Analog vs Digital HAS to Stop! 

This is a problem with the world in general, not just in music. Everyone has to feel so strongly they're right, that they don't care to think there could be another way.

My artist Bella video already over 730K ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-YT3gXsQ2MsU.html

This is why I follow you man, you give NO NONSENSE advice from a NEUTRAL and KNOWLEDGABLE stand point. Keep it up!

Well said. So much pointless argument from a lot of people who don't have a clue, just take a stance. I'd rather learn and continue to move forward

The magic of analog is real! Hearing the direct analog signal in the studio is something truly special. Capturing all nuances converting from analog to digital again is a challenge. The infinite nonlinear details of true analog are being sampled into a relatively limited format with A to D conversion. I haven’t been inside a fully analog studio since the early nineties but I won’t forget the sound (and the smell and smoke ;)

Agreed David! The whole digital vs analog is so tedious at this point. There's so much proof out there today that showes that it truly doesn't matter what you use, only how you use it matter. As always, love your content!

From my experience, when everyone has decided they are a music producer, there’s no way to talk truth about this, without offending someone. Nice seeing you address these things. You hit most points quite well. Really glad you mentioned devaluing of music and art. It’s very true and I hope you post that video, though I understand why you might not. Seems there’s a weird digital religion of jealousy appearing. A small group of in the box producers, demanding everyone hate all things analog. They usually ignore the subject/context of a video/conversation. They remain ignorant of simple terminology, physics and electronics, so they can tout falsities. As if no one has degrees concerning the technology or experience in the field to know better. They act like analog is blaspheme, insisting no one acknowledge hardware dose things different and sometimes * gasp * better. Their doctrine demands all tools be digital and free of charge, if possible. Eliminating financial mountains to climb or skills to expand/sharpen. It’s like they hate anything they find hard or people say is better. They'll call you an elitist snob for investing in your own art. The conflict of “us verses them” allows avoidance of facts that would make it a non argument in the first place. This all leaves people on the “other side” wondering if, in the face of an analog loaded professional world/history, these religious zealots aren’t just consumed with petty anger over their own insecurities. It’s weird, misleading and they attack anyone who points these things out. It’s different technologies but all tools, with advantages and disadvantages. It's not crazy to say, you will probably need both to reach full potential. Use what works best for the given task/budget and don't limit your self with a "religious" mindset.

Hell yeah! SO much needed! Compare music and movie industries: no matter how cheap cameras get, you don't see productions shooting movies on their iPhones because "it doesn't matter what you use" or they will watch it on a phone. So dumb

For me, the best out of your channel is your common sense, and this video is a good example. That's the factor that made me suscribe a few years ago. Please, keep on doing awesome stuff.

Man. Straight as an arrow... love your channel for your honesty. Your knowledge you share with us on your channel and your courses is so well appreciated

Well spoken! i started full analog back in the days and then i got all digital and now i am hybrid. I love both worlds and i do not understand the fuzz at all. Use what ever you got, it's perfectly fine. Thanx for awesome videos David. Cheers!

I’ve been mixing in the box ever since I started mixing. I still don’t have any analog but can honestly say that this channel is the only channel that inspired me to want to get analog. Not only that but want to mix on a professional level, I can’t say how much I thank you for your tutorial videos, it’s a really enlightening work flow that I really try to use my ears to get the sound I’m after. As he said in the video just use what you’ve got, if I can’t even mix good digitally what reason do I have to buy analog?

