Direct-to-disc recording
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Direct-to-disc recording refers to sound recording methods that bypass the use of magnetic tape recording and record audio directly onto analog disc masters.
Professional analog sound recording
Most sound recordings for
The first commercial release of Direct-to-disc microgroove LP records was from the Nippon Columbia label, in 1969 - the series entitled "Columbia 45rpm Direct Cutting Series".[1] And in the mid-late 1970s, a small number of albums recorded direct-to-disc began to appear again on the market and were marketed as "audiophile" editions, promising superior sound quality compared with recordings made using the more common multi-track tape recording methods. A small number of direct-to-disc albums continue to be recorded and released in the 2020s.[2]
To make a direct-to-disc recording, musicians would typically play one 15-minute "live" set in a
Such a direct-to-disc recording was often simultaneously recorded onto a two-track
Advantages
Technically, direct-to-disc recording is believed to result in a more accurate, less noisy recording through the elimination of up to four generations of master tapes, overdubs, and mix downs from multi-tracked masters. The method bypasses problems inherent in analog recording tape such as tape hiss.[citation needed]
Disadvantages
Although the spontaneity of performance is preserved, no overdubbing or editing is possible. It becomes more challenging for the musicians, engineers and producers, whose performances will be captured "warts and all." In the event of aborted sides, expensive lacquers are wasted and cannot be used again. According to Robert Auld of the
Some artists maintain that musical instruments may drift out of tune: It is not possible to keep instruments in tune for the length of the LP side.[4] Which is why many professional musicians have always had to tune up their instruments themselves during live shows and often even in the middle of a song.
References
- ^ "Columbia 45rpm Direct-Cutting Series". Discogs. Retrieved 15 March 2021.
- ^ "Live – Third Man Records – Official Store".
- ^ Robert Auld. Direct-to-Disc at AES
- ^ Guttenberg, Steve (March 2005). "Walter Sear's Analog Rules". Stereophile. Retrieved 22 November 2006.