Analogue tape recording

The world’s top studios still offer analogue recording facilities. Keith Gemmell looks into the advantages and disadvantages of recording the old-fashioned way.

Analogue recording dominated the music industry for the best part of 50 years, but just as it reached a state of near perfection, ironically, it suddenly disappeared. Well, not completely, because many musicians and engineers still use it, but as far as the manufacture of professional multitrack tape recorders goes, it’s as good as dead. However, second-hand pro reel-to-reel tape recorders continue to fetch high prices. For example, a Sony APR24 will set you back around £5,500; a Studer A827, nearer £16,000. What’s the attraction?

This feature first appeared in Music Tech Magazine issue 23
Filed under Ten Minute Masters

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