You don’t always need to record digital audio to create music just ask the successful dance and audio-for-video composers who do everything with Propellerhead Software’s Reason. Quote from the target audience: “It’s worth the hassle because it sounds better than digital.” Non-traditional DAW software Noise reduction is needed to match digital’s dynamic range. Limited ability to interchange projects with other studios. Tape can stretch, and sometimes quality control is an issue.
Editing is very limited compared to DAWs. Limitations: You need to align machines, replace heads, demagnetize the tape path, and so on. Non-restored recorders typically cost a fraction of their original price. Many rock aficionados say that tape is the sound of rock and roll.
When cared for, tape can have a long life. By definition, requires a mixer-so you have a physical control surface. Distorts in a way that no plug-in has totally captured. Strengths: Sound quality that’s different from digital. This keeps “that” tape sound, but also, takes advantage of digital’s many talents. Īlso note that some pros combine analogue and digital by tracking to an analogue tape recorder, then immediately transferring the audio to a DAW for editing and mixing. There’s some solid information on what you’re getting into with analogue tape recording at Sonicraft. Either spend the bucks for a recorder in good condition or dedicate yourself to restoration it’s not unlike buying a classic car and having it become an obsession, as you search for something like a steering box in good condition. Most recorders are at least a couple of decades old and loaded with mechanical parts that can wear out. But also check with the manufacturers (TASCAM, Fostex, Otari, Studer) who used to make recorders, as they sometimes still have parts in stock (Figure 1).Īs to buying an analogue recorder, do your research. These provide a variety of services and parts and sometimes reconditioned recorders. No new studio tape recorders are being made, so you’ll need to research companies that specialize in analogue recorders, like JRF Magnetic Sciences, Sprague Magnetics, ATR Services, B.A.S.E., and the like. But the main argument from analogue tape fans is the sound: Tape is a processor, and for some music, it’s processing some people really like. Tape, when properly cared for, has a long shelf life. And while hard drives don’t deteriorate like tape, at some point they will go to hard drive heaven. However, analogue enthusiasts point out–quite rightly–that computer-based DAWs require maintenance too, like updating, defragmenting, troubleshooting (only in marketing-land do computers work flawlessly), and the like. Tape deteriorates, and while it’s not impossible to find blank tape, it’s not getting any easier. In fact, like tubes and vinyl, it’s making a bit of a comeback.īut why? Tape recorders are maintenance-intensive.
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