ABSTRACT
In the recording process, engineers regularly encounter technical issues that cause noises to be introduced or audio signals to be degraded inadvertently. To the careful listener, such events remove the illusion of transparent audio technology, revealing a recorded musical performance and reminding them that they are listening to a recording mediated by once invisible but now clearly apparent technology. It becomes more diffi cult for a listener to completely enjoy any artistic statement when technological choices are adding unwanted sonic artifacts. When recording technology contributes negatively to a recording, a listener’s attention becomes focused on artifacts created by the technology and drifts away from the musical performance. There are many levels and types of sonic artifacts that can detract from a sound recording, and gaining experience in critical listening promotes increased sensitivity to various types of noise and distortion.
