1968-1995 Large scale analogue multitrack

• What type of tape was commonly used in large-scale analogue multitrack machines from 1968 to 1995?

  2 inch tape (rather then 1/4 inch tape commonly found on domestic stereo machines)
• Why did larger tape machines encourage performers to experiment with bigger productions?

  They allowed for more instruments and a greater number of microphones to be used.
• How did the use of larger machines affect the recording of drums?

  Each drum could be recorded on an individual track.
• What was the impact of overdubbing becoming normal practice in recording?

  It made it less important if a musician made a mistake during recording.
• How did the recording process change in the 1970s due to advancements in technology?

  Arrangements could evolve during the production phase rather than needing to be finalized beforehand.
• What song by Fleetwood Mac exemplified the practice of evolving song ideas in the studio?

  The Chain
• What improvement in technology allowed bands to link multiple tape machines together?

  Improved synchronization
• What was the maximum number of tracks that could be created by linking multiple tape machines?

  48 tracks
• What was the consequence of increasing the number of tracks available for recording?

  It encouraged musicians to be more ambitious with their studio productions.
• What technological advancement was necessary as the number of tracks increased?

  More channels were required on a mixing desk.
• Which companies specialized in large-format mixing desks?

  SSL and Neve
• What features were included in the large-format mixing desks produced by SSL and Neve?

  Distinctive sounding pre-amps, compressors, and EQ channels.
• Why have the sounds produced by SSL and Neve mixing desks been emulated in modern technology?

  They have been used on countless recordings and are considered important to production.
• How many tracks were on these machines?

  8 and 16 tracks