Computer technology - Home studio dissertation

[rhythmic]

Hi
I''m currently researching for a dissertation that i'm writing on computer technolgy and it's role inside a home studio.

What i'm looking for is information on how a home studio is now accessible to many and what are the main difference with the recording process today, with say the 60's.

I'm also looking at the role of the computer and it's role in the future. Do you need a dedicated computer of is it possible to operate successfully with a general purpose computer.

If you have any information that could help or know of any place where i could this information i would appreciate if you could email me back.

Ben

 

[jake-owa]

Not only will a general purpose computer do the job, but the average computer will be able to download free software and teach the user (via internet) everything about audio recording.
In fact the average joe can get deeper into recording for nearly free than the average consumer in the 60s could be for a substantial investment.

Portastudios revolutionized and simplified the difficulties of multitrack recording in the early 80s. That was the birth of affordable home recording.

 

[Track Rat]

I feel the difference between recording in the 60's and computer based recording (home OR pre studio) would be editing capability. In the 60's, a band came into a studio and recorded pretty much live for the most part. There was some editing going on then but pretty much what the band could play in one take is what got recorded.
Today things can be assembled a piece at a time and edited at sample level. Sections or words or an individual drum hit can be slid, copied, pasted, deleted, tuned, swapped out for a different sample or damn near anything you can think of at a microscopic level.

 

[Beezoboy]

Also don't forget to include the use of synths, midi (which really revolutionized everything), DSP, and effects boxes. If you go back a little further you could get the changes in mic techniques too.

Look up Joe Meek. He took some big steps. Don't forget the Beatles. They helped a lot too.

I hope this dissertation is around 50 - 100 pages because that is what you could easily fill. Oh and don't forget to read Harvey's big mic thread.

Beezoboy