Love what your doing I went from ITB to hybrid because of you and I love both.. you absolutely know what your talking about because my results are exactly what you say they are going to be.. thanks and screw the close-minded haters

David, we love you. Complete truth! Thank you

Fortunatly, people can make the biggest difference... 😊. DAVID IS BOSS. thank you for your amazing videos❤️

This is the greatest channel about music production on the internet, period. Host is passionate, highly knowledgeable about his craft, and dispenses his wisdom for free. I like the part where he mentions how the hardware and the software emulation of the respective hardware IS NOT a 1:1 ratio. So true. And this is something that so many without hardware experience are just not understanding. I also like how he points out there is A Standard, which is indeed why professionals have spent thousands upon thousands on analog tools. While simultaneously not discrediting the overall place, or general importance of plug-ins for What Plug-Ins Do Well. And then, most crucially, puts emphasis on THE ENGINEER with the experience, and the ears, as the ultimate factor with these tools. This guy is amazing. If I wasn't interested in producing my own material, I'd be having him do it for me every single time.

David, you are a gem. thank you for always sharing intelligent and thoughtful content

I think most engineers whose work with both analog and digital would agree with you. I think the a vs d war has been over for quite some time. Its more so a new golden era because we've never been blessed with so many ways to make great records. Everyone just needs to find their balance. Good video as always.

soon these people will start comparing fifa online to real life fifa games lol love your videos brother im an independent artist im learning a lot from you thank you

Appreciate all the info you give. I work completely in the box, however I do want to eventually move into some hybrid mixing. Just not financially there yet, but great mixes will come from a great mix engineer whether analog or digital. Thanks Dave.

Always loving your honest words, David! Can't be more true than what you mention. Normally, successful people with a winning attitude are curious and wanna learn from people thinking completely the opposite way, so I can't either understand this clan war between the pro-analog and the pro-in-the-box. It's not a sports competition lol, nobody has to choose a team here! 😂 Awesome video, I rarely watch such long videos but this one is worth it!!! Best Regards from your friend François in Montreal, Canada! 🎼🃏🎵🎶🙏💯👌😁🌠

David, I know this video is old but I agree 100% on what you are talking about. I am happy you are here on RU-vid showing us what you know. Please keep it up. I have a ton of your videos to watch since I just recently discovered you.

I'm using a hybrid system. The Best of Both Worlds. That makes sense to me. David, you are the man. I ain't mad...😎

We defend certain positions because of our egos. People can't accept the truth, so they only see things that fits into their "reality". Great video.

Here's a funny one: I recently was playing with a mix and i was using my UA plug in Massive Passive (mastering unit) together with my ANALOG physical Massive Passive unit (not the mastering version) and it sounded pretty freaking amazing! It felt so goofy looking at the screen and seeing a picture of the unit while i was carving with the actual knobs on the unit 🤣 but whatever works, just have fun and stop the damn nonsense! 👍🏽👍🏽

Great video man, I work completely in the box but I like gaining information from engineers that work OTB so I can add their workflow and perspective to my approach while working in the box. It’s crazy that people argue this when listeners that have no engineering experience don’t care whether you mix digital, analog, or hybrid. Listeners care about good records.

You always got the best and the right points David! all of your words are true! thank you so much for open up people's minds and eyes! You are super great person!

Lmao David said "fuck it!" 🤣 gotta love that dude..real shit 💪💪💯💯💯💯💯

Thank you, David for making my thoughts feel validated. You’ve done so in so many ways. You’re a godsend lol

Absolutely right, David. The mixer can make a very big difference for even an excellent song. For those who don't know about it; search the mixes for Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit" by Butch Vig (he was the engineer during recording) and the one that got to the album by Andy Wallace. Same raw tracks. Mixing is the hardest part to 'finish' a song. It takes thousands of hours of experience to get really good at. I'm just getting started, using both plugins and hardware as much as I can afford. And I still have got a long way to go. But, my God... it's such a wonderful journey!

this is a wise video. i appreciate you fighting the good fight. "divide and conquer" is ALL over the world right now... thank you! like you said - i personally dont have the money or a studio to use hardware, so i do everything in the box for 16 years. and im fine with it. people like it, so... whatever. the most important thing is - making good sound and good music! period.

Amazing information. Truly accurate!!!

