Buyer's Guide: Digitally Controlled Analog Gear

06 Jan.,2025

 

Buyer's Guide: Digitally Controlled Analog Gear

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Analog or digital? It&#;s a question that has dominated audio gear forums and real-life roundtables since the first generation of digital recording tools hit the market. But today, we offer a new question to the masses: Why not both?

Enter digitally controlled analog gear, a bold combination of the best that recording hardware and software has to offer. This modern category of gear may be intimidating to old-school purists and plug-in devouts alike, but we promise that this gear offers plenty to love for both camps. Here&#;s a brief overview and guide to some of the most popular digitally controlled analog gear currently on the market. 

What is Digitally Controlled Analog Gear?

Digitally controlled analog gear is exactly what the name describes&#;analog tools that use software for remote controlling, preset recall, and other functions. Everything from an app that connects to your guitar pedal to a DAW plug-in that changes the settings on your physical compressor unit can be considered digitally controlled analog gear. 

As for why you might consider using digitally controlled analog gear over a standalone plug-in or rack unit, you&#;re getting the best of both worlds: The simplicity and flexibility of software with the vibe and authenticity of hardware. In other words, no more unsticking knobs or crawling behind racks regularly. All you have to do is turn your gear on, plug in, and select your saved preset from your DAW. 

With that in mind, here are just some of the best-selling analog gear with digital control capabilities available right now on Vintage King:

This unit is a prime example of analog and digital working in perfect harmony. The APB-16 comes with a robust selection of compressor, limiter, and EQ plug-ins, which are routed to various analog circuitry within the unit. The box even comes with the Moo X mixer plug-in, the first fully automated hybrid mixing console completely controlled via software, for greater flexibility and instant session recall. 

Cranborne is well known and loved for its unique harmonic EQ introduced on the Carnaby 500. The Carnaby HE2 stays true to its predecessor by preserving the warm and saturated harmonic EQ in all its analog glory, but with an expanded feature set that includes remote control via the included VST/AU/AAX plug-in and your DAW of choice. The plug-in also includes preset recall for an effortlessly streamlined workflow.

There are plenty of solid digital emulations of analog-style distortion out there, but the Analog Heat proves that you can&#;t beat the real thing. Along with a wide array of distortion styles, plus effects like chorus, reverb, and bit rate reduction at your fingertips, Analog Heat is also compatible with the Elektron Overbridge plug-in. Just plug in the Analog Heat to your device via USB, open your preferred DAW, and dial in your perfect distortion with ease. 

This compressor from WesAudio is already impressive enough with its fully analog signal path with +24 dBu of headroom powered by four THAT VCAs. But whether you&#;re using the ngBusComp in mono, stereo, or mid-side, the unit supports full digital control and preset recall via WesAudio&#;s standalone app. 

Bettermaker Mastering

Limiter

,

Compressor

, and

EQ

For mastering engineers looking for premium analog components with responsive and no-fuss digital controls, then Bettermaker&#;s line of intuitive and DAW-controllable units is a solid option. With a 100% analog design and distinctly modern sound (the limiter can be heard on countless Billboard chart-topping hits), these mastering tools are fully controllable from your DAW thanks to their dedicated intuitive plug-ins. 

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Neve OPX

The legendary epitomizes all of the famous trademarks of analog gear: color, warmth, and punch. For Neve's OPX, the brand has retained this classic sound while adding more modern functionality. Engineers can now control switch gain positions and routing options for the OPX via a handy desktop app. It's possible to digitally control up to eight OPX units at once.

The Eventide H910 Harmonizer pitch-shifted the audio world to new heights in the mid-s, and the H carries on that legacy with over 40 effects processors and unique algorithms. If this vast library of effects powered by 16 dedicated DSP engines wasn&#;t impressive enough, the unit is fully controllable remotely using either the app for Mac and Windows or the plug-in for all DAWs. 

This hefty box might be fully analog, but it&#;s far from an old-school patch bay. The PATCH XT System offers a whopping 96 inputs and 96 outputs to add an impressive amount of dexterity and efficiency to your analog workflow. Plus, the included PATCH routing software lets you organize and control your setup all from your computer in real time. 

Love the idea of a digital patch bay but don't need 192 channels? Flock also offers the smaller Patch VT (128 points) and Patch LT (32 points) patch bays for smaller studios.

Hybrid Computing: Power & Versatility

What is a hybrid computer?

A hybrid computer is a computational system that combines the features of both analog and digital computers, harnessing the advantages of both types. Analog components are used to process differential equations and complex simulations in real-time, while the digital components manage logical operations and numerical computation. This makes hybrid computers particularly suited for tasks that require both types of processing, such as in the field of scientific research, weather forecasting, and flight simulations. The balanced blend of digital accuracy and analog speed allows the hybrid computers to handle a wide range of computational tasks efficiently.

