Spatial Concerns in Music

Some of the many ways we connect with music are dimension, time and space. These days it is easy for audio engineers to place instruments and vocals in any location within the recording space. It allows musicians, producers and engineers control over creative aspects of the final recording. One thing that is often forgotten in music these days is the magic of the recording space. While it is not completely overlooked, It is often cheaper and easier to simply create the sound and effect of a particular space digitally. I believe it is very important to remember that some of our favorite recordings of all time were recorded in creative spaces. Some memorable examples include Elvis Presley at Sun, The Beatles at Abbey Road and Elton John at Château d'Hérouville. As with any example, the creativity of the artist used the space or was inspired by the space in some way which made for a unique and memorable recording. More important to think of than just the space is the fact that every single piece of musical equipment or furnishings within the space created the final sound. One example of this would be the difference in the type of sofa in a room. The sofa might be upholstered with Leather or some dense cotton. This will change the reflection of ambient audio waves that reverberate within the space. The main point is that in order to create magical sound recordings sometimes, the smallest details make all the difference. There are many great documentaries out there that show some of these spaces. This is one of the advantages with which tube amplifiers give us clearer sound while listening. It is certainly something to think about as you listen to your favorite songs.