I agree 100% David! I remember when guitarists had a similar debate re: digital amp modelers vs "traditional" (which almost universally meant 'tube driven') amplifiers... I always found it entertaining because then, as now with the plugins vs analogue, 98% of audiences a) can't tell the difference , b) won't notice a difference, and/or c) won't care.

Totally agree with you on this!! As a songwriter who has turned home audio engineer. Songwriting only get you so far period. The standard for quality sounding music is extremely high in this day an age. If you want more people to hear your track, your gonna pay for it. Either upgrading gear and or hiring a mix engineer. 100% I’ve been working on mixing for years and still pay for mixes on some tracks here and there.

I appreciate and have a lot of respect for your advice and input with your experience. Thank you for the videos you make.

Absolutely agree. I know people with SSL consoles that do a lot of mixing in the box. Some are on RU-vid. Sometimes they run the mix through the console to get the analog vibe. Also, it´s been proven by top engineers that if a mix is great, no one will hear if it was mixed on analog, or plugins. Even the top mixers of today like Pensado, are mixing in the box using analog, and plugins. People are making hits on a laptop. The biggest difference is the sound of recording on TAPE. It sounds totally different than recording to DAW, and almost no one is recording to tape anymore. Hybrid is definitely the new direction.

I've picked up 6 units in the last 12 months, before that I was totally ITB. With hardware it instantly felt easier to get the result I'm looking for, but that probably has as much or more to do with the tactile nature of than the fact that it's analog. Recalling a mix though... Ugh.

I have one "mix friend" ... He said to me a few years ago: "Why are you buying this old synth..., I sold all of mine's (analog synths and other gear), sotfware today is 100 better then old hardware analog gear?" I was thinking ... Yes, for him it's easier to work (he has a lot of clients that have low expectations - Tirol music style...) "in a box", but I''m interested in "the best sound possible", so I will buy "what I hear (with my own ears) is best. A few years later he again starts buying gear, hahaha ... But It's the same story now: "No, software is way better, you just need knowledge, it's all matematics ..." Yeah right... 😄 Great video again. So true. Make max. with what you have. Everything has its pros and cons, uses ...

Thanks for addressing this, it's never made sense to me either! Why anyone would argue about this, is odd hahaha Cheers

I've been mixing ITB for 12 years but when I upgraded my conveters I was blown away by the things I could not hear or notice .I made better mixing discission. When I added analog gear I was instantly blown away again it was easier to archive that record sound it sound not saying plugins are bad it's just cant give you that sound unless you past your samples through hardware and back into the DAW that alone will make plugins react and work way better than using raw digital audio within the DAW. I can hear the compression with vst but it's always feels veiled. With hardware you can hear instantly and feel because it's real voltage and not zeros and ones that plugins use to immitate. So to me going hybrid is the way if you can afford it mixing ITB will only get you so far .

Seeing ur Gear is inspirational!! I learn about Quality Gear, i was unfamiliar with...until seeing it in ur Studio!! I appreciate u Bro!

4:40 i allways said that the virtual synth and the analog one sounded the same. But... When I tried analog synths, dispute the fact that the sound was so so close, it feels the same in 2 different aspects. 1 The analog one feels fuller 2 The analog one makes me "automate" knobs and make it not so static.

I was on that same path. I mixed several years ITB till I felt I hit a wall and started adding analog gear to my setup and it was a game changer. Mind you, not every piece of analog gear i bought was. I sold the ones that didn't do what I had hoped or fit in my work flow and kept the ones I thought brought something special to the mix that plugins weren't doing. And it doesn't have to expensive either. For instance, those analog FMR audio compressors you reviewed years ago (that I still own, including the PBC (yellow one) are cheap, sound amazing, and to my ears sound better or behave better than most of my plugins. Not to mention that turning actual knobs is far more intuitive and enjoyable than using a mouse. And that is a big part of mixing, having fun and staying inspired.

