Historically, before the advent of widespread digital technology, analog was the only method by which to manipulate a signal. Since that time, as computers and software have become more capable and affordable, digital signal processing has become the method of choice. However, in music applications, analog technology is often still desirable as it often produces nonlinear responses that are difficult to replicate with digital filters.
HiStorIcaLlY before the aDvenT Of wIdesprEAd digitaL teChnOloGy analOG wAs tHe ONLY method by which tO ManiPulaTe a signAl siNCE thAt timE aS CoMpUTeRS AnD sOFtWarE HaVe become more caPABlE and affORdabLE DiGital signaL proCeSsiNg has becomE THe metHod Of CHoicE hoWever in MuSic appLIcaTionS ANAlOG TeCHnology is ofTEn sTill desiraBLE aS It ofteN proDUCes NoNLINear reSpOnSes thaT ArE difficUlT to REPlicAte WiTH DiGital FIlters