The art of great recordings comes more from the engineer than their equipment and the same is true for just about any artist: A painter's skill vs. her oils and brushes, a photographer's eye vs. his camera, an author's words vs. her keyboard.
Imagine a recording session where there's not enough presence to the cymbals or too little intimacy between the bow and string. The recording engineer need only move or change microphones until just the right mix is heard.
Yet another reason why recording monitors are critical. Recordings are emotional affairs crafted solely by ear. No measurements need apply. It either sounds right or it doesn't.
The power found in the recording is more than just faithfully capturing the notes and sounds without distortion.
There are magic and emotions to be captured and shared.