Virtual vs Real Instruments

Step into any recording studio today, and you’ll see screens and keyboards everywhere. The old analogue mixers and tapes are mostly gone, though you can still find them if you’re willing to pay a premium. Is this change good, or has it ruined the recording process?

In the evolving world of music production, the debate between virtual and real instruments remains a key topic among musicians, producers, and audio engineers. Both have their distinct advantages and limitations, influencing the choice depending on artistic goals, budget constraints, and production environments.

Sound Quality and Authenticity

Real instruments offer unmatched authenticity. The nuances of a live performance—the subtleties of a guitar string’s vibration, the resonance of a grand piano, or the rich timbre of a brass section—are challenging to replicate perfectly. The organic imperfections and dynamic range contribute to a sound that feels alive.

Conversely, virtual instruments have made remarkable strides with advancements in sampling and synthesis technology. High-quality virtual instruments can now emulate the complexities of real instruments with impressive accuracy, especially in controlled studio environments. However, they may lack the spontaneous expressiveness of a live performance.

Cost and Accessibility

Real instruments can be costly, not just in terms of purchase price but also maintenance, storage, and transportation. A vintage violin or a grand piano requires significant investment and care.

Virtual instruments, often more budget-friendly, provide access to a wide array of sounds without physical limitations. A single software package can house hundreds of instrument sounds, from orchestral libraries to rare ethnic instruments, all accessible from a laptop.

Flexibility and Workflow

In terms of flexibility, virtual instruments excel. They integrate seamlessly with digital audio workstations (DAWs), allowing for easy editing, layering, and sound manipulation. This opens creative possibilities, enabling producers to experiment without re-recording.

Real instruments demand skilled performers and often require more effort in setting up recording environments. However, the human touch in performance can bring a level of emotional connection that virtual instruments struggle to match.

Performance and Live Settings

For live performances, real instruments often hold a sentimental appeal and visual impact that audiences appreciate. The energy of a live drummer or the flair of a guitarist adds to the concert experience.

Virtual instruments, however, offer convenience for live setups, especially in electronic or hybrid performances. They reduce the need for transporting bulky equipment and can be controlled via MIDI controllers, allowing for versatile soundscapes on stage.

The Software

If you are going virtual, the software these days is excellent. The products from companies such as Spitfire Audio, Native Instruments and Pianoteq really are very convincing and you would be hard pushed to tell the difference, especially when mixed tastefully into a track.

Conclusion

The choice between virtual and real instruments hinges on the specific needs of the musician or producer. Real instruments shine in authenticity and emotional depth, while virtual instruments offer versatility, cost-effectiveness, and convenience. In modern production, many artists blend both to harness the strengths of each, creating rich, dynamic musical landscapes that resonate with diverse audiences.

A real world example here at Stowaway was during the recording of ‘Perfect Thought’ by Charity Stow. We had a melody and harmony that sounded good but needed a more natural feel. We tried different ideas and settled on trumpet and strings, but all using virtual instruments on a computer. Hiring real musicians would be expensive, and since it sounded great, we chose to keep the virtual versions. Listen below and decide if you can tell the difference.

The Future

Ok, so we have to consider the buzz word of the mid 2020s - AI. Virtual instruments are all well and good, they are a tool used by musicians, recording engineers and producers and they have benefits and short comings as we have discussed. However, when artificial intelligence can sample a singer’s voice on one song and create a convincing facsimile of that singer for a completely new song, or create a whole virtual band, or generate endless streams of ambient music, then, if the music consumer can no longer tell the difference between real and virtual, where does that leave us…