Pete Townshend on analog...

[THX1136]

Many good points. If one takes the time to read the whole interview with Pete one would conclude that he neither endorses analog only nor digital only. I came away with the thought that one should work with whatever one is comfortable with be it analog or digital.

He says he uses RADAR also at one point in the interview because he likes the sound of it. He also states he uses ProTools HD. He uses Genex DSD to mix down to as he prefers the sound to analog (1/2", Dolby SR @15 ips). He stated the difference was almost impossible to tell between the two.

I would encourage anyone interested to read the whole interview if you haven't already. Townsend makes some good points worth thinking about further as it applies to your own situation.

(Beck, you need to get a Mac. I won't say they never crash, but I have found them to be way more stable than a Windows PC - especially since OS X arrived.)

 

[_DK]

So basically what im saying is why do people bitch about the computer making it harder to create something (all that left/right brain talk)? Digital recording is the easiest way to come up with ideas and realize them over time.

It is easy to edit, but what's hard (for me, at least) is getting the sound I want.

 

[Beck]

Many good points. If one takes the time to read the whole interview with Pete one would conclude that he neither endorses analog only nor digital only. I came away with the thought that one should work with whatever one is comfortable with be it analog or digital.

He says he uses RADAR also at one point in the interview because he likes the sound of it. He also states he uses ProTools HD. He uses Genex DSD to mix down to as he prefers the sound to analog (1/2", Dolby SR @15 ips). He stated the difference was almost impossible to tell between the two.

I would encourage anyone interested to read the whole interview if you haven't already. Townsend makes some good points worth thinking about further as it applies to your own situation.

He did say he found it hard to tell the difference between Genex DSD and 1/2" 15 ips w/Dolby, but he said he preferred the analog to DSD, not the other way 'round.

Also keep in mind he is 62 years old and has abused his ears mercilessly throughout his career. He would be lucky to hear any high frequencies above 10k (being generous), which is where digital recording does the most damage to sound.

http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2006/01/05/hearing-loss060105.html

It’s a sad irony that the most experienced artists lose their ability to discern the differences between various formats. Most older musicians, producers, etc, will ultimately accept digital because they can’t hear, if for no other reason. They assume digital technology is improving, and although it may be to a degree, the fact is analog and digital are sounding more the same to some people due to natural hearing loss.

There are exceptions. I’m in my 40’s but my hearing is above average for someone in their mid to late 20’s and IMO is part of the reason I prefer analog. Of course it’s more complex than frequency response alone, but if you can’t hear the offending frequencies they are effectively not there from your perspective. Thus two different people could argue endlessly about how a certain recording sounds because their respective hearing sensitivities are so markedly different.

There are two types of people in the world… audiophiles and those that hate them.

Teens have better hearing, but as a rule they don’t have the exposure to the different technologies. We have a generation that hasn’t made any real choices because they are only familiar with digital. Many can’t say they have made a decision based on actually weighing the options.

A person with a combination of experience, exceptional hearing and self-confidence represents a tiny minority, with the very old on one side and the very young on the other… surrounded! The old can’t hear and the young haven’t had the opportunity…and both are subject to crushing social pressures of being trendy and up to date. This pressure may be even greater for the once famous that are trying to stay relevant.

There are many other reasons beyond sonic differences why people favor one format over the other, but musical ability, experience and one’s sensitivity to sound are the most significant aspects IF sound is the point of reference.

Social pressure, convenience and economics have greater bearing on what people are actually using.

 

[Beck]

Darn, but I got caught up in a rant and forget to say, I think it's a great article worthy of saving. Townsend has a good handle on the old and the new. He's doing like most of us... using analog and digital where he thinks each fits best (when his producer will let him).

I like his comments on different CD burners, even calling a Marantz warm compared to others. And it’s true; there are big differences in ADCs and DACs in these things. He is also willing to try new gadgets, and it seems he’s not easily roped into something and isn’t afraid to go back to older equipment that has always worked for him.