It's entirely possible to make music on a computer without having the faintest idea of how digital audio works, but a little knowledge can go a long way when it comes to pushing the medium to its limits.
For those unfamiliar with the basics of how sound works, let's start at square one. Some of the following explanations might seem a little abstract out of the context of actual mixing, but introducing these ideas now is important, as they'll be referenced when we get more handson later in the issue.
Sound is the oscillation (that is, waves) of pressure through a medium - air, for example. When these waves hit our tympanic membranes (eardrums), the air vibration is converted to a vibration in the fluid that fills the channels of the inner ear. These channels also host cells with microscopic 'hairs' (called stereocilia) that release chemical neurotransmitters when pushed hard enough by the vibrations in the fluid. It's these neurotransmitters that tell our brain what we're listening to.
The process of recording audio works by converting the pressure waves in the air into an electrical signal. For example, when we (used to) record using a microphone feeding into a tape recorder, the transducer in the mic converts the pressure oscillation in the air into an electrical signal, which is fed to the tape head, which polarises the magnetic particles on the tape running over it in direct proportion to the signal. The movement of sound through air - and, indeed, the signal recorded to tape - is what we'd call an analogue signal. That means that it's continuous - it moves smoothly from one 'value' to the next without 'stepping', even under the most microscopic of scrutiny.
By the numbers
This story is from the August 2022 edition of Computer Music.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the August 2022 edition of Computer Music.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Sonuscore The Score $399 PC MAC
The Score comes up with a film soundtrack based on your stylistic choices, but that’s just the start of it. Andy Jones scores The Score
Baby Audio Humanoid $129 PC MAC
Humanoid brings the ‘extreme’ and ‘radical’ to the world of vocals, but is also one of the easiest plugins to use and abuse, says Andy Jones
The Synth Factory Horizen $129 PC MAC
A synth/sampler that packs in a lot of power at an almost silly price - despite its low profile, Andy Jones gazes at Horizen...
Flow Mastering Suite $15/month PC MAC
Mastering your music just got as easy or as complex as you want. But, Andy Jones asks, is it worth yet another monthly subscription?
Universal Audio LA-6176 $299 PC MAC
UA has bundled three of its classic emulations into one channel strip. Is this analogue dream your ideal plugin team? Andy Jones finds out
Rack'em up...
IK Multimedia has announced a comprehensive update to its mixing and mastering software, T-RackS, that brings some smart mastering additions
FX Collection 5 €499
Arturia's huge bundle of effects gets its regular update and it's still easily as essential as the company's V Collection
Make a pulsing bass with GForce Axxess
Get mechanical, with a garage-inspired bass patch, which gets right to the pulsing heart of the Axxess synthesiser
The software that shaped us
Computer Music has had a 25-year history, and over the life of this magazine, the technology behind music production has changed beyond recognition. Here are the products that set the stage for the modern world…
PERFECT VIRTUAL GUITAR!
Need a great guitar sound, but lacking any guitar-playing contacts, or the skills to play it yourself? Have no fear, your computer is here! With a few pointers, buying advice and hands-on tips, you and your PC or Mac can emulate the greatest guitarists in the world…