If an enthusiast such as DJPaulT can master vinyl to sound immaculate
for his excellent “Burning the Ground” website; why can’t professional
engineers do the same? It doesn’t take long to remove pops and crackles from a
digital recording and adjusting EQ isn’t too complicated if performed by
someone with skill.
Less pops in my pop music please
As I sit listening to the remastered version of “No 1 in
Heaven” by Sparks I can’t help but
notice that some of the extra tracks are sourced from vinyl. I understand that 30
year old master tapes get lost and I can accept that sometimes this is the only
source available. But what I don’t understand is why they are always so badly
mastered.
Either
record companies need to start looking harder
for master tapes or employ DJPaulT to master their vinyl. Take pride in
your work like Paul or don't bother I say. Music is too important for
half hearted efforts.
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Are you referring to the 2013 remaster?
ReplyDeleteYou've talked about the bonus tracks, but what about the original album itself? What is the remastering like?
I have the older 1999 Repertoire records release and I find that edition to be too loud and harsh for my taste. Can you compare it to the 2013 release, or at least comment on your overall impression of the new edition? Also, does the original album (not the bonus tracks) sound like a vinyl rip? Thanks!
Yes, Andrew I'm referring to the 2013 remaster. Only a couple of the extra tracks seem to be from vinyl. As you might expect the album proper is from the master tapes.
ReplyDeleteThis version is also pretty loud with particular emphasis on the higher frequencies. It's mastered with a little bit of headroom left; but only a very small amount. There is better stereo definition/separation on this CD compared to the compilations I own. Sadly, I don't have the 1999 version to compare it to.