Digital and Analog Recording

While digital audio recording is similar in concept to analog recordings made on tape, the technical differences are significant. For much of the 20th century, and into the 21st, analog tape recordings have been used for the storage of audio performances— spoken, sung, and played.

The analog tape medium is a thin plastic strip coated in tiny metal particles. It is usually stored on a roll or spool, or as a cassette tape.

The process of analog tape recording involves the transmission of small electrical charges, sent to the magnetic heads of a tape recorder. Changes to the strength of these charges alter the magnetic fields generated by the heads, and rearrange the positions of the metal particles on the tape. Needless to say, this is a less than precise science. Due to the randomness involved in the rearrangement of magnetic particles on tape (and other technical reasons), the recordings are said to be analogous—similar to the actual performance.

Digital recording, on the other hand, is much less random. Analog signals are converted into digital audio signals via the ADC (Analog to Digital Converter) of the audio interface. The digital audio signal is stored on your computer hard disk—as a series of ones and zeroes—in a digital audio file. Provided this file remains uncorrupted (and is not edited or altered), the digital recording will be identical each time it is played back.

In a copying situation—tape to tape—there is no comparison between analog and digital recordings. Each subsequent copy of an analog recording becomes noisier, and less like the source material. This is the random factor of the magnetic particles becoming less like the original each time a copy is made.

Digital audio files, on the other hand, can be copied any number of times, with each subsequent copy adding no noise. It is simply a file copy.

On a more practical level, digital audio files stored on hard disk have the following advantages over analog audio stored on tape.

ÂDigital audio can be cut, copied, and pasted freely from location to location. Could you imagine physically cutting a stereo analog recording stored on tape into even four or five segments, and splicing them back together? Not much fun!

ÂYou can move to any spot in a digital audio file almost instantly, rather than waiting for the tedious mechanical rewinding and fast forwarding of an analog tape machine.

ÂYou can process digital audio in ways that are simply impossible with analog audio. As one example, it is possible to adjust the pitch of a digital audio file without changing its speed.

Appendix A Audio and MIDI Basics

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Apple 8 manual Digital and Analog Recording

8 specifications

The Apple iPhone 8, introduced in September 2017, marked a significant evolution in the company's smartphone lineup, bridging the design elements of the past with cutting-edge technology. The iPhone 8 brought several notable features and advancements that enhanced user experience and performance.

One of the most striking design elements of the iPhone 8 is its glass back, a departure from the aluminum unibody design of its predecessors. This transition not only provided a fresh aesthetic appeal but also enabled wireless charging, allowing users to power their devices conveniently without the need for cables. The iPhone 8 supports Qi wireless charging standards, making it compatible with a wide array of wireless charging pads.

Under the hood, the iPhone 8 is powered by Apple’s A11 Bionic chip, which features a six-core CPU. This powerful processor significantly improved the iPhone's speed and efficiency when compared to previous models. The A11 Bionic was designed for machine learning applications and includes a dedicated neural engine, allowing for better performance in tasks such as image recognition and augmented reality experiences.

The display of the iPhone 8 is a 4.7-inch Retina HD display, boasting True Tone technology, which adjusts the screen's white balance based on the ambient light. This feature not only enhances color accuracy but also improves comfort for users by reducing eye strain in various lighting conditions. With a resolution of 1334 x 750 pixels, the display delivers sharp and vibrant visuals.

Camera capabilities on the iPhone 8 also received significant upgrades. The rear 12-megapixel camera features optical image stabilization, providing clearer photos and smoother video recording, even in low light conditions. The introduction of new color filters and a larger sensor allowed for improved photo quality. The front-facing 7-megapixel camera supports 1080p HD video recording and features advanced portrait mode, offering users new ways to create professional-quality selfies.

Another important aspect of the iPhone 8 is its robust security features. The device continued to use Touch ID for biometric authentication, ensuring that users' data remained secure. Additionally, the iPhone 8 was water and dust resistant, rated IP67, which added an extra layer of durability.

In summary, the Apple iPhone 8 successfully combined innovative technology with timeless design. Its wireless charging, powerful A11 Bionic chip, enhanced camera features, and sturdy build quality made it a compelling choice for consumers looking to experience the best of Apple’s engineering prowess.