Later studios themselves were under threat. Now artists could do their own thing to an acceptable technical standard their services in many cases were no longer required. Many adapted by taking on professional broadcast and post-production work as their artistic client bases diminished. But herein lies the rub. Just because I have a computer and a 24/96 interface doesn't make me an engineer, just because I can afford the equipment doesn't mean I know how to use it properly and in many respects this aspect levels the debate somewhat as to the value of what a studio can offer. In reality all the technology offers is accessibility, it doesn't offer experience and wisdom. In my opinion the most remarkable impact has been how the most important element of any studio has changed. Previously in the minds of many it used to be the equipment, which was seen as the thing people wanted. Now the most important element in any studio big or small, commercial or otherwise is the engineer / tech guy and the wealth and experience they bring. Any engineer worth their salt will adapt to and learn new technology but in all things because audio by its physical nature has not changed (ever), that person will always bring the benefit of first principles to the table regardless of the tools available to them. So my advice to anyone starting out is if you do get into a studio the person sitting behind the console is now your most important asset. Even if you can't get into this environment and you do what technology has allowed many like you to do in the comfort of your domestic surroundings seek out someone that is doing roughly what you are but has been doing it a lot longer and learn from them and then in the fullness of time let others learn from you. Because ultimately it will take you a lot longer to master it all by yourself, pardon the pun. In a nutshell technology has forced us all to try and be the masters of every discipline and I often wonder whether it is possible for most human beings to do this.

I seriously doubt the majority today can be an expert musician, engineer, producer, computer expert, audio technician and technology integrator. There are a few people that can be all of these things but not many, they are the new rock gods.

Jason Durbin (aka Lagrange Audio) has been a synth and music tech enthusiast for 30 years since getting his hands on his first synth in 1983 at the tender age of 16. He hasn't earned a single Aussie dollar from music but the journey has been nothing short of incredible and he has met and interacted with some amazing people along the way. Jason is a true enthusiast doing it for nothing more than the pure love of it.