The basic point is huge, and directionally correct. We worry about the smallest things in our hifi, but the big concerns are:
That said, rock and pop have usually been in a class by themselves (not in a good way). Since i’ve ranted before i’ll stay out of the particulars, but its pretty true. Exceptions exist!
Blues, jazz, folk? I would disagree. Sorry for those subjected to the same examples in two days of the same week, but listen to Ella and Louis (Verve), Andre Previn and friends play West Side Story, or pretty much Any Verve, Mercury Living Presence or -- just to make a liar of me -- Pink Floyd. Superb.
In general the more active production, the less of the original hall and timbre exists. Verve used two mikes, MLP three. They did minimal eq and almost no over-dubbing. Except maybe the cannons, and Bob explains his technique :-)
I would also say that recordings are getting better. Digital facilities are finally, after three decades, a boon rather than a bane. The advent of personal fi means that AM car radios are not the assumed playback device. Many reasons that they might be expected to improve. of course, hearing impaired artists and engineers can still create bright results (and sound good to them!)
Now monopoles bad? Shhhhhhh Don’t tell Wilson.
- poor recordings/masterings/pressings
- rooms and setup
That said, rock and pop have usually been in a class by themselves (not in a good way). Since i’ve ranted before i’ll stay out of the particulars, but its pretty true. Exceptions exist!
Blues, jazz, folk? I would disagree. Sorry for those subjected to the same examples in two days of the same week, but listen to Ella and Louis (Verve), Andre Previn and friends play West Side Story, or pretty much Any Verve, Mercury Living Presence or -- just to make a liar of me -- Pink Floyd. Superb.
In general the more active production, the less of the original hall and timbre exists. Verve used two mikes, MLP three. They did minimal eq and almost no over-dubbing. Except maybe the cannons, and Bob explains his technique :-)
I would also say that recordings are getting better. Digital facilities are finally, after three decades, a boon rather than a bane. The advent of personal fi means that AM car radios are not the assumed playback device. Many reasons that they might be expected to improve. of course, hearing impaired artists and engineers can still create bright results (and sound good to them!)
Now monopoles bad? Shhhhhhh Don’t tell Wilson.