Towards the end of the 1980s, computer based sequencing and studio controlling exploded onto the scene. Computers were used to monitor, synchronise or detect virtually every device in the studio itself. These systems are the direct predecessors to systems such as Pro Tools and Logic used in studios today.
Automation was also an important development in the history of multitrack recorders. The first system to be developed was the APY Allison in 1975. This system stored automation data on two tracks of the tape. Similar systems such as Neve's NECAM system used a combination of 2 tracks from tape and a floppy disk to store automation …show more content…
Geoff Emerick's involvement with the band began with the album Revolver'. This young engineer was full of new innovative ideas for recording which the band loved. On Tomorrow Never Knows' John's voice was recorded through a Leslie rotary loudspeaker, used in organs, to give them a whirling effect. Artificial double-tracking (ADT) became common practice recording two tracks simultaneously using two different tape machines as it saved a great deal of time and effort. ADT worked by using two machines, one with a variable oscillator to alter the tape speed, and a recorded signal would be sent from the playback of machine A, fed to the varispeed machine B, and then back to A where the two signals were combined. Although the vocal track is exactly the same for both parts of the doubled track, the use of two tape machines slightly offsets the playback signal leading to a full sounding vocal take. Sometimes the doubled vocal was sent out through a speaker cabinet and then recorded back to tape to give the vocals a slightly different colour. Looping and reversing tapes was also extensively exploited on Tomorrow Never