.what changed in the remastered versions of albums?what do people do when they remaster it?

There are two main differences. 1) Conversion and noise reduction, and 2) Compensation for new processing trends

1) When CDs first came out, the analog to digital converters that were being used to master analog tapes to CD form were horrible. That’s why there was an immediate backlash of “VINYL SOUNDS BETTER THAN CDSSSSSS!!!!” right after CDs replaced cassetes. They were right!

Since then, much better converters have been designed, and digital quality is at an all time high. Noise reduction software that keeps getting better also allows for cleaner conversions with less tape hiss.

2) Go listen to a Beatles CD that was mastered in the late 80s. Turn it up to the volume you want to rock with it at. Then switch to the latest Ke$ha album, and don’t change to volume. The Ke$ha album will BLOW your eardrums out. CDs have been getting louder and louder over the last twenty years.

When an old recording is remastered, the audio is run through a “limiter” which brings down the peaks of the music so a larger average volume can fit on the CD. While this process reduces dynamic range, it will definitely make music sound more competitive with other newer albums you’re listening to.

Ask me anything

1. mazchiong liked this
2. danromer posted this