BOB KATZ: Declares the loudness war has been won

“The debilitating loudness war has finally been won,” said mastering engineer Bob Katz on the eve of the Audio Engineering Society (AES) Convention in New York City. The last battle will be over by mid-2014.” “I have just completed loudness measurements of iTunes Radio using iTunes version 11.1.1. Tunes Radio’s audio levels are fully-regulated, using […]

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AVANTONE: CLA200 Studio Power Amplifier

CLA200 is a dynamic and classically designed A/B studio power amplifier capable of delivering 200W into 8 ohms per-side. Built in ‘traditional’ classic-studio style, the CLA200 features front-facing transport handles, wide-angle VU meters and high quality Japanese components. Rather than employing fans for heat regulation, Avantone have utilised convection technology to ensure the amp stays […]

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Led Zeppelin – Physical Graffiti 3 CD expanded set with 7 previously un-released studio outtakes

This is a deluxe 3 CD package of Led Zeppelin’s sixth album, Physical Graffiti with the original artwork, plus the newly created negative artwork for the companion audio. The original album is newly remastered on 2 CDs; the 3rd CD features previously un-released studio outtakes. Includes a die-cut square slipcase to hold 3 wallets, booklet, U-card, slipcase […]

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BARRY DIAMENT: Q&A about Soundkeeper Recordings

Some of you already know about Barry Diament from his CD mastering days at Atlantic Records where he was the mastering engineer for too many classic CD releases to do justice to with a short list (here’s one longer list and I’ll cherry pick Led Zeppelin II, Physical Graffiti, and the majority of the Bob […]

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Devils and details

Part of the challenge in engineering is to know when to use certain processes or devices and when to use others. For example, a tube in the input stage works well, but not so much in the output. Or, a capacitor used as a DC blocker might sound better than the complexity of a servo, […]

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Shopping for inputs

PAUL MCGOWAN Preamplifiers consist of three essential elements: input selection, volume control, output. Of the three the volume control is by far the most difficult to get right, but the input selector isn’t far behind. Few of us give much thought to the mechanics of switching inputs. Your preamp might have four, perhaps five input choices. Some […]

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Perceptual hearing

Maybe our focus has been to narrow. We think of our ears as mere microphones. We then design measurement equipment to unravel all the distortions and intricacies that might trip up a microphone, only to wonder why those measurements and our hearing perceptions don’t line up. Our ears are microphones, but that’s only the simplest of their […]

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Watch Your Step – The Final Performances Live ’91: (4CD Deluxe Boxset) by Steve Marriott’s Packet Of Three

This 4CD box set lovingly documents the final musical years of a true legend, a great songwriter, musician, and formidable frontman. Steve Marriott was sadly taken from us prematurely at the age of 44 on the 30th April 1991. Vocalist and guitarist in such great bands as Small Faces and Humble Pie, Steve clearly had […]

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Do amplifiers sound different?

How can two 1000 watt amplifiers measure the same but sound different? And are there ways measurements can tell us what to expect in an amplifier’s audible performance? Paul gives us some helpful advice when it comes to selecting a power amplifier in a high-end audio system.

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HEADPHONES: Why don’t audio engineers use high-end headphones?

James Harward, works at James Harward ProductionsUpdated September 19, 2018 · Upvoted by Michiel Lombaers, 30 years as a sound engineer writes … Audio engineers typically do use high-end headphones, just not high-end consumer headphones. There is a difference from headphones that are meant for studio use (mixing) vs. what is used for listening to […]

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STUDIO MONITORS: Have you ever wondered what recording studio engineers use for monitors?

Have you ever wondered what recording studio engineers use for monitors? I’ll tell you – probably nothing you’d have in your home or system. For the most part they are anything but high-end. A few loudspeaker manufacturers proudly show us their products in the studios and mastering rooms of the world, but this is done […]

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