Old sounds with new technologies? Examining the creative potential of guitar ‘profiling’ technology and the future of metal music from producers’ perspectives

Abstract

Old sounds with new technologies? Examining the creative potential of guitar 'profiling' technology and the future of metal music from producers' perspectives Innovations in music technology have the potential to change practices of music making and to contribute to the development of new forms of music. In 2011, a 'profiling' technology was released, capable of copying any valve guitar amplifier and shaping every detail of its sound. Many rock and metal guitarists and producers embraced this new technology, and the renowned producer Michael Wagener even claimed it to be "the biggest innovation for recording at least for the last fifteen years". Building on an initial study on the quality and public reception of profiling technology in a metal music context, this article explores the attitudes of metal music producers towards new guitar amplification technologies, their uses thereof, and their conceptions of future music including the role of technological inventions. The findings indicate that although most producers experiment with modern technologies, they regard these as special effects or backup solutions. Traditional guitar sounds and engineering practices are still preferred, partly as a strategy to retain distinction between their established businesses and new enterprises. Developments in music technology are viewed sceptically regarding its positive contribution to future music.

Gear Acquisition Syndrome: Consumption of Instruments and Technology in Popular Music

“…Yet few signs point to it. Inventor Christoph Kemper reveals (Herbst 2019a) that guitar players rarely use the powerful sound shaping functions of profiling amplifiers, a relatively recent technology that sits between valve amplifiers and emulation. In chapter 3.2, we will discuss whether this reluctance of guitar players to explore drastically different sounds is possibly due to a deeper, instrument-specific ideology.…”

“…A small group of guitar players tolerant of change showed considerable interest in advanced modelling, simulation and profiling technology for amplifiers and effects (Herbst 2021). Nevertheless, progress in guitar technology has not yet been widely appreciated, especially when it comes to digital systems (Herbst 2019a;. Even for players open to digital equipment, amplifier simulations are often out of the question (Pinch & Reinecke 2009: 163).…”

“…Producer and engineer Alex Silva at Hansa Studio notes, 'I think companies like Kemper are on the cutting edge of being able to provide musicians with the quality that they need without feeling that they're kind of losing connection to the past of guitar playing … I don't think one thing suddenly replaces the other' (Herbst 2021). However, digital guitar technology does not intend to establish a new aesthetic; its acceptance in the community relies on delivering a variety of analogue valve tones at the touch of a button (Herbst 2019a). The development described for the guitar is similar for bass and drums, with most players appreciating old equipment, technologies and sounds.…”

“…But it is also tempting because it produces authentic valve sounds with the additional benefits of digital devices like an extensive repertoire of easily selectable sounds. As relevant studies show (Herbst 2019a(Herbst , 2021, the technology was introduced through discussions on musicians' boards and magazine reviews, and it was problematised for years, including pseudo-scientific tests comparing different amplification technologies, until there was sufficient consensus that the technology did not break with the community's core values. Eventually, forum users began to write 'how to' guides and published videos with tips and tricks.…”

“…Regarding GAS and collecting, the interviewed musicians covered a broad spectrum from purists to collectors. Many musicians enjoyed musical gear and acquiring items but still considered it a hobby (Wright 206: 81) (Herbst 2019a(Herbst , 2021.…”