lauck@bergil.DEC (05/31/85)
Recently, two reasons have been given on net.audio as justification for the
process of digitally remastering analog recordings, even if the resulting
product is an analog LP: 1) this facilitates the release of CDs as well as
LPs and 2) this may help preserve aging master tapes. Without debating the
merits of these arguments, I would like to add a third.
Many analog LPs are made from second (or more) generation analog tape
recordings. This is done for several reasons: 1) companies want to keep the
orginal recording in a vault and not subject it to the risk of handling every
time stampers are made, 2) companies are reluctant to edit the original
master tape, and 3) multi channel originals must be "mixed" down into
two channel form for processing. I'm sure there are many other reasons
which can "justify" extra generations.
Digital remastering offers the opportunity to remove all analog generations
beyond the first. This should improve the sound of CDs (at least improve
the S/N). Whether this digital remastering improves the sound of analog
LPs is another issue which I don't care to debate today!
A while back I had the opportunity to compare a "remixed" Japanese import of
the Bruno Walter Mahler 9 with the original. This recording had a different
stereo perspective and was much less bright. In many respects it
was an improvement. However, this version has been accused of being
"crypto-digital".
Ohter remasterings involve editing the program material, adding extra
material, deleting repeats, etc. Some of this is an honest attempt to
exploit the longer playing time of the CD medium, others are marketing
gimmicks. Having watched a Sony digital editing system in action, I can
confidantly state that it beats a razor blade!
Tony Lauck
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