Here at Aliud Records, our mission has always been to capture classical music performances with the utmost fidelity, preserving the artistry and emotion of each moment.
Over the last 15 years, this dedication has led us to adopt high-resolution recording techniques that push the boundaries of what is possible in audio production. In this article, we want to share our approach to recording classical music, the technology we use, and why high-resolution and immersive audio formats are central to our work.
The Role of Technology in Capturing Classical Music
Classical music demands a level of precision and detail that few other genres require. The dynamics, tonal subtleties, and spatial qualities of a performance must be captured faithfully to honor the intent of the musicians and composers. Achieving this requires not only skill but also the right tools.
For years, Aliud Records has relied exclusively on equipment from Merging Technologies, a Swiss company known for its innovations in high-resolution audio recording. Their ecosystem provides us with the tools to record at resolutions high enough to meet the standards of even the most discerning listeners—whether they are audiophiles, audio professionals, or classical music enthusiasts.
Pyramix: The Backbone of Our Workflow
At the core of our recording process is Pyramix, Merging Technologies’ Digital Audio Workstation (DAW). Pyramix is uniquely suited for classical music recording because it supports extremely high sampling rates and bit depths, allowing us to capture performances with remarkable clarity and detail. Whether we’re recording in formats like DXD or in Direct Stream Digital (DSD), Pyramix provides the flexibility we need to adapt to different projects while maintaining uncompromising quality.
One of the standout features of Pyramix is its ability to handle large track counts at high resolutions. This is particularly important for classical music, where multi-microphone setups are often required to capture the full spatial complexity of an orchestra or ensemble. Pyramix allows us to record up to 32 tracks at DSD256 or 48 tracks at DXD/384 kHz—capabilities that are essential for delivering immersive audio experiences.
Anubis and Horus: Precision Tools for Audio Capture
Our recording sessions rely on two key components from Merging Technologies: the Anubis and Horus interfaces. These devices work seamlessly together to ensure that every detail of a performance is captured with precision.
The Anubis serves as both a network controller and audio interface, offering pristine AD/DA conversion and versatile monitoring options. Its compact design belies its capabilities, making it an ideal tool for managing complex recording setups without compromising on quality.
The Horus interface complements the Anubis by providing transparent microphone preamps and RAVENNA/AES67 compatibility for networked audio workflows. Together, these devices form a robust system that allows us to focus on the artistic aspects of recording while trusting that the technical foundation is solid.
Immersive Audio: Expanding the Listening Experience
While stereo recordings remain a staple in classical music, immersive audio formats have opened up new possibilities for capturing and presenting performances. At Aliud Records, we have embraced formats like Dolby Atmos and Auro3D because they allow us to create recordings that go beyond traditional two-channel playback.
Dolby Atmos has gained significant attention for its object-based approach to audio mixing, which enables sounds to be placed and moved in three-dimensional space. This format adds height channels to surround sound setups, creating a more enveloping listening experience.
However, Auro3D holds a special place in our workflow due to its higher resolution and uncompressed audio capabilities. Unlike Dolby Atmos, which often uses compression as part of its encoding process, Auro3D preserves more detail in the original recording. This makes it particularly well-suited for classical music, where subtle nuances can make all the difference in conveying emotion and intent. Auro3D’s natural sound field also aligns closely with how classical performances are experienced live, making it an ideal format for capturing orchestral works and chamber ensembles alike.
Why High-Resolution Matters
The decision to record in high-resolution formats isn’t just about meeting technical benchmarks; it’s about creating recordings that resonate with listeners on a deeper level. High-resolution audio offers several advantages that are especially relevant for classical music:
– Clarity: Higher sampling rates allow us to capture finer details in a performance, from the decay of a note to the texture of an instrument’s timbre.
– Dynamic Range: Classical music often features dramatic shifts in volume and intensity; high-resolution formats preserve these dynamics more faithfully than lower-resolution alternatives.
– Spatial Accuracy: Immersive formats like Auro3D benefit from high-resolution recordings because they rely on precise spatial information to create a realistic sound field.
– Reduced Compression Artifacts: By using formats like DSD or DXD, we avoid introducing compression artifacts that can detract from the listening experience.
The Case for DSD
One of the key reasons we chose Merging Technologies as our partner is their support for Direct Stream Digital (DSD) recording—a format that has gained popularity among audiophiles for its ability to capture audio with exceptional fidelity. DSD uses a 1-bit stream sampled at extremely high frequencies (typically 2.8224 MHz for DSD64), resulting in a more accurate representation of analog signals compared to traditional PCM formats.
DSD’s advantages include its simpler conversion process and reduced phase distortion—qualities that are particularly important when capturing complex acoustic performances like those found in classical music. While DSD has its challenges (such as higher storage requirements), we believe its benefits outweigh these drawbacks when it comes to delivering recordings that truly stand out.
We’ll be publishing a detailed article soon exploring “What is DSD?” where we’ll delve deeper into this format’s technical aspects and practical applications.
Our Journey as Early Adopters
Aliud Records was among the first studios to adopt Merging Technologies’ integrated system for high-resolution recording—a decision that has shaped our approach ever since. By investing early in this technology, we’ve been able to refine our workflow over time and stay ahead of industry trends.
This commitment extends beyond technology; it’s about ensuring that every recording we produce meets the highest standards possible. Whether it’s capturing an intimate solo performance or an expansive orchestral work, our goal is always the same: to bring listeners closer to the music.
Looking Ahead
As technology continues to evolve, so too will our methods for capturing classical music performances. Immersive formats like Auro3D represent just one example of how innovation can enhance the listening experience—but they’re far from the final word.
At Aliud Records, we see ourselves not just as recordists but as custodians of musical experiences. By leveraging tools like Pyramix, Anubis, Horus, and advanced formats like DSD and Auro3D, we aim to preserve these experiences in their fullest form—for audiophiles seeking perfection, professionals seeking inspiration, and lovers of classical music seeking connection.
With all this said, in conclusion we invite you to explore our catalogue and experience firsthand what high-resolution audio can offer. For those curious about DSD or immersive audio technologies like Auro3D, stay tuned—we’re excited to share more insights soon!
The title of this CD reflects the mission of the Colori Ensemble. To evade, the literal translation of the Latin evasio, is symbol to the ensemble’s wish to escape daily musical routine and to elude the beaten track. To throw new light on the existing, but also to create new sounds by playing new compositions by contemporary composers. To emphasize that these composers stand on the shoulders of illustrious predecessors, this CD is combining these new compositions with arrangements of well-known repertoire by composers whose works have withstood the test of time already.
The inaugural release in this series is particularly meaningful: Johannes Brahms’ Symphony No. 1 in C minor, Op. 68. The choice wasn’t arbitrary. The First Symphony represents a culmination of years of meticulous work, a struggle with form, and the weight of expectation. It stands as a testament to Brahms’s tenacity and his eventual triumph over the shadow of Beethoven.
This recording is potentially the only complete commercial recording of the work currently available. It offers an opportunity to explore a less familiar aspect of Piazzolla’s output, namely his compositions for the concert hall beyond his renowned tango works.
