Nov 4, 2011
This tip is so simple that when I first thought of it I almost felt as if I didn’t need to post it.
But talking to people about mastering recently, I’ve realised that it’s one of those “obvious to you” concepts that Derek Sivers talks about. I just take it as read, but I’m finding out that many people haven’t even considered it.
Oct 10, 2011
I’m a U2 fan.
Yes, am. Not was, am. I’m still waiting for their next great album – I’ve been distinctly underwhelmed by the last few – but in the meantime their back-catalogue will do me just fine.
I preferred it when the band wasn’t such an enormous money-making machine, and their manager’s view of the modern music “industry” is clearly blinkered beyond belief, and yes of course Bono is a complete arse of the highest order (although I think he’s an arse whose heart is in the right place, which helps) – but I still think they’re fantastic.
Achtung Baby was (and is) the album that clinched it for me, and if you’ve forgotten or never knew why it’s so great, try watching this superb – and surprisingly honest – BBC documentary.
Aug 18, 2011
I’ve just read a truly excellent analysis of the effects of the Loudness War on the music we listen to in Sound On Sound magazine, and – hold on to your hats – according to Emmanuel Deruty:
“There is no doubt about it: contrary to general belief, there has been no obvious decrease in loudness range due to the loudness war, and brickwall limiters have not reduced the loudness range in music production.”
In fact, the article argues very convincingly that “dynamic range” is so poorly defined that’s it’s pretty much useless as a way to discuss the effect of the so-called “war”. It goes on to look at the issue in great detail, trying to find out – if it’s not reduced dynamic range that makes Loudness War casualties sound bad, what is it ?
So, as the organiser of Dynamic Range Day, does this mean I’ve been barking up the wrong tree ? That we don’t have to worry about the Loudness War after all, or that it’s NOT making modern music sound worse ?
No.
Aug 10, 2011
I just got back from a much-needed break. We stayed with my wife’s parents on the east coast, which has a pretty special location overlooking farmland and a beautiful tidal creek.
The week started with a family gathering of over 30 aunts, uncles, grandparents and cousins and we all enjoyed a weekend of camping, swimming, kayaking, mud-bathing, night-hiking & campfires.
One of the most memorable moments though was actually in the days afterwards, when we were able to swim in the creek. The water was just the right temperature and just salty enough, the sun shone and the fish chased us – but my favourite thing was… the acoustic.
Jul 21, 2011
I know, this is my third Imogen Heap post this month. But there’s a reason. Watch this video and you’ll see.
Imogen is performing an (improvised?) piece using the ‘Data Gloves’ developed for her by Professor Tom Mitchell at the University of West England. As far as I know this is the first video to be posted to date – thanks to @snailsandsushi for the link.
.gif "Dynamic Range Foundation - Active Member")
