Re: [ARSCLIST] Libraries disposing of records

[Scott Phillips <scottp@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I just have to respond to this, even though I agree with 90% of it...

Use sound forge or similar and look at a remastered LP at the least, or
a current recording... The results are a LOT of square waves that result
from the misuse of plugin compressors or 'mastering' software. (To say
nothing of those that don't understand the REAL skills and value of a
proper mastering engineer.) The hardware used in radio would provide
what the record companies desire if fed un-stomped-on material. (mostly)
Instead, everyone suffers the final product, and the radio station
processing just makes that worse. (There was an earlier post/link that
makes that really clear... Anyone have the link..?)

I agree with an earlier post, there was a much better connection with
artist/producer/record company when LP's were made. IMHO, this was both
the result and the advantage of the limitations of the media. I recall
all the test disks sent to artists/producers for approval on projects,
AND all the remastering/mixing that were part of it. It was taken very
seriously, and not just to avoid a pressing that skipped on Joe
average's turntable. If applied to CD, the results are very, very good.
It was all about understanding the recording/playback media and it
limitations, as well as the end users limitations. Yes, the end user
gear is light years better than it was... So why are we using the last 3
db of dynamic range like we had nothing to spare? Even vinyl, with its
limitation, was used more completely that that...

Richard Hess said it well... It isn't the media that is a problem, it is
what was/has been done with it. The older technology enforced a
discipline that was removed with digital processing. The processing
isn't the problem, but the lack of discipline and judgment is..... BUT
that might be just me.

BTW, I WANT that 1" ATR-100.. :>)  Guess I better talk to John French
about the heads and guides... 

Just my 1.895 cents worth...

-----Original Message-----
From: Association for Recorded Sound Discussion List
[mailto:ARSCLIST@xxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Aaron Levinson
Sent: Saturday, January 06, 2007 5:03 PM
To: ARSCLIST@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: Re: [ARSCLIST] Libraries disposing of records

As someone who makes records everyday for a living using both analog
tape and Pro-Tools systems I can say that ultimately a well-aligned
Studer multi-track with high output analog tape recorded thru a Neve
desk and mastered to an Ampex ATR-100 series customized 1" stereo inch
machine does sound amazing and it may still sound better than even the
finest digital system- a Pro-Tools HD rig can produce astoundingly good
results. As a die-hard analog devotee even I must admit that the gap
between the two worlds is being narrowed every day and that in the end
superior mics and pre-amps placed in a great room with superb musicians
and compelling songs are really what matters, when all is said and less
is done. And this is coming from a guy with a 5 figure analog home
stereo system...The Loudness War is really the result of radio stations
compressing things to death and to place the blame on the labels alone
is really just a facile answer to a more complex problem.

Aaron Levinson

Parker Dinkins wrote:
> on 1/6/07 2:16 PM US/Central, Roger and Allison Kulp at 
> thorenstd124@xxxxxxxxx wrote:
>
>   
>> How then do you explain the reluctance of many rock artists,and 
>> producers to record digitally,or the indie rock analogue
boom/revival,in the 90s ?
>>     
>
> Might have something to do with the 'loudness war'?
>
> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Gmex_4hreQ
>
>