Signs You May Be Taking Youself Too Seriously
Posted on | September 26, 2008 | No Comments
—– Original Message —-
From: ZenMastering
To: TapeOp Editor
Sent: Thursday, September 25, 2008
Subject: Letter to the Editor
TapeOp,
I read your Purity and Honesty in Recordings Seal of Approval in the Sept./Oct. 2008 issue and have a few thoughts.
I applaud the overall idea of putting the music first and technology second. This is a concept that has become lost in the digital age. However, to blame digital recording for this phenomenon is misguided.
The sole responsibility of a recording rests in the hands of the people who make it, not the tools they use. I believe (to reference your example) that if the Beatles had access to plug-ins, they would have used them to serve their music. Remember, they were often on the cutting edge of recording technology for the day.
Great recordings can be made, start to finish, “in the box”. Ten or fifteen years ago I wouldn’t have said that, but today I believe it’s true. Software algorithms and DSP power have evolved to a place where digital recording, mixing, and mastering rivals analog work.
To be clear, I’m not talking about every program or plug-in, but the best-of-breed digital tools are strong competitors with their analog counterparts. Of course, this also implies a great signal chain: excellent A/D and D/A converters and cables, amplifiers, and monitors.
If you still feel strongly about standing by your seal of approval, I applaud you. To avoid hypocrisy, though, you should only run ads by companies making analog recording tools.
Sincerely,
Paul Abbott
—– Response —-
From: TapeOp Editor
To: ZenMastering
Sent: Thursday, September 25, 2008
Subject: Re: Letter to the Editor
You know this was a joke? Poking at the people that say there’s only one way to record a music?
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From Ohm to Om reflects the opinions of mastering engineer Paul Abbott, owner of San Diego's ZenMastering.
We welcome comments from readers...pro or con!
