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I must fix Californication.
Mar 22, 2008 at 11:03 PM Post #63 of 105
The log file that accompanies the release is in German but it appears to have been ripped from CD using EAC and encoded to FLAC. Wether the CD was burnt from the 192k mp3s I dunno.

I can tell you, it sounds far better than the original release.
 
Apr 7, 2008 at 12:12 AM Post #65 of 105
I wouldn't mind hearing the "unmastered" version. Out of over 600 cds or so that I own, this album is easily in the top 3 or 4 loudest of them all. Terrible fidelity, even painful. Apparently the vinyl's also bad.. surprising it hasn't been re-released by now.
 
Apr 7, 2008 at 1:21 AM Post #67 of 105
In general, avoid anything mastered by Vladimir "Vlado" Meller, the guy who did Californication. He's frequently awful and never better than mediocre. 50 year old guys with no high frequency hearing left probably shouldn't be mastering albums.
 
Apr 7, 2008 at 1:25 AM Post #68 of 105
I think they have redeemed themselves by having Steve Hoffman master their last 2 disc album on vinyl. The band really liked the final sound and highly approved of how it turned out. They also acknowledged that they may have went a bit overboard on californication. The Steve Hoffman mastered vinyl, even on a vinyl rip for CD, is absolutely fantastic.
 
Apr 7, 2008 at 3:22 AM Post #69 of 105
Aussie release also sounds awful. Identical master obviously. Groan.
 
Apr 19, 2008 at 2:41 AM Post #70 of 105
Finally, I've found some like minded individuals...
The producer on this audio disaster would be none other than Rick Rubin. Everybody thinks he's great, but I've always thought he sucked buttermilk!

Unquestionably the most over rated and under talented producer / engineer that ever was. You can hear more of his garbled mess of a signature on Blood Sugar Sex Magic. BSSM is the best record they ever did, and his ability to draw the band's best performance is fine. However, he clearly lacks even the most basic ideas of what good sound is. It's probably his least messed up effort, but it still could have been so much better. Anything else he does is just pure crap. He must have some really good drugs for the bands, because I can't think of any other reason to hire him.
 
Sep 17, 2010 at 11:15 AM Post #71 of 105
I agree with what everyone says here. However, I have been searching for 3 or 4 years and have been unable to find a lossless (FLAC) source of the unmastered Californication ANYWHERE. I do own the real abortion of a CD...love the music, but the mastering is atrocious. I have the 192kbps mp3s of the unmastered version but I am a quality nut, and I prefer to listen to music that isn't missing all frequencies above 16khz! Has anyone ever found the FLAC version or verified that it actually exists? Any help would be much appreciated. If it doesn't exist, I still prefer the unmastered mp3s to the CD, though LOL
 
Sep 17, 2010 at 4:42 PM Post #73 of 105
it is a valid question though
 
Sep 18, 2010 at 3:59 AM Post #74 of 105
It's nearly impossible to fix Californication. Getting rid of 100% of the problems is indeed impossible if you are working with either the CD or LP. I'd say I've managed to eliminate about 90% of the problems but it is hard as hell and compromises must be made.
 
Way to revive an ancient thread!
tongue_smile.gif

 
Sep 18, 2010 at 8:55 AM Post #75 of 105
According to some people on RHCP fansites, there is the belief that "Californication" was (slightly?) remastered. The Amazon.com MP3 version of the album has some differences and less clipping than the CD/Vinyl versions we've come to know and cringe at for the last decade or so.
 
On a side note, I picked up the new Linkin Park album on Tuesday, which was also produced by Rubin. Surprise surprise...clipping everywhere. iTunes version is better though. what's with the MP3 releases sounding better?!
 
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