ABSTRACT
Although modern digital technologies theoretically offer recordists cheaper, more powerful, more versatile and convenient signal processors, many still choose to use vintage hardware tools. This chapter explores the factors behind recordists’ adoption of vintage hardware signal processing technologies in their practice, including desirable ‘distortions’ of audio signals (distortion in this instance considered as a ‘change’ in the original signal). A grounded theory approach was used to identify these factors, incorporating analysis of documentary material, academic literature and interviews with professional recordists. The factors include the sonic distortions introduced as a by-product of equipment design, ‘creative abuse’ to introduce distortions, technocultural choice, workflow optimisations and the iconic status of these vintage units.
