1955

During the 1950s, sound engineers begin recording music on multiple separate tracks.
One of the pioneers of this technique is Les Paul, who experiments with new recording methods.
Instead of recording all musicians at once, individual instruments can now be recorded separately.
These tracks are later mixed together in the studio.
This provides far greater control over sound, balance and effects.
Mistakes can be corrected or re-recorded more easily.
It also allows overdubbing and the addition of extra instruments.
The technology is quickly adopted by record companies and professional studios.
Multitrack machines evolve from two and four tracks to much larger systems.
They shape the production of rock, pop, jazz and classical music.
Multitrack recording becomes the foundation of modern music production.