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How is a CD read?

I have a particular live recorded CD I enjoy very much. On several tracks the left channel does not play the full music as the guitar is so faint it is barely detectable. Other tracks from the same CD are fine and balanced.

Originally I expected an issue with a component. After troubleshooting it is definitely the CDP. When switching the CDP's left and right cables to the preamp, the issue will fallow.

The fact other tracks on this particular CD and other CD's in various formats I have do no exhibit this issue, makes me think it is possibly the CD itself. Are CD's mastered in such a manner that is possible?
mlo97
rlwainwright
1,904 posts
 
If the problem follows the cable, I would think that replacing that cable would be the first thing to try. Do that and get back to us...

-RW-
don_s
271 posts
 
RW, How can the problem be with the cable if all the other tracks play correctly? I assume other CDs also play correctly since the OP only mentioned one CD.

I would play the offending tracks on a different CD player, even a computer or optical drive connected to a TV if that was all that was available. That would quickly determine if the CD was defective.

None of this answers the OP's question about CD mastering. If the recording process was flawed then the final CD will be flawed. Mastering is a broad term and includes many steps.
stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,404 posts
 
Perhaps the cd was recorded in something other than 2 channel stereo and that is why some of the information is weak.
mofimadness's avatar
mofimadness
4,992 posts
 
The OP said it was a "live recorded CD." If this was taken straight from the sound board, it could be that a cable or even a control knob was bumped during just that song, then it was realized and fixed?
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