Analog
Definition
Audio represented as a continuously varying electrical voltage that corresponds proportionally to changes in acoustic pressure over time. Contrasted with digital audio, which represents sound as discrete numerical samples at fixed time intervals.
In Simple Terms
Sound as a continuous electrical signal — the way microphones and vinyl records work. Digital audio is the modern equivalent, capturing the same sound as numbers. Neither is inherently better.
In Practice
A microphone converts acoustic energy into an analog electrical signal, which is then converted to digital by an AD converter in an audio interface.
Common Confusion
Analog is not inherently higher quality than digital. Modern digital systems at adequate sample rates and bit depths can capture and reproduce the analog signal with full transparency.