Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Dynamic Range & The Loudness War

Truly excellent Loudness War analysis in Sound On Sound magazine – STOP PRESS:

“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 convincingly that “dynamic range” is so poorly defined that’s it’s pretty much useless as a way to discuss this issue.

Does this mean we don’t have to worry about the Loudness War after all, or that it’s NOT making modern music sound worse ? No. Over-use of limiting and compression tends to cause…

“…reduced crest factor, envelope modifications… and in the worst cases, distortion. Common sense suggests that although there is nothing wrong with these characteristics as such, they shouldn’t be on virtually all records“

The fight goes on…