There have always been benefits of both analog and digital, but before I continue, you and I must ask ourselves: What is the end result we are listening for?
Ultimately I believe we are searching for the “best quality” sound, but how do you define quality? is subjective and therefore cannot be defined without a point of reference. What is YOUR point of reference? Do you remember the “best quality” sound you have ever heard?
The widespread availability of computers makes digital recording a perfect creative tool, but often imperfect sound. There is still something lacking or we wouldn’t be asking this question time and time again. It can easily be demonstrated that good analog I/O’s make a very noticeable difference in the
final outcome of a digital product. The less analog used in the signal path generally means the final product will sound less “alive” which can only be fixed by a strong dose of analog.
The “war” between analog and digital has mostly been a war of propaganda (marketing). Do you remember the disclaimers on early Compact Discs that warned you may hear imperfections that were there in the original (analog) recording! In some ways we have traded old imperfections for new imperfections. There have been some remarkable advances in digital technology but I feel that in the spirit of invention they have lost sight of their point of reference. They have forgotten their roots!
I am reminded of a conversation overheard between Rupert Neve and a young digital designer. The young man said he had invented a new EQ algorithm. “How does it sound?” Rupert asked. There was a long pause and the inventor restated, as if Rupert did not hear him correctly, “….uh….it’s an ALGORITHM”
Eventually all digital must end up as analog. Is it possible to have the best analog sound combined with the best digital performance and flexibility? The answer is: YES, BUT because our design passions and goals are different, the divide that currently exists in the technologies must be bridged before we can move forward. Unfortunately some technological brick walls are being designed into IC’s (especially AD-DA converter IC’s) that make it difficult or impossible to move forward. How do you get a 150 dB dynamic range out of a 3 volt power supply?
Both technologies are completely valid. Digital audio has been improving and some of it is quite good but I fear it may take a turn for the worse if the consumer does not demand better. We are in this business to express ourselves through sound. How frustrating it must be for the artist who, after recording, says “I spent years practicing this song and thousands of dollars on this violin- why does it sound like a keyboard?”
We are often asked “How can I make my digital recording sound better?” The Portico range is our first answer to that question. No one has asked me yet, “How can I make my converter chip sound better?
-Kevin
There have always been benefits of both analog and digital, but before I continue, you and I must ask ourselves: What is the end result we are listening for?
Ultimately I believe we are searching for the “best quality” sound, but how do you define quality? is subjective and therefore cannot be defined without a point of reference. What is YOUR point of reference? Do you remember the “best quality” sound you have ever heard?
The widespread availability of computers makes digital recording a perfect creative tool, but often imperfect sound. There is still something lacking or we wouldn’t be asking this question time and time again. It can easily be demonstrated that good analog I/O’s make a very noticeable difference in the
final outcome of a digital product. The less analog used in the signal path generally means the final product will sound less “alive” which can only be fixed by a strong dose of analog.
The “war” between analog and digital has mostly been a war of propaganda (marketing). Do you remember the disclaimers on early Compact Discs that warned you may hear imperfections that were there in the original (analog) recording! In some ways we have traded old imperfections for new imperfections. There have been some remarkable advances in digital technology but I feel that in the spirit of invention they have lost sight of their point of reference. They have forgotten their roots!
I am reminded of a conversation overheard between Rupert Neve and a young digital designer. The young man said he had invented a new EQ algorithm. “How does it sound?” Rupert asked. There was a long pause and the inventor restated, as if Rupert did not hear him correctly, “….uh….it’s an ALGORITHM”
Eventually all digital must end up as analog. Is it possible to have the best analog sound combined with the best digital performance and flexibility? The answer is: YES, BUT because our design passions and goals are different, the divide that currently exists in the technologies must be bridged before we can move forward. Unfortunately some technological brick walls are being designed into IC’s (especially AD-DA converter IC’s) that make it difficult or impossible to move forward. How do you get a 150 dB dynamic range out of a 3 volt power supply?
Both technologies are completely valid. Digital audio has been improving and some of it is quite good but I fear it may take a turn for the worse if the consumer does not demand better. We are in this business to express ourselves through sound. How frustrating it must be for the artist who, after recording, says “I spent years practicing this song and thousands of dollars on this violin- why does it sound like a keyboard?”
We are often asked “How can I make my digital recording sound better?” The Portico range is our first answer to that question. No one has asked me yet, “How can I make my converter chip sound better?
-Kevin
