When I'm reviewing gear, audio analysis software like FuzzMeasure [this issue] gives me the ability to resolve differences in sound quality and consequently use objective language when conveying those differences. But I would argue that all recording engineers would benefit from learning how to use an analyzer and decipher the data that it presents. Even if we're not doing formal product evaluations, we're still constantly presented with a choice of recording tools. Knowing how single pieces or whole signal-chains of gear react to certain sounds or techniques can steer us toward more efficient workflows - mic'ing, processing, and mixing.