When you broke down the recording process vs the mixing and mastering processes that hit home. I don’t believe you have to record with hardware but it’s DEFINITELY needed for the other two processes for sure

Well said David Always inspiring

Thanks for this, David! It's an important issue that you obviously care and know a lot about, and these kinds of deep dives into common misconceptions are where your knowledge and experience really shine through. You are good at directly confronting, refuting, and demystifying these kinds of simplistic beliefs. Reminds me of how some other musicians think I hate new analog synths because I collect 70s and 80s analog synths. I have both. They are made very different. They sound different and have different relative strengths and weaknesses. And they serve people's tastes differently. It is absurd to try to make statements and reach conclusions like new analog synths are better than old or old are better than new. It shows ignorance to pose questions like, "Well which is better?" It's not a useful question. And if the professionals in the subject area are telling you it doesn't make sense to think this way, then it doesn't. Get the fuck over it.

Your attitude is a rare, rare example of a clear vision. Thank you for this video!

Thank you. They are two different things. I work with both every day. Everything is just a tool for servicing a song. Whatever works is what works for me.

Now I dare to say something: I bought two used Behringer 1952 compressors. I exchanged the tubes with some mellow sounding ones and used them for the first time on a kick. I was impressed. It might be possible to generate that hard-to-describe sound itb, but it's about the time needed! With the hardware I turn three, four knobs and I'm there.

This video reminds me to the vlogs you used to make. I love this type of “gossip”. Nice insight on the subject! Great video as always David

I really love the way you use words to get your point across. Great topic , David 👌🏻😊

You taught me how to make smart buys and hybridize my mixes. I obtained the sound I've always been looking for by going back to the drawing board and getting the tube preamp right. Then I learned eq then compression etc. Before i was all digital mic to usb interface. Thanks for a wealth of knowledge bro.

I really like your philosophy and point of view, it goes to show why your mixes are so good: because you have the right mindset in the first place. Keep up the good work, man

I'm currently in a caravan with no heat and I'm not changing truth to suit my situation. You channel and your character is healthy for people. I will be back in the studio at some point building from the beginning and also needing to learn quite a lot still... I'm going to RU-vid that journey. People can then see my discoveries. I worked hip hop people before that couldn't understand the suggestion of getting their own mics and a way to record to hone their skills but happy to use me for cheap. Anyone can create, they can make things people will like... to blow up after they've been herd they will need that little add

David, my current studio is entirely in the box, and I track, mix and master with said studio with great results. That being said, I certainly have nothing against analog gear. In fact, I gravitate to plugin emulations of analog gear. The only reasons I personally haven't gone the analog route is due to the cost, limitations (e.g., one unit vs. many plugin instances) as well as the time and space required to use analog gear. I definitely would like to eventually expand into a hybrid system, not because analog is better, but because it is different, and I like the biggest palette possible to "paint" my productions. Perhaps some are just envious at what they feel is beyond their reach.

DOPE VIDEO!!! When you said “Home Studios are not a Threat to professionals” @23:52 That was a mic drop bro! I’m now a subscriber!

You are right, the mix engineer itself is the key. People keep comparing digital and analog are definitely newbie. #1 mix engineer in my country is using ITB. Only 1 clue that he gave it to me, FEEL it.

Hi David… I really and truly appreciate you and what you do… most of all your honesty on these matters. You’re ‘arguments’ are solid… I find that everyone just wants to say what’s in their minds about our industry and there are a lot of videos on here in particular that really don’t cover what needs to be covered. Keep up the great work

I know this is an old video, but I just wanna salute you for telling it like it is. People who deny the differences between analog and digital or try to invalidate the differences have contrived, unsubstantiated 'arguments' about how 'nobody will tell' etc, etc. They just want to downplay the better thing to make themselves feel more secure.

Awesome video. You know exactly what you’re talking about. You clarified a lot. Thanks man.

Exactly, it's people exclusively in the box who get worked up about the subject. I'm an analog enthusiast and I never shit on digital, because sometimes it's all people can afford, and I know great work can be made using digital only. However, the hands on and random/unpredictable elements of analog never cease to inspire me.

