Music has been
through many transformations throughout the centuries. From plays to concerts,
vinyl to compact discs, and analog to digital, music has done it all. The issue
is that some people like to stay with the old, and others prefer change. Some
believe that analog recording sounds better because all the sounds are raw,
whereas others believe that new age digital music sounds better because it is
better quality. There have been many arguments over which recording method is
better, right down to the equipment used. “The analog vs. digital debate has
been raging for nearly three decades, and there's still no clear winner,
because it's really just a matter of personal preference” (Guttenberg, 2011).
Many people
believe that the analog method of recording preserves the sound of the
instruments. The tape gives them a warm feeling and records exactly what is
heard, nothing more. Of course, dynamic and time-based processors can be added,
but overall, everything has to be perfect when recording on tape. Many different
outboard gears and microphones were perfected over years, specifically for
analog recording. With the elements of the natural sounding instruments and the
perfected gear, the music produced sounds as real as it ever possibly could.
The issue with analog recording is the timing, editing, and unwanted sounds.
Issues within the analog music are hard to fix because everything is recorded
to tape.
Lately, digital
music has been making its way to the top. It is hard to find analog music now
because of the digital movement. Many like this new style of music because
recording is easier, sound quality is crisper, and the songs have fewer errors.
Technology has definitely made it more convenient for people to create, record
and distribute music. Beats are always on time, instruments and vocals are
always on key, and all the processing is done in a snap. The digital music
definitely shaved the cost of recording and made things much simpler.
Unfortunately, nothing is perfect. “I'd admit that analog's distortions, speed
variations, and noise/hiss make it less by-the-numbers accurate, but digital
sound can be cold, hard, and uninviting” (Guttenberg, 2011).
No matter which
way this is analyzed, each of their good qualities can also be viewed as their
bad qualities. Overall, this question will never have a correct answer. The
answer will always be based on personal preference. “Peaceful coexistence
between the analog and digital faithful is the only way forward, and each side
should enjoy music in its own way” (Guttenberg, 2011). Now the
question will be left for everyone. Which is better, analog or digital?
References:
Guttenberg, S. (2011, April
21). Digital vs. analog audio: which sounds better?.
Retrieved
from http://news.cnet.com/8301-13645_3-20055650-47.html
Kagan, A. (2013,
January 26). Analog tape vs digital recording: which sounds better?.
Retrieved
from http://recordinghacks.com/2013/01/26/analog-tape-vs-digital/
