My standards r not relevant in this case.
There r enough mutual parameters 2 check whether the "digital promise" was fulfilled.
Sound did not improve with the "revolution", some would say it regressed. Most innovations in sound (if any) were conceived in the "traditional" way.
Music has become more commercialized than EVER, even the underground is researched manufactured and generated by the big labels. BTW: just now I got from the delivery guy tickets 4 the biggest "open" (not pre-sold) shows this summer... by Coka Cola.
No new messiah emerged from the MAMADS.
The vast majority of popular songs r produced "the old way" - A team of experts in specialized rooms.
The internet made it possible 4 musicians 2 jam with ppl across the globe, 1st midi, then audio. Any1 here using that option, btw?
No new horizon here either. Instead, ppl retreat further and further in2 their small rooms.
What DOES work, (as I hear from my American friends) r specialized project rooms. Programmers r 1 example, they get the trax, add in their loops sounds and edits, and ship it back. Beat doctors - these r guys that slip the performance in2 time, and nothing more. They may do pitch work also, and there r ppl 4 editing vocals 2. Top mixing engineers own their private studios, but these r actually top notch mixing rooms, geared 2 the teeth.
In short, a person may do part of the work alone, but this is a part he specializes in, and he's still a part of a team, managed by a producer.
A drummer friend of mine just opened a drum room in Brookline. Producers come in, track him and his kits and move on.
He has a 002, and records on his laptop.
B4 jumping in2 (the wrong) conclusions - this is a world class MF drummer, with 20 yrs of experience of recording in the best rooms in the world, with the best gear, by top engineers.
This guy can easily mic a drum kit (I can testify), and may engineer a drum session when needed. Even so with most producers, engineers get hired in 2 work.
Gear used is studio standard, with API and NEVE type pres, in case U were wondering.
He told me he may even try and mix, "1 day"... But 4 now he prefers 2 stay focused.
Peace,
Zooot