Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Nostalgic for the analogue age

Like almost everyone working in the field of sound recording, video production and graphic design I use a computer. I often marvel that what once took a room full of one inch video tape machines, a rack filled with character generators and then another room with a 24-track audio recorder, can now all be done on a 13 inch laptop. And all in high definition with surround sound.
But visiting Old Parliament House this week I walked through the former press office and became somewhat nostalgic for the analogue days of audio recording.
The Cuemaster cart machine (pictured) was the only way of playing multiple audio tracks one after the other in radio. The Nagra reel-to-reel tape recorder was used to record sync audio for interviews, documentaries - even feature films.
Whilst the digital world provides wonderful versatility, nothing like using a blade and splicing tape to edit radio interviews to help you get a reel feel for the medium.
Ahh - memories ....