Like most engineers, I learned my trade on various tape- based analog machines. Most of my early days were spent working on a Fostex B-16 1/2". Soon enough, I had graduated to 2" recording and spent countless hours recording bands like Will Haven, Deftones, 7 Seconds, Knapsack, and others on that format. Times have changed. I now find myself addicted to the joys of hard drive-based recording and I'm always a little disappointed whenever I have to go back. A few years ago, I decided that I wanted to get more serious about entering the world of electronic music. Instead of going the sampler/sequencer route, I opted to buy a better computer and focus on a fully hard drive-based system. After a little research and a decent amount of time staring at my computer monitor, I found myself to be quite taken with programs like Sonic Foundry's Acid, Sound Forge, and more recently Vegas. Very quickly, I became a fan of the newfound freedom that I had been granted. I discovered that, with a little creative thinking, any style of music could be captured and presented quite well with computer-based system. I loved the idea of being able to go from having a song idea to having a mastered CD using just one piece of gear. Added to this were the benefits of almost limitless sample time, not needing to buy expensive analog tape and being able to work on professional level projects in my bedroom. I got off to a great start on this system without spending too much money.
Interviews digital-or-analog
Digital or Analog?: Pro Tools Mix Plus 24: Gift from God?
BY Eric Stenman
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