Is VHS Good for Recording HD Audio?
VHS Video Home System (VHS) is not suitable for recording high-definition (HD) audio. While VHS tapes can record audio, they are limited to standard analog audio quality. The audio tracks on VHS tapes are typically recorded in mono or stereo with a frequency response that does not support the fidelity required for high-definition audio formats.
Why VHS is Not Ideal for HD Audio Recording
When recording HD audio, it is best to use modern digital formats and devices. Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs), professional audio interfaces, and high-resolution audio formats such as WAV, FLAC, or DSD are recommended. These modern tools can capture and handle the bandwidth needed for HD audio.
Historical Context and Custom Uses of VHS for Audio Recording
Historically, some VCRs were used for audio recording only. For example, the Sony SLV-R1000 S-VHS Hi-Fi Stereo Editing VCR Deck is one such device. These devices utilize the larger tape width to capture more resolution, and the longer tape lengths can store more minutes of audio. While it is technically possible to use VHS for audio recording, there are more suitable alternatives available.
There are also digital PCM recorders that use VHS tapes, such as the SV-P100 Technics Chronicle. However, the reason for using VHS in 2018 is difficult to justify. Not all VHS decks can be used for audio-only purposes. For analog-only archive options, reel-to-reel tapes are often recommended. If you are open to digital alternatives, a hard drive is a much better choice than a PCM VHS deck. The Technics model was introduced in 1981, making it quite outdated by today’s standards.
HD Audio in the Digital Age
HD in audio typically refers to high-resolution digital audio files. When you record to VHS, you are recording into the analog domain. Interestingly, producers and mix engineers sometimes use VHS recording to achieve a lo-fi, low-fidelity sound, which is a technique quite opposite to the high-fidelity of HD audio.
Recording to VHS will saturate the signal, giving you results such as a smoother top end, warmer lows, and rounder mids. However, you may notice your recording is slightly quieter than the original. This can be fixed with proper gain staging and mix levelling to maintain quality.
There are also audio plugins available that emulate the VHS recording effect. Some examples include Waves J37, Waves Kramer Master Tape, and UAD Oxide. These plugins can help you achieve the same sound quality as a VHS recording without the need for an actual VHS deck.
Converting VHS to Digital
If you convert your VHS recording to a digital file, you will need a high-quality audio interface with decent analog to digital converters to retain the recording's definition. This will help you capture the unique characteristics of VHS audio, such as the smoother top end and warmer lows.
Conclusion
In summary, while VHS can be used for audio recording, modern digital recording methods are the best choice for capturing high-definition audio. However, for certain artistic purposes, VHS can still offer unique and valuable audio effects. If you wish to retain the unique qualities of VHS recordings, investing in a high-quality audio interface is essential.