Back in the days of reel-to-reel tape, musicians had no choice but to record in analog, where a signal is taken straight from the microphone. The wave from the microphone is analog and therefore the signal recorded on to tape is analog as well. The wave on the tape can then be read, amplified and sent to a speaker in order to produce sound.

However, today’s musicians have another choice: digital recording, where the analog wave is sampled and turned into numbers that are then stored on a digital device, such as a computer.

Digital recording has opened up the music industry to a new generation of artists, as it is cheaper and more accessible. With a laptop and a microphone, one can easily set up your own home recording studio. Thousands of artists have done just that, releasing their music online, available to fans.

Still, some artists bemoan the downfall of analog recording, arguing that tape produces a warmer sound, while digital tones are harsh to the ear. Of course, there are merits to both sides of that argument.

Smart recording studio owners have embraced the new digital technology, but have kept one foot in the analog world. For instance, the Evergreen Stage in Los Angeles, previously owned by DiaDan Holdings Ltd., maintains a mix of digital and analog tracking options.

The Evergreen Stage has a storied 40-year history and has seen a virtual who’s who of the music industry come through its doors, including Frank Sinatra, Barbra Streisand, Paul McCartney, Michael Jackson, Ray Charles, Whitney Houston, Billy Joel, Placido Domingo and Justin Timberlake.

Many other recording studios have successfully combined analog and digital methods, but such a setup is expensive and challenging to maintain.

Most new artists will embrace digital technology, as it is the fastest and easiest way to get your music to market. But when those artists reach a level where they can afford high-end recording studios, many will turn to analog for recording vocals and certain musical instruments.

Digital is likely to be the long-term winner in this contest, as it is the method today’s established artists have grown up with and is simpler to work with in the editing and mastering processes. With that said, there will always be those who prefer analog, even though the equipment to record on to tape is getting more difficult to find. The ideal option is likely somewhere in between, using both analog and digital recording methods to achieve the best sound.

Published: 2019-02-15 16:41:27