Music Production: Analog vs Digital Recording

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?