Exploration Of The Difference In Timbre Between Hardware Effects And Software Modeling Effects

Since Denon’s engineers recorded the first commercial digital album~1 in 1917 using experimental PCM equipment developed by the Japan Broadcasting Association,the trend in recording technology began in the1970s and 1980s from analog recording to more convenient and faster recording.Digital recording,but up to now,people have never stopped the debate about the advantages and disadvantages of analog effects and digital effects,especially at the moment when digital recording technology and equipment are greatly popularized,many sound engineers are The old analog recording equipment is regarded as the crown jewel,and its unique sound characteristics and usage are greatly appreciated.This article will compare the data and sound through objective and subjective methods,so as to compare the data and sound between the recording engineer and the listener.Discuss the different sound characteristics between digital effects and analog effects and the reasons for the different sound characteristics.This article mainly selects the 512c produced by Automated Processes Inc(API),a classic microphone amplifier case for analysis.API512c uses the same components as the classic microphone amplifier module API 312(Mic Preamp Card)designed and produced by API in 1970.However,the overall design of the circuit is updated,and it is equipped with a housing that makes it compatible with the rack size of the 500 series,making it easy to compare with other hardware effects of the same specification.The API 2520 amplifier used in the API 512c is API’s"golden sign",which is the source of API’s classic"aggressive"sound.The API2520 operational amplifier uses a discrete circuit design and has ultra-low noise and distortion.This article discusses the differences between the 2520-compatible SK25 recreated using Sound Skulptor and the original 2520 and attempts to replace the two to try to find out if the rest of the circuit components(such as input and output transformers and capacitors and inductors)are compatible with the microphone.The overall sound quality of the amplifier produces a discernible impact and the magnitude of the impact.In the conclusion,this paper will draw the conclusion that different hardware design lead to the difference in timbre based on the data in the previous chapter.The research on such equipment may be helpful for creating tools suitable for contemporary music practitioners.