ABSTRACT
Whether recording to analog or digital, the incoming signals will be routed, recorded and monitored using input, recording structure, then output. The style of music, the artist, time restraints, and tracks available will all determine how many tracks will be used for basics, overdubs, and vocals. In the analog recording world, hotter levels to tape can result in distorted sounds. In the digital world, hotter means cleaner sounds because of using more of the ‘volume bits.’ But when signal reaches 0 dBFS, sounds will instantly become 100 percent distorted. Like links in a chain, the console is a linked series of circuits. If one link is low, boosting somewhere else to compensate adds unnecessary noise and distortion. A little bit of noise here and there adds up to a whole lot of noise in the final result. Every device introduced to the signal slightly degrades the signal’s definition. Less processing means purer sound, with more focus and clarity.
