Where's the Mojo?

Where's the Mojo?

Prior to the invention of the modern DAW the recording and mixing process looked like this.

Old School Analog Recording Process

The audio passed though many stages of analog electronics which imparted a subtle layer of sonic goodness with each pass.  The signal path was defined by circuits comprised of the Four T's of Mojo - tubes, transistors, transformers, and tape.  The source track passed through these analog circuits during the tracking, bounces, and mixdown.  The ulimate result was a cohesive mix with rich harmonic texture.

Modern DAW Recording Process

Icons by Iconic, Joel Wisneski, Icons by Iconic, Joel Wisneski, Josh Vasby, and corpus delicti from the Noun Project

In many modern DAW-based productions the source track often only sees an analog mic preamp before being converted to digital.  The mix is then constructed in the box using digital plugins.  The 3D depth, impact, and analog texture used to get for free is clearly missing.  We frustratingly stack plugin upon plugin trying to make our mixes gel in a musical way.