Uploaded November 2015 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
With linear recorders like analog and digital tape, the recording functions are destructive, meaning that when the tape is rolling and the record button is punched, whatever had been on the track at that point is erased and replace with new audio.
Destructive editing happens on these machines, when the tape is cut, material is removed, and the selects are then spliced together.
Conversely, almost all operations on non-linear systems (like digital audio workstations) even though they may appear to mimic destructive recording and editing on the timeline, are usually non-destructive. That is, when recording and editing on DAWs, the original material is generally unaltered.
However, even on non-linear systems some operations can be destructive. Although "destructive" generally has a negative connotation, sometimes making permanent changes to the original material is desirable. For instance, when redrawing the samples to eliminate ticks and clicks, it's usually preferred that these changes be permanent.
Also, destructive recording on non-linear systems, where the previous material is erased on a track when the record button is pushed, might in some cases actually be desirable, if there are constraints on the available disc space.
With linear recorders like analog and digital tape, the recording functions are destructive, meaning that when the tape is rolling and the record button is punched, whatever had been on the track at that point is erased and replace with new audio.
Destructive editing happens on these machines, when the tape is cut, material is removed, and the selects are then spliced together.
Conversely, almost all operations on non-linear systems (like digital audio workstations) even though they may appear to mimic destructive recording and editing on the timeline, are usually non-destructive. That is, when recording and editing on DAWs, the original material is generally unaltered.
However, even on non-linear systems some operations can be destructive. Although "destructive" generally has a negative connotation, sometimes making permanent changes to the original material is desirable. For instance, when redrawing the samples to eliminate ticks and clicks, it's usually preferred that these changes be permanent.
Also, destructive recording on non-linear systems, where the previous material is erased on a track when the record button is pushed, might in some cases actually be desirable, if there are constraints on the available disc space.