How does a hybrid computer differ from analog and digital computers?

While analog computers deal with continuous data and digital computers process discrete data, a hybrid computer bridges this gap. It handles both types of data, allowing for complex computations with the precision of digital systems and the ability to manage real-world, continuous variables like analog computers.

How do hybrid computers contribute to scientific research?

In scientific research, hybrid computers play a crucial role in simulations that involve both digital and analog aspects. Whether you're modeling physical phenomena, conducting experiments, or simulating complex systems, the hybrid&#;s capability to seamlessly integrate digital precision and analog nuances is invaluable. It expedites the research process and enhances accuracy.

What is the architecture of a hybrid computer?

A hybrid computer typically consists of a digital subsystem and an analog subsystem. The digital part handles discrete data and complex calculations, while the analog part manages continuous data processing. These subsystems work together, with the digital system controlling and coordinating the overall operation.

How does the digital subsystem of a hybrid computer operate?

The digital subsystem processes discrete data using binary code. It performs tasks that require precision, handling complex calculations, and managing digital information efficiently. This part of the hybrid computer ensures accuracy and speed in computations, making it well-suited for tasks that demand a high level of precision.

What advantages does hybrid computer offer over purely digital or analog systems?

The key advantage is versatility. Hybrid computers can handle a broader range of tasks compared to their digital or analog counterparts. Their ability to process both discrete and continuous data makes them adaptable to diverse applications, from scientific simulations to industrial control systems, providing a unique edge in various fields.

How have advancements in technology impacted the capabilities of hybrid computers?

Advancements in microelectronics, signal processing, and integration techniques have significantly enhanced the capabilities of hybrid computers. Smaller and more powerful components contribute to improved efficiency and performance. These technological strides continue to push the boundaries of what hybrid computers can achieve, expanding their applicability in various fields.

Can individuals or businesses benefit from hybrid computing technology?

Yes, depending on the specific needs, businesses and individuals can leverage hybrid computing for tasks that require the strengths of both analog and digital processing. From complex simulations in research to real-time data analysis in industrial settings, the adaptability of hybrid computers offers a valuable tool for addressing diverse challenges.

In what ways does hybrid computing impact the field of artificial intelligence?

Hybrid computing can have a profound impact on artificial intelligence (AI). The combination of digital precision and analog nuance allows for more efficient and realistic simulations in AI training. This can lead to the development of AI models that better understand and adapt to real-world scenarios, contributing to advancements in machine learning and AI applications.

How does hybrid computing contribute to real-time data analytics?

In real-time data analytics, hybrid computing's ability to process both digital and analog data becomes particularly advantageous. It can analyze digital streams of data for immediate insights while also incorporating analog data to ensure a more comprehensive understanding of the context. This integrated approach enhances the accuracy and relevance of real-time analytics, making it a powerful tool for data-driven decision-making.

How can individuals or businesses incorporate hybrid computing into their existing infrastructure?

Integrating hybrid computing into existing infrastructure involves careful planning. It's essential to assess specific needs and identify tasks that could benefit from the dual processing capabilities of hybrid systems. Collaborating with technology experts and ensuring compatibility with existing software and hardware are crucial steps. Once integrated, businesses and individuals can harness the power of hybrid computing for enhanced performance in diverse computing tasks.

In what ways can developers optimize software for hybrid computing environments?

Developers can optimize software for hybrid computing by designing algorithms that leverage the strengths of both digital and analog processing. This involves identifying tasks suitable for each subsystem and creating algorithms that facilitate seamless collaboration. Additionally, utilizing parallel processing capabilities and optimizing code for efficiency can enhance the overall performance of software in a hybrid computing environment.

How does hybrid computing contribute to the field of edge computing?

In edge computing, hybrid systems offer a compelling solution by combining the processing power of digital computing with the ability to handle real-time, continuous data. This is especially advantageous in edge environments where data needs to be processed closer to the source, reducing latency and improving the overall efficiency of edge computing applications.

How does hybrid computing impact the efficiency of cloud computing?

In cloud computing, hybrid systems can enhance efficiency by offloading specific tasks that benefit from analog processing to on-premises hybrid infrastructure. This selective approach optimizes resource utilization in the cloud, ensuring that the digital processing capabilities are focused on tasks where the cloud excels, leading to a more efficient and cost-effective overall computing strategy.

How does the adaptability of hybrid computing benefit software-defined networking (SDN)?

In SDN, where network functions are abstracted from hardware, hybrid computing's adaptability shines. It can handle digital tasks related to network management and optimization while simultaneously managing analog data related to traffic patterns and environmental conditions. This flexibility allows for more responsive and adaptive SDN implementations, contributing to the dynamic nature of modern networking.

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