Again, there’s nothing wrong with these things, but I’ve put together a small list of reasons why you should (as much as it makes sense) invest in good, analog equipment.
1. Analog gear can last decades
A lot of major studios around the world still use the same outboard gear they used thirty years ago.
Sure, they might need to be repaired occasionally, or you might need to swap out tubes, etc.
But these studios have gone from analog tape to digital tape to full-on Pro Tools HD systems.
All these systems can easily use the same analog equipment. A good piece of analog hardware is timeless.
2. Analog gear is how you “get it right at the source”
You hear it all over the place. When recording, you must “get it right at the source.” The idea of “fixing it in the mix” is absurd, if you aren’t diligent about first capturing the audio properly.
Analog gear will always be the only way to properly capture an analog source.
3. Analog gear never has compatibility issues
Have you ever purchased a new computer, only to find you needed to upgrade a few pieces of software to get them to work? Yeah, me too.
I’ve never heard of somebody needing to upgrade his LA-610 when he updated his operating system, have you? Me neither. Analog gear will always be relevant and useful.
4. Analog gear (for the most part) maintains its value
If at some point in the next 10 years you decide you want to sell your nice solid-state preamp for a high-end tube pre, you’ll get a lot more money for a good preamp than you will for a good audio interface. Especially if the piece in question is over 5 years old.
Imagine buying a $1,000 interface and a $1,000 microphone today. In ten years, you could get a lot of money out of that microphone.
You might not even be able to give the audio interface away. It would probably be obsolete. A good mic is never obsolete.
So, now it’s your turn. Where are the weak links in your analog chain? Feel free to let me know in the comments below.
Joe Gilder is a Nashville based engineer, musician, and producer who also provides training and advice at the Home Studio Corner.