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Dynamic Range Day - Loudness War Protest

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Why Death Metal fans hate the Loudness Wars

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At first sight there’s something deliciously ironic about the fact that fans of Heavy Metal music – in particular the “Death” and “Thrash” varieties – are the ones who complain most bitterly about the loudness wars.

Most notable of course is Metallica’s infamous Death Magnetic, but consistently I see more and more comments by fans of the loudest, most aggressive styles of music who hate the damage done by excessive compression and brick-wall limiting.

But why is this ? These people are all deaf to begin with from attending too many loud gigs and constant head-banging, right !?!

Well, no. In fact, when you think about it, it makes perfect sense, because without quiet, there can be no loud. And the whole point about metal is that it should be played – and listened to – loud. (Well, one of the points, anyway !)

But a recording that has no dynamic contrast left in it doesn’t sound loud (ie. punchy, hard-hitting, aggressive) when it’s been crushed to death – it just sounds “wimpy loud” instead.

The video above illustrates this perfectly, and proves yet again that there’s more to metal (and metal fans) than just moshing and  \m/ emoticons.

Hats off to them, and let’s hope the bands, labels and producers are listening…

(And, if you’re making music and want to know how to make your recordings sound loud without crushing it to death, click here.)

Dynamic Range Day – How to take part

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Dynamic Range Day – Loudness War Protest

…Wow.

I hoped it really was a good idea, but I never expected this kind of response.

I announced the idea of Dynamic Range Day almost exactly one month ago now, inspired by Derek Siver’s thoughts on starting a movement and Seth Godin’s suggestion to Declare A Holiday to publicise issues we care about.

Now, we have over 2500 people signed up to take part on the Facebook Event page, another 1000 who may be “attending”, and over 5000 more who have been invited.

People are posting on blogs and websites and talking about it on forums all over the place – here are just a few examples:

Sonic State
The Gear Page
Audio Geek Zine
Turn Me Up !
hb. hifi
Home Studio Corner
0dB.pl
AVI HiFi
Pleasurize Music Foundation
braindance.co.uk
Big Toe Studio
Digitube Blog

I’ve even been asked to support and contribute to a proposal for university research into the Loudness Wars – more on that in a future post !

And in less than 24 hours, RIGHT NOW, Dynamic Range Day will be is here !

Click to continue »

You should watch this video

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It’s hard to write something that does this video proper justice, to be honest.

Watch it, and you’ll see what I mean.

I came across it by chance, following a link in my Twitter stream. I don’t want to spoil it by saying anything in advance, really – if you read either of my blogs you’ll find all kinds of things to interest you, but there’s more to it than first appears, and if you’re like me the real message will shock, surprise and move you.

Watch it, and then click this link.

Add a Dynamic Range Day banner to your site

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Dynamic Range Day - Loudness War Protest

Here are instructions if you would like to add a Dynamic Range Day banner to your site. Please make all banners link to this page:

Dynamic Range Day 2011

We have three versions – the original on the right was created in almost no time at all, last year by diamond geezer Mister Matthew Vince.


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Dynamic Range Day – SHOUT OUT against the Loudness Wars

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Dynamic Range Day - Loudness War Protest

Dynamic Range Day is March 20th, 2010

That’s TODAY !

Actually, that was two years ago.

But there’s going to be a third Dynamic Range Day in 2012, on March 16th and this year I want it to be even better.

For all the latest information, click here.

If you’d like to be involved, please click on the big “RSS” icon on the right to get free updates for posts on this site, and sign up to the Production Advice Newsletter in the box below.






Thanks, and see you soon ! Join us in a day of protest against the CD “Loudness Wars” – more info below

  • Show your support – check out the Facebook Event and RSVP to say you’ll “attend”
  • Use the Twitter hashtag #DYNAMICRANGEDAY tonight at 9pm GMT to try and get this issue “trending” on everyone’s Twitter page
  • It’s easy to take part – just SHOUT (type in all caps) ALL DAY, EVERYWHERE !
  • And when people ask, tell them why you’re shouting

Read the full story here: Dynamic Range Day – The Idea

What are the Loudness Wars ? Watch this video:

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