1980-now Digital recording & sequencing

• When did digital recording and sequencing begin to be incorporated into studios?

  In the early 1980s
• What was one of the first bands to use digital recording technology?

  Dire Straits
• How does digital recording differ from analogue recording?

  Digital recording converts audio signals into a data stream of binary information
• What is the role of the record head in digital tape recording?

  It records the binary information onto the tape
• What do analogue to digital converters (ADC) do?

  They change incoming analogue signals into digital data
• What technology has evolved from early digital tape machines?

  Modern digital tape machine technology
• How do hard disks in standalone computers operate in relation to digital recording?

  They write binary data to a large magnetic platter
• What is the purpose of hard disk audio recorders?

  To miniaturize digital recording technology
• What does Moore's law state about technology?

  It will halve in size, halve in price, or become twice as powerful every two years
• How has digital recording technology evolved in terms of size and storage?

  It has become smaller and more efficient with flash storage
• What was a significant feature of the Atari ST computer?

  It had MIDI ports
• What was the impact of MIDI on synthesizers and drum machines?

  It allowed devices to respond to the same information and control one another
• What does MIDI stand for?

  Musical Instrument Digital Interface
• Who proposed the MIDI protocol?

  Dave Smith of Sequential Circuits
• What was the function of early MIDI sequencers?

  To send trigger information digitally rather than using analogue CVs
• How did early computer sequencers differ from traditional synthesizers?

  They controlled data for external devices without containing sounds themselves
• What are DAWs and how did they evolve?

  Digital Audio Workstations evolved from early MIDI sequencers and digital audio recording
• What are the similarities between 1980s, 1990s, and present-day DAWs?

  • Basic functionality remains similar
  • Use of MIDI for sequencing
  • Digital audio recording capabilities
  • Evolved user interfaces and features