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Analogue Vs Digital technology
Thursday, 23 November 2006 - 12:51 AM SL Time |  | |
What is the difference between an analogue recording and a digital recording?
An analogue event remains constant and unbroken. During the process of recording music digitally, digital recording device takes a momentary bite at the signal, a certain number of times per second (often termed as Kbps or Kilo bytes per second, a term very much associates with computers/internet etc.). But in the analogue technology there is no break in signals or else no measure of times per second units (constant and unbroken).
So we now have a very reasonable theory to define the two terms. But apart from the sonic frequency effect do we really feel the difference in quality when we hear the two sounds from the respective audio machines. For an example a magnetic tape and a CD that have the same sound with the similar conditions and environment. In fact the answer is `Yes`. Yes in terms of the comprehensive reproduction of the sound. The sound produced by the magnetic tape has a profound effect than to the machine of the CD. This is the result of the continuity of the analogue reproduction which lacks in the CD player. But the maintenance is something that need be looked at the former (especially the different climatic conditions in various countries i.e. high relative humidity etc). In Sri Lanka humidity has been one of the biggest problems to keep such machines in tidy conditions (SLBC keep them in air-conditioned studios to prevent them from oxidising/rusting).
However, there are other reasons that the digital technology has superseded its analogue mode and that`s mainly due to the convenience of storage especially with the modern day computers and internet facilities. The term, `files` has often been given for storage of such recordings, voice cuts and other important material.
Analogue technology has been employed by human civilisations for thousands of years: from tick-tock of the clocks, to radio, television and early computing.
Digital technology has also been in use for thousands of years, but because it is marketed as the tool of the future, it`s easy to overlook the fact that its use well and truly predates modern computer technology.
On contrary to the digitalisation different sectors of people who believe in professional audio recording still opt for the old analogue machines. Since digital consumer electronics are readily available in the local retail outlets for a reasonably low price a demand for analogue machines such has reel to reel tape recorders and LP turn tables have raised markedly. Former audio engineers believe that there is still a considerable market for the analogue lover hence the good old analogue machines can survive for some time despite the digital invasion of the technology. A fine example for this phenomenon is the price hike of good quality Akai and other professional/semi professional reel to reel tape recorders. These machines can now be purchased only from certain dealers. During the 1970s and early 80s due to these fabulous machines there were huge number of audiophiles in the UK and the world as a result of a growing pop music culture which also prompted Japan as the leading country to manufacture these machines and for their very own economic development.
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ananda95
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22 Nov 2006 18:55:50 GMT Report for Abuse
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Dr. Akai, so we are starting with music it seems.
Hope we would be able to gather more and more knowledge by visiting your web space! |
DrAkai
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22 Nov 2006 19:05:11 GMT Report for Abuse
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Ananda,
Thanks for the comment mate.
I guess my childhood hobby of music, recording and playing on tape recorders has been given some space by Mr Brown.
So yes, I'll try to pour in some of those analogue methods pertaining to Akai R2Rs.
Please let me know anything that you know about those as well which would help me to extend further on.
Priyanthy,
Thanks, xmas is round the corner I guess and time to get to play that 'Silent Night' and 'Jingle Bells' :))
Edited By - DrAkai - 22 Nov 2006 19:09:30 GMT |
hellogoodbye
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22 Nov 2006 19:18:47 GMT Report for Abuse
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Hi Doc,
Congrats on getting your own space. Must say I was disappointed though, was expecting it to be full of pictures of Playboy Bunnies. But it's the same old analog vs digital debate; what's the use you cant take it to bed with you.
Edited By - hellogoodbye - 22 Nov 2006 22:22:19 G |
Saint
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22 Nov 2006 19:49:50 GMT Report for Abuse
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Hey!
Best wishes, do you know what it means Dr.Akai in Japanese?
Well, its Dr.Red. (Actually Dr. means 'Isha' but you can call Dr. too)
greets.
Edited By - Saint - 22 Nov 2006 19:50:51 GMT |
DrAkai
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22 Nov 2006 19:59:30 GMT Report for Abuse
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Saint,
Thanks for that input. In fact 'Akai' other than in technological terms I knew nothing of. The meaning does make a difference I guess I am red-hot for them being an enthusiast :-)
I guess you are good at Japanese then.
Sayonara for the time being.
HGB,
Thanks Mate, I am still down with flu, have not charged my batteries to the full extent yet. Keep the pecker up!! |
MarkLevinson
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23 Nov 2006 07:46:33 GMT Report for Abuse
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| Same old debate YES...but who cares....I prefer BOTH:):):) |
Saint
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23 Nov 2006 22:20:18 GMT Report for Abuse
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AKAI ISHA,
Pleasure is all mine, yes I can humbly say that I speak four languages and Japanese is one of them.
When you say Sayonara for time being you can use the phrase 'JA-NE'. ;-) |
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