If analog is not better why plugin companies do nothing but trying to emulate it???

There’s a lot of miss information on a lot of these music forums. A lot of people that are new to hardware (like myself) often get discouraged because of these so called experts. Glad you could shed some light on the topic.

I spy an X Touch One. Got the same my desk. Cool little control surface!

I'd love to give this video a million thumbs up!

I remember hitting that wall when I started producing and then learning how to mix and master my own tracks in the box. I released and signed two albums, which was my goal, however I was not proud of the end result! So now I have more respect for the mixing and mastering processes, I learn Fab Filter inside and out. And I enjoy seeing what is out there in terms of hardware and software. Really dig your channel. Cheers.

Gotta admit I use hardware in every mix and for every recording chain. It just works for me.

Agreed. The analogue / digital argument is trite and we are all very tired of it. But I personally take more issue with how some people blur the lines between songwriting/composition and mixing. There are ways to amend or enhance arrangements and compositions in a piece of music when it's received to be mixed, but those words "arrangement and composition" while they are just words and can be defined differently in different context, I still strongly feel that they are words that belong with the songwriting step. In the most true sense of the words; I'd be pissed if a mixing engineer messed with the actual arrangement of my song(s). Sorry if this is off topic once again from the video content, but it's a more subtle and hidden issue within this discussion. And as a disclaimer- I'm not saying that you, David, take one position or another. I don't know that I've ever heard you yourself say something one way or the other. Anyway, just make music. No room for hate. Right?

Too much opinions and not enough objectivity in this world. I perfectly agree with you!

I know it harsh sometimes but you can't really converse with the people whoever never stepped in a professional studio there's no winning

You are definitely right. That's all because of very many people don't have that experience.

Honestly I mixed ITB for years running studio full time but as I got better I started using analog gear and believe me coming from someone who has 4 kids it’s hard to justify spending $1k - $2k on something that most of my clients won’t even hear the difference with but as someone who wants to become better and better I justify buying the gear I 100% hear and even feel the difference when mixing. ITB only Gets very boring if I’m honest after a few years and getting to physically put your hand in the mix changes how you make the decisions to the mix. I’m nowhere near where I want to be but I study my craft for hours daily! Love your videos bro thanks for the knowledge you do share

Very well put brother! It’s all about how you use it!

David, making me a better person every day.

Ha! This is ironic. I had a buddy that was on my ass not to long ago for wanting to tinker with hybrid mixing and drum recording. Swearing ITB was the way to go and the only way to do things now. I think to each his own ain’t it? You’re fucking awesome dude!

This video made me like you more than I already did. Good job all the way around. Hybrid is king. Functionality/flexibility/speed/efficiency/beauty/quality/feel over symmetry/sameness. There's only AND not OR. OR is for people who want to pander to like-minded people who setup factions that hoard power to themselves and pontificate about what's proper. Your studio and gear choices are beautiful by the way. You've definitely influenced a couple upcoming purchases. #WesAudio #MathewLane

Great point on how some confuse mixing and mastering with song formatting

With proper skills and taste, you can get a 98% quality sound with just digital... It's that 2% left that can be achieved by investing (an almost endless amount) in more equipment. There is of course the law of diminishing returns as with anything, but it's situational... for example, with major labels, that several million $ they spend in studio equipment on the last .5% increase in quality, is well worth it to them.

I love this video. He is spot on. Honestly, hardware is always required. How did the sound get in the box or converted to digital files to get in the box? Mixing in the box includes hardware amps, mics and other high-end gear to capture the sound in the first place. I am a hybrid guy as I want the best tool for the job. Emulation is great and can get close but it's not the same. In my opinion (to my ear), it seems that hardware seems to create a 16x oversampled sound if compared to what I have heard in box. What would be great is if DAWs had an oversampling option at their core. That would get real interesting. Cheers!

amazing exposition Bro , i agree , thanks for your honestic words

Great advice and well said. I've got a few pieces of gear on my wishlist, just gotta save my pennies and dimes. I'd be interested to see that unreleased video you mentioned too. Your videos are great, keep it up.

