(CD) mastering and bass

[anoobis]

I've read quite a posts that go something like (and started one!):

OP: where's the bass on these 'phones?
reply: there's nothing wrong with them. It's you / the amp / another reason.
OP: I am not a basshead.

Well, I wonder about the 'other reason' being due to CD mastering. If there is a prevalence (sp?) of bass-heavy HP out there, then is it conceivable that some CDs are mastered to offset this? Therefore neutral HP would sound bass shy.

I realise that the counter argument is that if bass-heavy is popular then why would you intentionally remove it.

I am convinced that some of my 'phones are capable of producing a fuller sound and that some of the recordings are to blame (caveat: could also be my sources).

Have I hit on something here? I've not researched anything, just thinking out loud.

 

[Assorted]

I'm aware of many bass-shy classical recordings, but I would hardly think that it is made-so intentionally. Everybody likes bass

 

[b0dhi]

Most (popular) masters lack deep bass, but I doubt mastering has anything to do with why bass lean headphones sound bass lean.

 

[biph911]

I think most decent audio engineers shoot for a faithful reproduction of what is being presented in the studio. If that includes a heavy dose of low bass, then it will be there.

The key phrase there is "decent audio engineers". Much of the popular music we are assaulted with, never existed outside of some software package used to manipulate the tracks recorded in the studio. These tracks are full of shrill highs, bloated bass, and enhanced vocals to hide the lack of natural talent of some of the artists. </rant>

 

[anoobis]

So I'm talking round squishy objects? Heh heh, thought so

 

[illkemist]

Quote:

Originally Posted by biph911 /img/forum/go_quote.gif The key phrase there is "decent audio engineers". Much of the popular music we are assaulted with, never existed outside of some software package used to manipulate the tracks recorded in the studio. These tracks are full of shrill highs, bloated bass, and enhanced vocals to hide the lack of natural talent of some of the artists. </rant>

Point taken, but I was under the impression that Head-Fiers strayed away from a lot of popular music. I mean to say that I don't think anyone gets into any of this because they take what they're given (e.g. iPod earbuds or Top 40 hits).

 

[biph911]

Quote:

Originally Posted by illkemist /img/forum/go_quote.gif Point taken, but I was under the impression that Head-Fiers strayed away from a lot of popular music. I mean to say that I don't think anyone gets into any of this because they take what they're given (e.g. iPod earbuds or Top 40 hits).

The problem I see is that this Top 40 money making garbage occasionally corrupts some of the better artists as their work becomes more widely recognized and they sign with bigger labels and are pushed to work with the big producers. (Sorry for the run on sentence)

I currently fear for Regina Spektor as I think she has tremendous talent. If you listen to Soviet Kitsch (and earlier albums), there is a raw creativity that although not wonderfully mastered, presents itself unapologetically and beautifully. Begin to Hope has less of that raw creativity, and the track "Better" is so "pop" that I can't believe she even sang it. She released Soviet Kitsch herself, then Shoplifter records picked it up for wider distribution. Begin to Hope is under Sire (division of warner bros). Sire isn't bad, they have a host of great artists, but you know there is pressure from WB to make some cash.

I often find myself listening to burgeoning artists hoping that just the right number of people buy the album so they can make enough money to keep playing and never sign with a huge label. The worst is when bands play great, emotional, desperate live shows at the beginning of their career (the ones that cost $5 at an old theater or dive bar), and then finally catch on enough that they just sell out. I'm glad they are successful, but I miss their music.

Sorry for another rant, I just really love hearing artists when it seems personal, and a well engineered recording makes that experience so much better (especially on headphones).

 

[illkemist]

Quote:

Originally Posted by biph911 /img/forum/go_quote.gif I often find myself listening to burgeoning artists hoping that just the right number of people buy the album so they can make enough money to keep playing and never sign with a huge label. The worst is when bands play great, emotional, desperate live shows at the beginning of their career (the ones that cost $5 at an old theater or dive bar), and then finally catch on enough that they just sell out. I'm glad they are successful, but I miss their music. Sorry for another rant, I just really love hearing artists when it seems personal, and a well engineered recording makes that experience so much better (especially on headphones).

No offense taken. You're preaching to the choir. I feel that artists need patrons that are just as passionate about their music as they are. And I definitely try to give as much financial support as I can to keep the music as unfettered as possible. I understand the responsibility of majors to their shareholders, which is why I hope that all my favorite artists can muster enough fan support to cut the chord. But I think 2007 was a good year for indies. I'm hoping that trend continues.

Sorry to get OT.

 

[MiG(TM)]

Quote:

Originally Posted by illkemist /img/forum/go_quote.gif Point taken, but I was under the impression that Head-Fiers strayed away from a lot of popular music. I mean to say that I don't think anyone gets into any of this because they take what they're given (e.g. iPod earbuds or Top 40 hits).

I listen to a lot of popular music. Most of the big name stuff is recorded quite well these days.

I find the "lesser" known bands usually have poorer quality masters.

 

[EnOYiN]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MiG™ /img/forum/go_quote.gif I listen to a lot of popular music. Most of the big name stuff is recorded quite well these days. I find the "lesser" known bands usually have poorer quality masters.

I respectfully disagree. I've hardly heard a new album of a popular artist which isn't overly compressed.

 

[xnothingpoetic]

Also with these newer recordings- I've notice they edit things out- like when an artist inhales or something. So they never seem to stop singing w/o breathing. Looses emotion this way.

If Kelly Sweet's song Dream On was done like most modern day recordings-around 3:00 you wouldn't have the amazing moment when she is running out of breath and there are some hic-ups in her singing for a moment when she tries to grasp for a quick breath. Without that part and others like it, it would have little emotion to it, imo.