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The Basic Elements of Audio Production - Analog or Digital? |
| Posted by Administrator (admin) on Feb 26 2008 |
Getting started in the world of audio production can at first seem a daunting task. There are so many different methods of getting your musical ideas out of your head and out into the world that the variety of techniques available can sometimes seem more like a barrier than a helping hand. One of the most basic decisions to be made is how you are going to record your tracks. There are essentially two popular methods for doing this, and each of them can have a significant impact on both your sound and your workflow in the studio.
The most traditional method for recording music involves the use of analog equipment. Analog recorders preserve sound directly on magnetic ribbons, or tape. They can range from simple, portable 4 track recorders that use the same standard audio cassettes that fit into an old Walkman or car stereo to larger reel-to-reel devices that record onto quarter-inch tape. Analog equipment of this type has been in use for over 60 years and was the industry standard until the advent of digital recording slowly pushed it out in the late 80’s and early 90’s. The advantage of using this type of recording is the warm, full sound that analog tape provides. Since the tape has actual physical writing boundaries and no self-imposed ceiling in terms of gain, overdriving an analog recording doesn’t result in clipping. Instead, what is created is a unique, saturated sound that is especially popular for electric guitar and bass tracks, as well as more groove-oriented music.
Unfortunately, analog equipment is not the most user-friendly recording gear. In order to make any kind of change to previously recorded material, you need to rewind the tape, find the exact spot and either record over it or cut it and splice in the tape containing the material that you want to add. Once something has been put onto tape, there is no way to edit it – it’s there for better or for worse until you either erase it or record over it. Tape can only be recorded over so many times before it de-magnetizes or starts to sound dull. Finally, storing magnetic tape must be done under carefully controlled conditions or your material can deteriorate over time.
Digital recording solves many of these analog problems. A digital recorder converts the analog signal from your musical instrument or microphone into a digital signal via a technique called ‘sampling’. Essentially, sampling is a process whereby thousands of ‘pictures’ of the analog signal / sound are taken every second and then compiled into a digital representation of that sound. This is then stored in the device as an array of 1’s and 0’s. While there are many different sampling rates to choose from, with the higher rates representing a more accurate and higher quality ‘image’ of the sound you are recording, the most common rate used in 96,000 samples per second.
A digital signal is extremely easy to manipulate. Using a computer or a digital recording device an audio file can be chopped up, re-arranged, returned to its normal state and copied as many times as desired without any loss of quality or integrity of the signal. These same digital files can be stored on optical discs or hard drives taking up little physical space and with a much more robust long term outlook. A further advantage is that any number of effects or changes can be easily applied to a digital audio file.
Of course, there are some negative characteristics associated with digital recording. One of the most frequently cited concerns is with the perceived sterility that a digital sound can sometimes present. Some listeners feel that digital recordings lack the organic feel of analog, and that somehow something is lost in between those thousands of samples per second. Another issue is the hard volume ceiling imposed by digital files. Loud or saturated sounds can produce audible clipping. If clipping occurs during digital recording there is no way to repair it – the recording must be made over again. Clipping can also be an issue while employing compression effects or during mastering.
Digital recording has so far emerged as the clear winner amongst those recording in home studios. Most people appreciate the ability to use software to record and produce their tracks as it is easy to learn and easy to correct any mistakes. Analog recording has become something of a lost art, and it is mostly employed by small studios with experienced technicians who can guide the musician through this rapidly disappearing process. While it is possible to make a close approximation to the analog sound using digital equipment, there is still a noticeable difference in the end result. Whether you choose the crisp ease of use of digital or the warm, rich tones of analog is up to you and how you choose to spend your recording dollars.
Last changed: Feb 26 2008 at 9:18 AM
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