Dual System

Re: Dual System

Guys, before you dismiss high sample rates have you ever listened to a good analog system? There is a definite sound quality difference. I know some very good sound people that will default to analog for sound quality everytime. So if increasing sample quality will approach analog sound, why not?
 
Re: Dual System

Regarding bit depth - I completely agree and record at the highest bit depth I can, usually 32 bit floating-point.

Gopher, I have listed to some very high quality analog systems as well as having recorded on them. Unfortunately, I'm old enough that most of the recordings I've done were analog...

Anyway, I would argue that most of the differences in sound quality that you are referring to, and that your sound people want, are not a matter of sampling frequency necessarily (although on an analog system you could make a similar argument for tape size/speed variations). Usually people prefer analog systems due to the warmth created by the circuitry and slight analog distortion (which, unlike digital distortion, is actually pleasing). Although the distortion issue sort of speaks to 10s' point: we like it because we are used to it and it gives us the sound we want and appreciate, but it isn't necessarily more "realistic". Certainly from a straight "harsh reality" perspective digital is key. The art is making digital sound like analog, assuming that is what is wanted. Usually if this is the case, your engineer will still record digitally, but will include analog/tube equipment in the recording chain prior to it being tracked on a disc. For example you might run a ribbon mic into an Avalon or Universal Audio Preamp through a classic compressor like a UA 1176LN then through some very high quality a/d/d/a converters and onto a hard disk where you might use an additional plug to simulate the quality of analog distortion or saturation. This will do far more to provide you with an analog sound than increasing your sample rate, which will do little if anything (remember were talking sample rate here, not bit depth).

Matt
 
Re: Dual System

I still have my 2" Ampex tapes in the closet! I remember when things went digital, i could final hear the bass...Gasp!... boy did it sound sterile! where was all the warm fuzz. Just add some tube pre amp & you have it, or as a friend of mine would say to his studio clients who wanted analog, OK I'll give you the analog sound, then he'd roll off the high end a few dB. :)

Today it is common for most everyone to have excellent gear available ( according to yesterdays [up to late 1980s] standard)

My U-87 still sounds great but the cheapies I just bought for 300.00 sound almost as good. With a slight EQ adjustment they become as warm.

As one old engineer who recorded many hit records in the 60s & 70s told me, you guys have better gear than we did, you just need to learn how to mic.
 
Re: Dual System

Matt C, 10s, Neil R - excellent posts guys, intelligent comments, informative and a pleasure to read, keep on posting your thoughts on DVX user and we'll keep returning! :)
 
Re: Dual System

Mattc - Thanks for your comments on the MOTU. I was looking at the MOTU MKII when I came across the traveler and it seems more versitile for my needs. With the MKII how many audio channels can you get onto the compter, the specs seem confusing to me.

Thanks
 
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