Larrchild wrote on Tue, 29 December 2009 19:28 |
I have the very same 4 track A-80 here and know it in detail. (Shhh.)
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Larry,
Wow that is an emotional sight! I spent so much of my life, really incredible days, caring for big Studer iron and hauling it all over this beautiful nation. I was almost overcome seeing that lineup of German craftsmanship in your hallway. The memories.
However, I also see a troubling trend in your shot, that I have recognized over and over again for many years. Stately gray and brushed aluminum workhorses, detached from their multi-channel halters and put out to pasture in hallways in studio after studio.
Because I defend digital recording does not mean I don't LOVE analog recording! If I just had the space.
So a couple days before the New Year, I find myself wishing I could turn back the clock about fifteen years. Back to those times when we professional engineers owned the high seas, were masters of our own fate, rock and roll was still exciting and new (even after almost fifty years), and we still had a music industry capable of supporting us all quite well thank you.
This thread and that poor kid with his used Studer, somehow remind me of Gothic camp followers, picking the bones of the great Roman army, finding stunning art, architecture, engineering, music and sculpture, and then selling it all for scrap.
I just can't leave this on a down note however. Just as the Irish monks saved the Bible, (maybe or maybe not a good thing), it is up to a small group of dedicated craftsmen and women today, to preserve the fundamentals of audio engineering against a swelling sea of cheap imitations, modeling amps, plug-ins and drum loops.
So, Larry, don't ever sell those shrines to excellence. Find some kid who needs to be taught and make him understand what they mean to all of us, so he can keep them safe for future archeologists. Who knows, maybe that kid on Gear Sluts?
Best regards and Happy New Year,
Bill