As I've collected music over the years, I always tend to grab the "remastered" versions because I've assumed they're better (otherwise, why remaster?).

Is this usually a false assumption, or more of a case-by-case basis?

I... refuse... to believe it!!!

Quote from: Questhate on December 14, 2011, 03:39:06 PM

As I've collected music over the years, I always tend to grab the "remastered" versions because I've assumed they're better (otherwise, why remaster?).

Is this usually a false assumption, or more of a case-by-case basis?

This has been a false assumption. A lot of these remasters seem to have elevated treble and more compression. I guess that makes it sell more copies because it sounds better in the car or off iBuds. LFF is the expert on this stuff. Let me summon him.

I have been summoned indeed....

A vast majority of remasters suck...big time. However, just because most suck, doesn't mean they all suck. Eventually it comes down to listening to them on a case by case basis. Taking your time to do the research will help pick out the good ones from the bad ones. You need to learn which labels are reliable, what mastering engineers are known to be good time and time again and what format, if any, is mastered properly for that particular album.

Hey Luis,

How about post / sticky with known good reference recordings and mastering engineers?  I tried to start that with the what the thread you I started.

From you comments, it looks like I had a few winners in the bunch (e.g., Clapton Unplugged, Cowboy Junkies).

How about starting such a thread?

-Tim

Sounds good. I'll go ahead and make a nice sticky for you guys and gals.   

Here's a comparison of the peak levels by frequency on the Modern Love track.


The stronger yellow line is the Virgin remaster. The high bass to midrange is lowered 2db and upper middle is raised 1db. Whoever did the remaster (I'm not going to name names, but you can find out) is a fuck-tard. Why would anyone of sound mind attenuate bass/mids and increase upper mids?

I know it sounds harsh, but too often the typical excuse is "the customer (the band, or more often the company execs) wanted me to do this". Well if that's the case, the engineer could always go by a pseudonym similar to Alan Smithee or commit suicide. Yeah, the audio engineers who pull off shit this like this are truly fuck-tards. In case you can't tell, this kind of stuff really gets my blood boiling.

No amount of money spent on quality equipment is ever going to make the Virgin remaster sound good.