# Is Hardware Dead?

**URL:** <https://community.mwtm.com/t/is-hardware-dead/3618>\
**Category:** Mastering\
**Created:** [January 18, 2024, 4:54am UTC](https://community.mwtm.com/t/is-hardware-dead/3618 "2024-01-18T04:54:20Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Matt\_Salamone](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/flex013/user_avatar/community.mwtm.com/matt_salamone/32/79_2.png) [@Matt\_Salamone](https://community.mwtm.com/u/Matt_Salamone)\
**Post date:** [January 18, 2024, 4:54am UTC](https://community.mwtm.com/t/is-hardware-dead/3618/1 "2024-01-18T04:54:20Z")

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Hey Randy,

Some great questions and answers here, thank you!  
I know my question might look like a typical Gearspace topic lol, but seriously wanted to get your thoughts on the future of mastering hardware.  
As someone in your position receiving top-of-the-line mixes, do you feel there will ever be a need to use hardware in the future?

Thank you

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**Author:** ![Randy\_Merrill](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/flex013/user_avatar/community.mwtm.com/randy_merrill/32/693_2.png) [@Randy\_Merrill](https://community.mwtm.com/u/Randy_Merrill)\
**Post date:** [January 18, 2024, 10:03pm UTC](https://community.mwtm.com/t/is-hardware-dead/3618/2 "2024-01-18T22:03:12Z")

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Hi Matt,

My pleasure. I don’t think hardware is dead. There are plenty of ME’s making great sounding records using hardware. I prefer working digitally because of the finer increments and control over coloration I find working in the box. But it’s not to say that it’s fun mastering with a mouse. Some people enjoy the tactile nature of using hardware. I used to enjoy it too. But for me the advantages of working digital outweigh the disadvantages. Hope this helps.

Best Regards,

Randy

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**Author:** ![Ohad\_Nissim\_Masterin](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/flex013/user_avatar/community.mwtm.com/ohad_nissim_masterin/32/700_2.png) [@Ohad\_Nissim\_Masterin](https://community.mwtm.com/u/Ohad_Nissim_Masterin)\
**Post date:** [April 24, 2024, 8:55pm UTC](https://community.mwtm.com/t/is-hardware-dead/3618/3 "2024-04-24T20:55:51Z")

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Some hardware still sounds amazing compared to ITB Plugins. Yes, it’s all tools and a ‘choose your weapon’ scenario, but there are pieces that are still game changers.