The Value of Analog Recording in the Digital World
“It sounds warmer” is something that is heard quite often within the recording world. Professionals describe analog recordings as having this “warmth” of sound, but what does warm even mean? In my music technology class, I learned how to record with analog tape recorders as well as digitally. After being able to learn both methods, I was able to understand the pros and cons of each technique. Each method offers something different and people within the music industry are beginning to notice the efficiency of solely using digital recording techniques. I was able to sit down with Professor Holland, my music technology professor, in order to discuss both sides of the argument. As the digital world becomes more prevalent in society, analog recording is starting to disappear. With analog tape recorders losing their significance in society, where does it leave them? Are they truly going to disappear from the music industry?
Analog Recording
I plan to bring you into the world of recording and explore the disappearance of analog recording. Whether it is mixing ten tracks on the mixer, or routing the microphone to the tape recorder, there are specific steps that are essential not to miss. Anyone who listens to music is able to describe what they hear, however, professionals are able to differentiate warmth from other recordings. Recording music on an analog tape recorder requires precision and detail that many aren’t aware of.
After conducting an interview with Professor Holland, I learned even more about why analog recording involves so much precision. Analog recording was the first legitimate method of recording in which bands like The Beatles and The Beach Boys used. Radiohead still records on an analog tape recorder because they want that sound. But what makes an analog tape’s sound so unique?
As explained by Professor Holland, technically, oxide particles in the analog tape “capture the signal” which “influence[s] the sound of the recording.” The sound of the recording is unique to analog because of the way it works and the way it is made. So what exactly is this “warmth” that everyone praises analog tape recorders for? Here is a recording that was done on Skidmore’s analog tape recorder. Listen carefully to the sound quality of the recording.
Notice the background noise. In analog recordings you are able to hear the tape hiss. It is the subtle high frequency noise in the background that creates a fuzzy sound. People who have experienced recording truly understand this warmth in sound from an analog tape recorder. Essentially, the warm quality of the recordings comes from creating a lower frequency wave range. As a listener, the sound is a bit foggier and the attack of each note is less harsh than a very precise recording done digitally. Analog tape recorders were especially popular among the genres of rock, soul, and blues music where it is common for that sound to be appealing to the ear. However, not every tape recorder sounds the same. Each brand and each part of the recorder is a factor in the quality of sound. Although many love the warm sound of analog tape recorders, others believe you can just add that effect through digital processing which is easier, most efficient and straightforward.
In music technology, we began recording with analog tape recorders. It felt as though I was being taken into the world of records and cassettes and out of the digital world that seemed to have consumed me. The tangibility of the process created this sense of realness within the recording. Each step was so essential for the end product and if one step was forgotten it did not record. Yes, it was tedious. However, I stepped into an entire world that needed my full attention for everything. There was no time for me to check my phone or multitask. One must fully engage themselves with recording in the analog world. Recording with an analog tape recorder was a fulfilling experience, but digital recording belongs in the contemporary world because of its efficiency.
Digital Recording
While listening to a digital recording, it is easy to hear the sharpness of the instruments and vocals. In contrast to analog recordings, there is no background noise that is noticeable to the ear. Since digital recording does not include a tape, there is no tape hiss. This creates a cleaner sound than an analog recording. Here is the same song presented previously but recorded digitally:
There is a huge difference between the analog recording and the digital recording. You are able to hear every strum on the guitar and every symbol hit ever so clearly. There is not much of a warmth within the recording which is why some like analog better. However, tape hiss does not exist and each instrument is picked up perfectly. Of course the track was mixed in order for it to be so balanced, but there is still a clear contrast between the analog recording and digital recording.
When you record digitally, programs pick up every sound in an exact way. Microphones are routed to the mixer which is then routed to the computer, creating a smooth travel for the sound. Protools also makes it easy to record, mix, and edit your tracks. With just the click of a button, you can accomplish so much. Protools also tries to create a sleek style in order to stay with the classic analog recorder aesthetic. In general, digital recording makes up for all of the issues of analog recording. Most people now make use of digital recording and have given up on analog recording.
This is a screenshot of Protools which is a very common program used to record digitally. Protools tries to create a clean layout that makes it easy to complete recordings quickly. It clearly organizes the window into sections for each part of the recording. You can see that a bass guitar, two acoustic guitars, an electric guitar and a lead vocalist are being recorded. Protools lays everything out in one window for users. People prefer being just a click away from recording and changing settings easily through these digital programs.
The Everlasting Value of an Analog Recording
It’s safe to say that digital recording techniques are becomming the norm. However, some still prefer the warmth that an analog tape recording provides without any effects. For example, Radiohead loves the sound of analog recorders and even wanted to purchase Skidmore’s tape recorder! Some love the exactness and sharpness that the digital world has to offer, while others want to keep that old warmth still in analog recordings. Music trends come and go, and bands could definitely be searching for that foggy sound quality which they can only get from analog recorders.
So what’s so great about analog recording?
The special thing about analog recorders is that you can create such a unique, pleasing sound without adding any effects or mixing. Analog recording gives you this sense of escape as you place the tape on the recorder and watch it spin. This tangibility and exciting process makes an entire experience out of the recording. I admire the raw sound that an analog tape recorder provides, and instead of plugging a microphone in and clicking record, you are actually part of the process. Not only will they continue to be used by those who value analog recordings, but they will hopefully become popular once again.
