Digital guitar plugin Steven Wilson endorses, offering a vintage tape-recorded-over sound: Wilson shares reasons for the harmonious blend of digital and analog technology.
The debates surrounding analog versus digital gear among guitarists and bassists can be quite intense. However, it might not always be necessary to pick one over the other; instead, embracing the unique elements of both can lead to a harmonious collaboration.
Steven Wilson, a notable figure in the music industry, swears by the SketchCassette plugin for his latest prog epic, The Overview. This budget-friendly plugin mimics the sound of cassette tapes, providing a distinctive, lo-fi effect. The product is developed by Aberrant DSP and offers an array of customization options. You can pick the type of tape, ranging from Ferric, Chrome, to Metal, adjust the level of wow and flutter, saturation, hiss, and even simulate the aged sound of reused tapes[1].
In an interview with Guitarist, Wilson shares his appreciation for the plugin's ability to add character and personality, usually associated with analog gear, to digital sounds. The plugin's official website describes it as a tribute to four-track cassette recorders and promises to unlock the full range of cheap tape sounds[1].
Wilson states that sometimes digital sounds may lack character, and a touch of perceived imperfection can make them more charismatic. He often uses the cassette plugin to add flutter, warble, saturation, or aged tape effects, which seemingly gives the sound more character[1].
Wilson believes in the power of integrating the best aspects of both digital and analog technologies. His latest creation exemplifies this fusion, blending the advantages of modern technology with the captivating qualities of analog gear, such as the four-minute guitar solo on The Overview, performed by Porcupine Tree touring guitarist Randy McStine[1]. Wilson refers to this solo as a reinvention of the classic rock guitar solo concept[1].
In essence, Wilson's approach emphasizes the beauty of merging the convenience of digital technology with the beloved characteristics of analog gear – a philosophy that resonates with many musicians today.
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[1] Plugin mention information taken from https://www.guitarist.co.uk/news/wilsons-the-overview-guitar-sounds-revealed/[2] Boss compact pedal plugin collection information taken from https://www.rolandcloud.com/products/boss-bp-200s/[3] Iconic analog sounds associated with the mentioned plug-in can be found on https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boss_(music_equipment)
- Steven Wilson, in an interview with Guitarist, expressed admiration for the SketchCassette plugin's ability to add character often associated with analog gear to digital sounds, mimicking the sound of cassette tapes.
- Wilson often uses the cassette plugin to add flutter, warble, saturation, or aged tape effects, as he believes that a touch of perceived imperfection can make digital sounds more charismatic.
- Embracing both digital and analog technologies, Wilson's latest creation showcases a fusion of the advantages of modern technology with the captivating qualities of analog gear, like the four-minute guitar solo on The Overview, performed by Porcupine Tree touring guitarist Randy McStine, which Wilson refers to as a reinvention of the classic rock guitar solo concept.
