs.Read 4 Oct 2026 · vinylrest.com
- ABC Player
- ABC Player synchronizes two compatible files on an exact sample timeline and switches between Source, Cleaned, and live Difference monitoring.Read 4 Oct 2026 · vinylrest.com
- ABC system requirements
- ABC Player requires macOS 13 or later and matching sample rate, channel count and frame count for both files.Read 15 Oct 2026 · vinylrest.com
- API streaming
- The control interface provides a Server-Sent Events endpoint at GET /api/v2/events for live state updates.Read 15 Oct 2026 · vinylrest.com
- Batch restoration
- File processes supported files directly inside one selected folder using a bounded parallel queue and does not recurse into subfolders.Read 15 Oct 2026 · vinylrest.com
- Documentation depth
- Separate English manuals cover installation, licensing, controls, restoration, formats, troubleshooting, updates and remote control.Read 15 Oct 2026 · vinylrest.com
- File formats
- VinylRest File supports mono or stereo WAV, AIFF, FLAC, and ALAC up to 192 kHz while preserving source format and timeline.Read 4 Oct 2026 · vinylrest.com
- File processing
- VinylRest File restores one recording or a folder while leaving the selected source untouched.Read 15 Oct 2026 · vinylrest.com
- File restoration
- VinylRest File restores one recording or a folder, preserves the source file, and writes restored audio and reports as new files.Read 4 Oct 2026 · vinylrest.com
- License validation
- Live Beta normally contacts the license service every seven days and allows a further two-day network grace period during temporary outages.Read 15 Oct 2026 · vinylrest.com
- Limit: audio routing
- Live does not provide phono preamplification or RIAA equalization, so a turntable normally needs a suitable phono stage first.Read 15 Oct 2026 · vinylrest.com
- Limit: network security
- Anyone able to reach the Live or Pi HTTP port can view the session and operate controls because there is no authentication or encryption.Read 15 Oct 2026 · vinylrest.com
- Limit: platform coverage
- The published applications target macOS and Raspberry Pi; the phone and tablet experience is browser control rather than a native mobile app.Read 15 Oct 2026 · vinylrest.com
- Limit: strict comparison
- ABC Player rejects pairs with mismatched sample rate, channel count or frame count and does not automatically resample or align them.Read 15 Oct 2026 · vinylrest.com
- Live automatic controls
- Live provides separate automatic controls for clicks, crackle and surface noise.Read 15 Oct 2026 · vinylrest.com
- Live formats
- VinylRest Live supports stereo 16-bit or 24-bit audio from 32 to 192 kHz, subject to compatible input and output formats.Read 4 Oct 2026 · vinylrest.com
- Live license limit
- One Live Beta license supports up to three active Mac installations, and periodic online validation is normally due every seven days.Read 4 Oct 2026 · vinylrest.com
- Live Pi
- VinylRest Live Pi is a beta image for Raspberry Pi, with Raspberry Pi 5 strongly recommended and a microSD card of at least 8 GB required.Read 4 Oct 2026 · vinylrest.com
- Live Pi appliance
- Live Pi is a Raspberry Pi image that processes stereo audio on the Pi and exposes browser controls and Now Playing artwork.Read 15 Oct 2026 · vinylrest.com
- Live processing
- VinylRest Live runs DeClick, DeCrackle and optional NRNG surface-noise reduction in real time.Read 15 Oct 2026 · vinylrest.com
- Live restoration
- VinylRest Live processes stereo audio in real time through DeClick, DeCrackle, and optional NRNG surface-noise reduction.Read 4 Oct 2026 · vinylrest.com
- Live system requirements
- Live requires macOS 15.4 or later, Apple silicon or Intel, stereo 16/24-bit audio and an exact common input/output format.Read 15 Oct 2026 · vinylrest.com
- Local processing
- VinylRest says restoration runs locally on the Mac and recordings do not need to be uploaded to a remote processing service.Read 4 Oct 2026 · vinylrest.com
- Maker description
- VinylRest describes itself as an independent audio-software studio in Portugal, Europe.Read 15 Oct 2026 · vinylrest.com
- Media grading
- Live calculates an independent M, NM, VG+, VG, G+, G, F or P media grade that does not alter the audible repair.Read 15 Oct 2026 · vinylrest.com
- Noise reduction
- Live and File offer NRNG S150 and S200 noise-reduction profiles, with one-second noise-profile acquisition.Read 15 Oct 2026 · vinylrest.com
- Non-destructive output
- File writes a new restored audio file plus analysis and repaired reports instead of replacing the source.Read 15 Oct 2026 · vinylrest.com
- Pi audio interface
- Live Pi requires one Linux-compatible USB interface providing simultaneous stereo input and output on the same device.Read 15 Oct 2026 · vinylrest.com
- Pi hardware limit