OMG Thank YOU bro! I use both....the comparison is ridiculous. It's not apples to oranges....It's more like comparing Fruit and vegetables.

Over the years you come to discover it's all in the mix, I've been combining hardware and software for almost two decades now. The way you treat signals and make them sit in the mix will determine the sound.

great video and discussion. agree with you 100%

Love this video, I have been a succesful visual artist for many years, and as with me I suspect I like knew challenges and I get bored at somewhat the same ole things, my career has evolved through the years from medical illustrator to a bronze and wood sculptor. Now I take my senses into the auditory realm and it takes time to learn. Discipline myself learning to make music and mix what I feel works for me. Really its another way to communicate and express oneself through whatever medium one enjoys. Thank you for providing a posiive and clear video that allows others to express themselves without conflict.

Man, so much good advice in this one. Especially from 25:30. Love it. Got me inspired too.

Just jumped in the Analog world and none of my basses never sounded as good as the one I make with my Korg Minilogue xd !! A real distortion pedal on a synth is magic !!

You are preaching to choir we are feeling you down here in San Antonio TX great video!!

David, I have nothing but love for you, my brother...don't let the bastards get you down...

Before I start my slight pushback I wanna make clear that I agree with your general sentiment and a lot of stuff you just said in the video. I think the historical context is important here. A lot of people started out with learning stuff from forums, especially in the early 2000s. I did, too and I went through a lot of brainwashing in this period where people basically told me that I NEED to get an expensive mic pre, I NEED better AD/DA converters, I NEED those specific cables and whatnot to get actual professional results. At least I need something to summarize my mixes on analog gear if I insist on mixing ITB. And of course "don't mix with headphones, it doesn't work". That''s the stuff a lot of people heard over the years. I bought into that mindset and subsequently bought expensive gear just to realize that the gear was never the actual problem for me and I didn't magically get better results with the 1.200 dollar preamp. Now, 15 years later the tables have kinda turned or at least the narrative has changed and a lot of professionals mix proudly ITB - and with headphones for that matter. But that comes with the negative side effects you describe in your video. Some people start acting like mixing ITB is just superior and analog hardware is therefore obsolete. Which is just as dogmatic and frankly stupid as saying "you NEED THIS gear to get professional results." But it's the same with everything else regarding music. "Good guitars start at 1.000 dollars" is a claim I just recently read. Obviously complete bs, too.

I 100% agree with you!

😂😆🤣😆😂🤣 Why must we have this argument with people?! 💯💯💯💯💯exactly sir!!! Use what we got. It’s all designed to help the Engineer get the job done, however they decide to use “the Tools” we have. Simple as that. Love this discussion!!! It’s the Skill of the Engineer that makes all the difference. All Engineers are Engineers at the end of the day. Getting music to sound the best it can. No right or wrong to get the end result. Great video!!!! Great advice!!!!

Great video David. Seems from a few of the comments on this video, some people are not listening again.🤦 Do we need another video on the comments section of this video? 😂

This entire video is absolutly "truth + genuine + those who don't get the point /divided by and with experience"======= THE SOUND OF WISDOM

I am big Hell Raiser fan to. Chaught my eye right away. your 100% right . I love of my outboard gear but I started at a time when you really needed it. But its a different world. I use both . But have been mixing for 30 plus years. You can get great results itb . But i would never give up my hardware. But some plugins are money. Its a great time to make music.

Just remember to consider the course. As in who is saying what. I love the recall on plug ins but really, hardware has a depth and space that is not found in the plug in counterpart.

I think the most valuable advice here is that before buying new things master your current tools first!

Finally, someone that knows what there talking about.

Excellent video!! Sometimes very funny on the views people have. Thanks again.

I somehow missed this video when it came out! Ha haaa haaa! LOVED IT!