An Analog Boy in a Digital World

I studied electronics for a time; although, I never did have the mental fortitude for the undertaking. A sad lacking in my math department ultimately brought down my aspirations. You see, all the mathematical theories that you were quite sure you’d never really need—you apparently need for electronics (yes, Virginia, there really are imaginary numbers).

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With reverenced tale of Steve Jobs, my electronics instructor suggested on the first day of class that we all plan big and brainstorm names for our future Fortune 500 companies. After some contemplation, I hesitantly scratched out Analog Technologies on the blank slip before me, then folded it in half and slid it onto my instructor’ desk. Deep within me, I new that what I had just done was now irreversible. I was soon to become the geek amongst geeks–one cast out by his own.

Although my instructor was kind enough to indulge me in occasional tube-amp schematic analysis, I always knew that I was his lost cause. The only student in class to nod off during computer-spec-talk, I awoke, wide-eyed, at the mention of a vacuum tube. I was a true disgrace to all progress.

I really struggled with that class, but left it with a feeling of some accomplishment. I was the only student to build their final project entirely from scratch after all. I took the time to understand and admire simplicity before diving into complexity.

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Anyway, tonight, Wired Science is broadcasting a bit on the Audio Analog/Digital divide. It looks to be very interesting; although, I think I foresee a sad ending for my analogous waveforms. Be sure to check it out on your local PBS affiliate or at their website: http://www.pbs.org/kcet/wiredscience/.

-mixtape

~ by mixtape on November 7, 2007.