Nikita A. ROMANOV Saint-Petersburg State University of Industrial Technology and Design
18, Bolshaya Morskaya st., Saint Petersburg, 191186 Russian Federation
Lecturer at the Department of Advertising and Public Relations
PhD in Cultural Studies
e-mail: romanov_na@bk.ru
ORCID: 0009-0003-8459-305X
Analog sound in modern auditory culture: mythologization and aestheticizationAbstract: The article is devoted to the analysis of "analog" sound in modern auditory culture. "Analog" sound is considered as a phenomenon that exists today in the aesthetic and mythological registers of culture rather than perceived in the context of precise definitions of scientific knowledge and physically measurable parameters of sound. In this regard, the article identifies and examines the mechanisms by which "analog" sound paradoxically acquires value in modern auditory culture, the parameters of which are largely determined by the massive spread of digital technologies. Using the example of an analysis of the characteristic features of vinyl records, sound recording and sound reproducing analog technologies, it is demonstrated how sensory perception, comprehension practices and descriptions of "analog" sound differ from "digital" sound. The article also notes that in a situation of a high level of digital technology development, the mythologization and aestheticization of "analog" sound is largely due to the fact that the sound of the music being played is complemented by the characteristic background noise and sound distortions of analog media, sound recorders and sound reproducing devices. At the same time, it is emphasized that the mythologization of the uniqueness of the sensory experience of interacting with "analog" sound is determined not only by the peculiarities of the sound of analog recording and sound reproduction technologies, but also by the physical aspects of analog media. The susceptibility to natural wear of analog audio media largely affects the ritualization of handling them, and the material embodiment in the form of specific objects (vinyl records, analog magnetic tapes, compact cassettes, etc.) complements the sensory perception of listening to music recorded on them with tactile and visual aspects. It is concluded that based on the results of the analysis of the phenomenon of "analog" sound, it is possible to clearly identify how audio technology itself can be listened to and how it can participate in shaping the aesthetic experience of listening to recorded music.
Key words: analog, digital, audio culture, sound, music, vinyl records, analog technology, digital technology, digital culture, auditory culture.
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For Citation: Romanov, N. (2026) Analog sound in modern auditory culture: mythologization and aestheticization. International Journal of Cultural Research, 2 (63). 104–116. DOI: 10.52173/2079-1100_2026_2_104
DOI: 10.52173/2079-1100_2026_2_104
