It's hard to believe that 30 years ago I was running a simple Cakewalk sequencer with 7 hardware synth modules and 2 Lexicon outboard boxes - all through a 24/8 Mackie board = = = all mixed down to DAT. Loved the separation, warmth and definition of those production end-points.
Then I went digital and things got a lot easier.
Now - i went to a friends house . . . they produce EDM/techno music on their own label with lots of success on both Beatport, iTunes, etc (see Illbomb Records). They run Ableton Live - - - but output (through DA/AD converters) through a Neve "analog summing" rack unit . . . basically running the mixdown "out of the box" (Ableton) into the analog realm - - - then back into the computer for the final mix and mastering.
I could easily hear the difference given the quality of the converters, Neve unit, their production skills, balanced room, and fucking awesome Genelec monitors . . . the A to B comparisons were subtle . . . but there was definitely a "wider" mix, more separation - - - and this "saturation" that was really difficult for me to identify . . . but it was there for sure, at least to my ears.
This is a strange business when stuff like the TR-808/909 came out - audiophiles were dissing this technology big-time . . . now they are revered, with high-end VST's created in their honor, and the original hardware selling for thousands !!!
At any rate = stuff like this is out of my league (and pocketbook) for a while now =
Later . . . feedback appreciated.
~JK
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