- Live Pi requires one Linux-compatible USB audio interface with stereo input and output on the same device; separate USB input and output devices are unsupported.Read 4 Oct 2026 · vinylrest.com
- Pi hardware requirement
- Live Pi strongly recommends Raspberry Pi 5, requires at least 1 GB RAM and an 8 GB or larger microSD card.Read 15 Oct 2026 · vinylrest.com
- Privacy design
- VinylRest says restoration runs locally on the Mac and recordings do not need to be uploaded to a remote processing service.Read 15 Oct 2026 · vinylrest.com
- Product purpose
- VinylRest makes software for real-time vinyl listening restoration, offline restoration of digitized records, and synchronized audio comparison.Read 4 Oct 2026 · vinylrest.com
- Recognition integration
- VinylRest Live offers optional Shazam-powered music recognition for artwork and track details.Read 4 Oct 2026 · vinylrest.com
- Remote control
- Live includes a browser WebApp for controlling and monitoring a session from a phone, tablet, or computer on the same network, without an account or cloud synchronization.Read 4 Oct 2026 · vinylrest.com
- SDKs
- The documentation lists HTTP API routes but does not describe an SDK or client library.Read 15 Oct 2026 · vinylrest.com
- Security statement
- The Live WebApp and Pi interfaces use plain HTTP without TLS, login, password or authentication and are intended only for trusted private networks.Read 15 Oct 2026 · vinylrest.com
- Self-hosting
- Live Pi is installed from a downloadable image onto user-supplied Raspberry Pi hardware and runs locally.Read 15 Oct 2026 · vinylrest.com
- Signed updates
- Live and File check signed Beta feeds, require user confirmation to install and defer installation until audio processing is idle.Read 15 Oct 2026 · vinylrest.com
- Supported file formats
- File accepts WAV, AIFF/AIF, FLAC and lossless ALAC in M4A containers, in mono or stereo.Read 15 Oct 2026 · vinylrest.com
- Timeline preservation
- File preserves source container, codec, channel layout, sample rate, bit depth, frame count and duration in restored output.Read 15 Oct 2026 · vinylrest.com
- WebApp
- Live includes a browser WebApp for phones, tablets and computers on the same local network, with no separate mobile app.Read 15 Oct 2026 · vinylrest.com
- WebApp security
- The Live WebApp uses plain HTTP without a password or encryption, and VinylRest advises using it only on a private trusted LAN.Read 4 Oct 2026 · vinylrest.com
Plans and prices
Strong points and limits
Strong points
- Live includes DeClick and DeCrackle processing
- File preserves the source recording
- Supports WAV, AIFF, FLAC, and ALAC
- ABC Player offers live Difference monitoring
- All three listed products are free
Limits
- Live WebApp has no password or encryption
- ABC Player rejects files with mismatched properties
- Live processing requires a license
- Live Pi requires one compatible USB audio interface
Who it suits
VinylRest suits people restoring digitized records or listening to vinyl with real-time cleanup, and those comparing source and cleaned audio. File restoration runs locally on the Mac, while Live offers Linux-compatible Raspberry Pi support in beta.
VinylRest in depth
Read the full write-up
VinylRest is a free collection of tools for cleaning vinyl during playback, restoring recordings, and comparing audio. It suits record listeners who want those jobs handled locally, especially Mac users. Its breadth is appealing, but Live’s exposed network control and the tools’ specific compatibility requirements deserve attention.
Overview
Three separate products address different stages of working with records: Live cleans stereo audio as it plays, File makes restored copies of recordings, and ABC Player compares compatible files. That division is useful if you need more than one workflow, though it is less compelling if you only need a single-purpose restoration tool. Processing runs locally on Mac, so recordings do not need to be uploaded to a remote service.
Key features
Live listening cleanup
Live applies DeClick and DeCrackle in real time, with optional NRNG surface-noise reduction. It accepts stereo 16-bit or 24-bit audio from 32 to 192 kHz, provided the input and output formats are compatible. That makes it a fit for listeners who want cleanup while playing records rather than after recording them, but the signal chain must meet its format requirements.
A browser WebApp can control and monitor a session from a phone, tablet, or computer on the same network, with no account or cloud synchronization. The convenience comes with a meaningful security drawback: the WebApp uses plain HTTP without a password or encryption. Keep it to a private, trusted LAN. Optional Shazam-powered recognition can provide artwork and track details.
