What is a common source of artifacts in digital recordings?

Electrical interference from external devices is a well-known source of artifacts in digital recordings. This interference can come from various sources, including nearby electronic equipment, power lines, or even the wiring within the recording environment. When these external devices generate electromagnetic fields, they can disrupt the signal being captured by the recording equipment, resulting in artifacts such as unwanted noise or distortions that can compromise the quality and accuracy of the recorded data.

In contrast, external environmental conditions may influence recordings, but they typically do not introduce artifacts unless they interfere with the electrical components or circuitry. The length of the recording equipment itself is generally not a factor; instead, it's the quality of the components and their shielding that matters. Regular maintenance is essential for optimal performance, but it does not produce artifacts—it rather helps prevent them by ensuring that the equipment operates as intended. Thus, electrical interference stands out as a direct cause of artifacts in the context of digital recordings.