Analog synthesizers might now seem an outdated piece of technology, especially with the popularity of digital synths. They might be theoretically outdated, but their popularity remains intact. In this article, we spoke to Wavewulf on his preference towards analog and the cultural wave, which still regards the so-called outdated stuff better than software.
It’s true that in 2022, analog tech still has relevance, especially against the better, cheaper, faster and more reliable digital tools. However, the digital still failed to make analog redundant and retire, at least when it comes to synthesizers.
The question most people ask is if analog sounds better. Vinyl records still hold their place, and so the appeal of analog remains in great esteem. Artists like Wavewulf agree that software is able to perform complex frequency modulation, granular synthesis and wavetables smoothly without a sweat. They also brought the revolutionary technology of full parameter recall voice counts, which made things remarkably easier.
And then there is the old boy: the sizeable, heavy and analog instrument which people still bother about. Although electronic synthesizers offer much more convenience, the reality isn’t cut out in that way. Musicians like Wavewulf highly regard analog synthesizers and for good reason.
The software-based hardware offers many chances for a musician to play around with the tools, but the tactile nature of adjusting knobs is the gifted experience of synth music. It was the freedom to adjust knobs and play around with faders that gave musicians the freedom, and it is difficult to emulate with the electronic hardware.
Wavewulf adds that any musician can understand the feeling of patching control volts. It has some unpredictability to it which every artist lives for. Often, there are moments where a mistake or a break can result in something extraordinary. These happy accidents are only possible when you have manual control of control volts, and digital synths just take that away.
Only a few can match the excellence of Wavewulf in recent years when it comes to analog. The artist recently released his fourth album, “The North and the Sea,” on 25th March. He had the chance to explore music further with analog hardware, which he first began while working on his debut album, “Oscillation.” The latter brings expansive sound built on analog synthesizers and it remains a vibrant example of what he’s able to achieve.
Wavewulf is one of the handfuls of electronic musicians who make the best use of analog synthesizers, unlike most modern musicians who highly rely on software.
Analog circuitry is highly valued outside of just the synth community. What advantages does older effect technology have over modern plugins?
When referring to effects, the definition of “analog” differs slightly from when discussing synthesizers. Having “character” is often praised in analog synths but is less important in effects. At the same time, it’s true that many artistic effects change the way our music sounds, some tools for mixing and mastering work best when they’re invisible to the listener.
Although some effects are great to manipulate by hand (tweak a filter, for example), the state saving and automation available in the software are often far more appropriate. However, some types of effects continue to be more effectively implemented in the analog world.
Analog compressors come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, but they are all highly regarded for the unique way they impart signals, especially when “pushed” to their limits. Saturation is a key component, as is the use of harmonics to achieve a ‘hi-fi’ gloss. This can blend sounds together, as the expression goes.
As a result of their unique and, in many cases, enticing unreliability, tape recorders and delays remain popular. This causes wow and flutter, which are noticeable but subtle changes in the audio’s tempo and pitch. Also, tapes distort in their own unique way and tend to cut back on high frequencies, resulting in a “darker” sound. Purchase a low-priced tape recorder and use it to “bounce down” your audio to achieve the classic tape sound on a budget.