File restoration and comparison
File restores an individual recording or a folder, leaves the source untouched, and saves restored audio and reports as new files. It supports mono or stereo WAV, AIFF, FLAC, and ALAC up to 192 kHz, preserving the source format and timeline. The ability to process folders suits larger digitized collections; keeping originals intact also makes it a safer choice for archival work.
ABC Player synchronizes two compatible files on an exact sample timeline and switches among Source, Cleaned, and live Difference monitoring. It is useful for close comparison, but both files must match in sample rate, channel count, and frame count. It rejects pairs that fail those conditions, so it is not a general-purpose player for comparing arbitrary recordings.
Raspberry Pi setup
Live Pi is a beta image for Raspberry Pi, with Raspberry Pi 5 strongly recommended and a microSD card of at least 8 GB required. It also needs one Linux-compatible USB audio interface that provides stereo input and output on the same device; separate USB input and output devices are unsupported. Those constraints make it a specialized option for buyers prepared to assemble a compatible setup, not a plug-and-play route for every Pi owner.
Pricing
All three products are free: VinylRest Live costs nothing, VinylRest File costs nothing, and VinylRest ABC Player costs nothing. ABC Player is free on the Mac App Store. Live and File are public betas, and both require a free license for processing, so their zero price does not mean unrestricted use.
One Live Beta license supports up to three active Mac installations. It normally needs online validation every seven days. That arrangement can suit a small number of Mac setups, but periodic validation matters if a machine will be offline for extended periods. The tools have no paid tier to weigh against the free versions.
Platforms
VinylRest supports Linux, macOS, and web across its product range. Live’s license limit concerns Mac installations, while Live Pi targets Raspberry Pi. The products are standalone rather than plug-ins, which suits independent workflows but may not fit users who expect restoration inside a host application. ABC Player has Mac-specific compatibility requirements for the files it compares.
Who it's for
VinylRest is strongest for vinyl listeners digitizing records who want playback cleanup, preservation-minded file restoration, or precise source-to-cleaned comparison without sending recordings to a remote service. It is less suitable for anyone who needs a protected remote-control interface, broad compatibility between arbitrary audio files, or a Pi setup using separate USB input and output devices.
Pros and cons
Pros: Live combines real-time click and crackle removal with optional surface-noise reduction.
Pros: File preserves the original and supports folder restoration across common lossless audio formats.
Pros: All three products are free, and Mac restoration runs locally.
Cons: Live’s WebApp has neither encryption nor a password, limiting safe use to a trusted private LAN.
Cons: Live requires compatible input and output formats, and its license normally needs online validation every seven days.
Cons: ABC Player rejects files unless sample rate, channel count, and frame count all match.
Cons: Live Pi requires a single compatible USB interface with both stereo input and output.
Alternatives
Neiro is the free alternative to consider if you need Windows or self-hosted support alongside Linux, Mac, and web platforms. For a paid Mac or Windows suite built around five restoration plug-ins, choose Wave Arts Master Restoration Suite 6 at $99, paid once; it requires a host that supports audio plug-ins.
Accentize DeRoom is a paid Mac and Windows option for reverb removal and room-resonance suppression, with a serial-key license; its DeRoom License costs €49 as a one-time purchase billed inc. VAT. CEDAR Cambridge is worth considering for a modular hardware and software system, with custom pricing because options and configuration vary.
SpectraLayers Pro is a Mac and Windows alternative for spectral audio editing, audio repair, restoration, and AI-assisted processing, with custom pricing. If browser-based denoising without an account or upload is the priority, @audio/denoise is free and runs in a browser.
Algorithmix Sound Rescue is a paid Mac and Windows alternative at $79.90, paid once, though its full version targets Windows 2000 SP4, XP SP2, Vista, or Windows 7. For ReHance bundled with a broader studio subscription, LANDR ReHance costs $11.99 a month on annual plans and requires LANDR Studio.
Verdict
Choose VinylRest if you digitize vinyl and want free, local tools for playback cleanup, file restoration, and precise comparison. Its separation of workflows and preservation of source files are real strengths. Look elsewhere if Live’s insecure LAN control is unacceptable, if you need looser compatibility, or if you want restoration integrated into a plug-in host.
Verdict
VinylRest covers real-time cleanup, file restoration, and synchronized comparison, with free access to its listed products. Buyers should note the Live WebApp’s LAN security limits and the compatibility requirements for ABC Player.
Where Specifiction places it
- Audio Restoration Software#2 of 248.4