Sound Engineering Explained, 2nd Edition

11 Recording

Part 1 – Recording devices and systems

There are two broad categories of audio recorder:

1.   Analogue, in which the degree of magnetization of a suitable tape varies with the amplitude of the audio signal.

2.   Digital, where the original signal is converted into a particular code and it is the latter which is recorded, possibly magnetically.

The professional world is increasingly using digital recorders, but it is likely that for some time to come analogue machines will be useful tools for many non-professionals, so we will deal with the main aspects of these devices.

Analogue recording

Analogue machines themselves come into two categories. There is the familiar cassette type and there is what is termed the open reel or reel-to-reel ...