Multitrack recording

As a multi-track recorder audio recorder are designated for recording sound or sound, which have at least two independent recording tracks. So each track can be recorded individually, without altering previously recorded tracks. In addition, all tracks can be played together.

Description

Multitrack recorders are used in the recording studio or " home recording ". Also overdubs, for example after concert recordings are recorded with the help of multi-track equipment to still add missing accompanying voices against the studio album or to correct erroneous passages. Multi-tracks are also used for the production of radio plays, yet can be excellent subsequently noise synchronously record the spoken action.

The technique of multi-track recording enables artists such as Prince, individual tracks or entire albums completion immediately alone, since the instruments can be taken in sequence. Also, not all musicians together to import their part, but can take their part of the piece at different times and even in different places.

Goods especially tape recorders capable of independently record several tracks analogous to the 90s in, they are now (2008) of digital systems largely replaced. These include minidisc multitrack recorders, hard disk recorders and computer systems for digital audio DAW ( Digital Audio Workstation), which also record on hard disks, as opposed to the hard disk recorder include but extensive functions for editing, mixing, and often even mastering. The technical quality of the digital computer systems is constantly improving especially in the professional field. The current audio CD standard of 44.1 kHz sampling rate at 16 bit resolution ( Redbook format) for audio and CD productions is likely to change in the coming years to other, higher-resolution formats.

In home recording area have long been the standard four-track equipment that can be operated with conventional tapes. Today, rather eight tracks are the minimum, because prices have fallen, in the professional field and 64 more tracks are common.

History

The first multi-track recorder emerged in the 1950s, however, merely provided the opportunity to record in real-time audio signals on two tracks, which were then adjusted later in the mix to mono. It was not until the early 1960s produced equipment, which allowed to record the two tracks independently. For example, only the music was on a track first recorded to later you can add on the second track independently the vocals.

The first 4 - track recorder built around 1964. They allowed a much more creative ways the artist with the medium, which was henceforth also used more and more intense. Elaborate music productions such as " Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band " by the Beatles would not have been possible without the 4-track technology. Nevertheless, the technology was not yet mature. In general, the basic tools of a song were recorded "live " on four tracks, which were then " mixed down " to one or two tracks in the next step, in order to then add other instruments. In this way, significant loss of sound were unavoidable (so-called generation loss ) on each copy generation.

In 1967, the first 8-track machines were built. They made it possible for the first time, the complete arrangement of a song on a single tape - without intermediate mixing - take ( simple instrumentation required).

In the early 1970s created the first 16 - track recorder that could hold even more complex arrangements. A broad public perception learned this technique by the 1973 published album Tubular Bells by Mike Oldfield, in the box office this almost all traces of the most richly orchestrated pieces themselves.

Since then, the number of available audio tracks has always increased. For an average music production 24 tracks are used as a rule. Professional tape machines can be synchronized mostly so in an increased need for soundtracks two tape machines, each with 24 tracks can for example be used together. Nevertheless, devices with 64 and more tracks are offered.

Examples of track occupancy of a multitrack recorder

2 tracks

  • Track 01: Music
  • Track 02: Voice

4 tracks

  • Track 01: Drums
  • Track 02: Bass
  • Track 03: Guitars
  • Track 04: Voice

8 tracks

  • Track 01: drums left
  • Track 02: drums right
  • Track 03: Bass
  • Track 04: Rhythm Guitar
  • Track 05: Lead Guitar
  • Track 06: Voice
  • Track 07: Choir
  • Track 08: Click

16 tracks

  • Track 01: Bass Drum
  • Track 02: Snare
  • Track 03: Hi -Hat
  • Track 04: Low Tom
  • Track 05: Middle Tom
  • Track 06: High Tom
  • Track 07: Overhead left
  • Track 08: Overhead right
  • Track 09: Bass
  • Track 10: Rhythm Guitar
  • Track 11: Lead Guitar
  • Track 12: Voice
  • Track 13: Voice ( voice 2 )
  • Lane 14: Choral left
  • Track 15: Choral right
  • Lane 16: Click

The creative advantage comes from the use of more and more tracks, is most evident in the recording of a drum kit. A drum consists of a variety of sound sources (bass drum, snare, etc.) when using eg eight tracks can not be recorded separately. With eight tracks, it is necessary to define when recording, how loud, for example, should be hi-hat. Their volume level can not be changed later. Only at 16 tracks there is the possibility of separated record almost all sound sources in a drum kit from each other, the volume can be changed later.

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