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Digital vs Analog RecordingDigital vs Analog Recording - By Riffmaster Digital and analog recordings are similar in concept. However, the technical differences are considerable. For much of recording history, analog records and tapes have been used for the storage of audio performances both spoken, sung, and played. The analog tape medium (i.e. the tape itself) is a thin plastic strip coated in tiny metal particles stored on a roll or spool, the machines / mechanisms include reel-to-reel, 8 track and cassette players of different types sizes and superiority.
The process of analog recording is a less than precise science. Analog tape recordings involve the transmission of small electrical charges sent to the magnetic “heads” of a tape recorder. Due to the randomness involved in the rearrangement of magnetic particles on tape, the recordings are said to be “analogous” – (i.e. similar to the actual performance. Furthermore, tape and magnetic heads vary widely in quality. Digital Recording is much less random. An ADC (Analog to Digital Converter) interface is used to convert the files. And… like all computer files, are stored “Digitally” – (i.e. as a series of ones and zeroes). If source material and levels remain the same, digital recordings will be virtually identical each time they are made.
Digital audio can be copied many times without adding noise. Other advantages are copying, pasting, cutting, from location. You can instantly go to any spot in the digital audio file. This saves a heck of a lot of time. Let’s not forget about storage etc. Lastly, you can change the pitch without changing the speed. Like I said… there are many features of digital recording that shadow analog recording. Digital audio files can be processed in ways that are impossible with analog recording.
"Now that you've set aside time for your guitar playing, make
sure you use it for what it was intended! You've brushed
off your movie friends (who want you to be a famous guitarist
anyway, right?) and now you're at home free and clear to
practice. BUT, you see that the season finale of Star Trek is
on tonight! DON"T GIVE IN! TAPE IT! GO PLAY YOUR GUITAR!
Write out a practice schedule for yourself. Work on specific
techniques or moves." - Practice
Updated: 2/27/07 |
