Tape Trail

Posted by soundnut (A) on July 07, 2007 at 18:55:27

In Reply to: RE: Yup. That's kinda what I was thinking. posted by Teresa on July 07, 2007 at 18:02:31

How ya doin'?

There's a reason for the above photo, which will become apparent at the end of my message.

You got questions... I got answers:

1) Your computer rig? Wouldn't your actual Stereo System sound better than a computer? I know my real stereo sounds 10,000 times better than my computer!

A: My computer is an audio-optimized machine with a professional-grade studio audio interface hooked to my stereo system as a source component, just like any other source component would be.

2) Have you ever heard audiophile or even better commercial cassette played on your Nakamichi cassette deck? And is the playhead azimuth and Dolby tracking aligned properly? I have pre-recorded cassettes that are sonically superior to their LP, DVD-Audio and even sometimes their SACD versions.

A: Yes, and they frequently sound stunningly good. Everything is aligned properly. I also have some cassettes that are far better than the LP counterparts. I don't have a DVD-Audio or SACD player, but I plan on adding one hopefully in the not-too-distant future.

3) Why would you hook up a cassette deck to a computer? Forget the fact that I firmly believe computers and music DO NOT mix. I still can't see the logic?

A: The cassette deck is hooked to my stereo system, just as my computer, CD player, and turntable. And computers and music mix perfectly, as long as you know what you're doing when putting one together. Many professional recording studios are using computer-based systems. And not just studios cranking out overly-compressed poppy garbage.

4) Finally if your computer sounds good to you, you seriously might think about updating your real stereo system?

A: Once again, my computer is a source component hooked to my system. It's hooked into the second tape loop as another tape deck would be. And that's basically how it's used. For recording.

You wrote: I am sorry if this sounds like I'm making fun of your computer and MP3 downloads but help me understand how any of this can possible sound 1/100th as good as a well made cassette tape?

A: That's because you're thinking that I'm using a computer to listen to music the way most people do: through whatever cheap soundcard it came with and cheesy speakers. My computer is outfitted with the same sort of audio interface that many audio project studios use, (an Event Echo Layla) along with some of the same software. (Adobe Audition, Samplitude, etc.)

If a computer is a good enough recording device for the studio in the above photo, I reckon I can feel ok about using one in my living room.

Cheers,
Bobbo :-)