The race to emulate recording to tape began soon after recording and mixing engineers began to move further and further into the digital domain.
The truth of the matter all boils down to one thing: tape saturation. They'll say it has to do with 'analog warmth' from using tube electronics and outboard studio equipment. People attribute it to transfers being made from needles and records to digital. There's a lot of myth and mistake to be found online when you start searching for the answer to this mystery. Even audiophiles have a difficulty nailing down just what that subtle feeling is that separates the new from old. There is definitely a difference but it's hard to put your finger on it.
Lots of listeners hear older recordings and realize that something sounds different than the new crystal clear, extremely sterilized, computerized recordings of today.
