What is the difference between a hardware based recording studio and a computer based recording studio?

Answer 1

the computer one uses a computer.
I suppose a hardware based one does all the mixing in hardware, then records it to whatever medium which could use a computer, but a computer based one uses a sound card and software mixing.

Answer 2

In a computer based recording studio, the sound signals are converted to digital files with appropriate timing codes and are stored on hard disk storage, with separate files for each mike or electronic sound source. Normally, these are fed though an electronic switch so physical shifting of cables is reduced. The files are then editted to correct for errors and timing - since the tracks may be recorded at different times - and are matched and merged to produce a final 1, 2, 3, or 5 channel mix. Even more may be produced for theatrical film sound or other special venues.
In a hardware based system, all the tracks are recorded on multitrack tape systems with each instrument and voice being laid down on a separate track in analog form. Each device producing sound has a wire to a patch panel and short jumper cables (patch cords) connect the studio wiring to the control panel and the control panel to the recording devices. The sound engineer adjusts the control panel to the best recording levels and quality. Later the tape is replayed and mixed down to the desired final arrangement of sound. Normally, little work is done with individual tracks.
Both digital and analog allow recording of individual tracks, but normally on a multitrack analog, a new track is recorded on the tape while the artist is listening to the output of the previously recorded tracks and it is the artist's responsibility to match the timing. Multitrack keeps the new material from wiping out the older material.
Multitrack also make it easier for an artist to play along with himself to produce multilayered recordings such as Les Paul did in the 50's.

Answer 3

Not too many of the "hardware" based studios left. In those, they'd record (usually) with a sixteen track reel to reel tape recorder and a mixing board. Now most studios are do it all on computer. So, who's still got a sixteen track? I haven't seen one in years!