When is digital going to get the soul of music?

(All cymbals mostly sound alike on a digital rig...not so with analog).

You must have a very poor performing system. Not only should you be able to tell what type of cymbal was use but also what brand of microphone was used to record it. I never have a problem doing so and neither do any of the folks I hang with.

(Sure thing. Here's my poor system...LOL at you...)

I said poor performing system not poor system. I also did not indicate that digital was better. Actually, in most cases I agree that analog is better, just that your statement that all cymbals sound the same with your digital front end means that something must be wrong with your digital front end. As a part time Recording Engineer, that uses a high rez multi track system on locations to record up to 50 concerts a year, and having been in the field for almost 30 years, with the first 10 being analog.....I can tell you that if you can not hear a difference in cymbals then either your hardware or software is compromised.

Now the arguement to which is better is another story for another time.

I agree with your statement and when I have the time to really relax and enjoy music and not wear my engineer hat I usually take a spin down the vinyl highway.

Best wishes!

As a part time recording engineer whose focus is live, on locations recordings, I'd say digital gets the soul very well indeed!

Go buy Frank Vignola Trio (Standards Live) or Felipe Salles (Timeline) an example of shows that I recorded and were released by the artist. I think they capture the live event well.

For the Frank show I was unaware that he was going to release it until it was pressed. Certainly there are things I would have edited out between songs but, hey, it was a live event and that is how it was.

Of course these were recorded in high rez format but sre only available as CD's. I listen to the 24/96. The CD's are very close to the high rez. and you are hardly missing anything.

I have hundreds of other shows that I've done by artists such as Spyro Gyra, David Bromberg, Bill Evans, Arlo Guthrie, Marty Ehrlich, Ivo Papasov, Duke Robillard and others that capture the events nicely. As a matter of fact, I'm just finishing a Kenny Neal show that "takes you there". You can sit back and listen until your spouse divorces you for abandonment, it is that engaging.

Also, I have an large LP collection and enjoy listening to it too........but, IMO, analog's best is done through tape not LP.