Computers.

Some churches have bypassed the CD-recorder completely, and record straight to computer. There are a number of advantages and disadvantages in this approach. In spite of considerable improvements in the "user interface", computers tend to be more complicated to use than a stand-alone CD-writer, so many users will be reluctant to move away from the comparatively simple and familiar controls. If you need to change level quickly, or stop or start recording, a real knob or button will always be easier to use than the "virtual" controls on a computer, operated by a mouse or keyboard.

Stand-alone recorder perform a single task, and do it very reliably. Computers on the other hand, being multi-function pieces of equipment, can be a little more temperamental. The advantage of the computer approach comes with ease of editing, if this is necessary. It is fairly easy with modern software, to cut-down an over-run recording to fit into the maximum disc space of 80 minutes. If the operator is a bit more ambitious, recording levels can be normalised, "CD-text" added to the master disc, and other modifications made to give a more professional finished product. Useful as this may be, it must be remembered that it is time consuming, and for most people, the ability to quickly produce a master disc ready for duplication will dictate that they use a stand-alone CD-writer.

A computerised system does have one other advantage though - cost saving. If it is intended that discs are to be printed, then this invariably means that a computer is needed to operate the disc printing machine. Many churches though, may simply use the laptop or PC which they use to operate their projection system, to run the printer. But for those who do not already have a computer available, and who wish to minimise costs while producing high-quality discs, the computer recording system should be considered..

> Return to Introduction