Topic: External boost vs software boost

[redbook]

As a good newbie I am, I always wondered if boosting the signal with a preamp is the same as boosting with software.
I mean, do I get exactly the same result adding, let's say +15db with an AD20 than adding +15db with SoundForge?

It's something like digital zoom vs optical zoom? lol

I always thought "hardware" amplification has to be better, otherwise nobody would carry preamps and simply would amplify the signal later.

Am I wrong?

[Cooker]

i forget the exact equation, but if you are recording at say -12 dB you are effectively only recording at 12 or 14 bits.   so hardware is always better.   

[shaggy]

Also, when you add +15dB of gain post production...you add +15dB to everything...including the noise floor of your pre/AD.  If you got a noisy pre or AD, or if it has a tendency to brickwall at higher gain then you are better off adding gain in post production.  It is a trade off if your gear is not quite up to scratch.

[bagtagsell]

for the record, digital zoom sucks.  Optical zoom does not, thats why I paid many thousands of dollars for long lenses.  Back to audio I have never, ever, not even once,  been happy when adding a lot of gain post.

[redbook]

ok thanks for your replies, better now

[pfife]

Also, if you are recording quietly (and adding gain later), you are losing dynamic range (if you're recording something dynamic).