Eli5: How is it that our voices are distinct enough to be captured by a recording instrument and replayed accurately

Question

For example, say 100 people each read / sang an identical passage into a recorder. It seems as though the frequency, amplitude etc that is captured wouldn’t anywhere near specific/precise enough the be accurately represented when played back. I.e what variables are at play that allow us to easily discern the 100 distinct voices when replayed? Thanks!

In: 5

Answer 1

I’m about to cut an assload of Corners with this explanation.

Recording devices work by translating sound waves into an electronic signal that can be saved and replayed through a speaker system.

Higher quality recording devices are capable of more precisely taking in that sound information and translating it more precisely into a high-quality electronic signal.