Steve H-McCartney/Ram Dcc Mastering Question

[spotlightkid]

steve hoffman-i just got done listening to two paul mccartney cd's you remastered for dcc.Mccartney and Ram.the sound on Mccartney is fantastic-very warm and this recording is one of
my favorites that he ever did.when i played the Ram dcc disc
i heard some tape noise that i don't hear on the Mccartney disc.can you please tell us when you listened to Ram initially what your thoughts were and also after you get a master tape how long is the process before you decide you have a finished master.does the artist ever have a say as far as if he or she is satisfied with the finished product.

[Steve Hoffman]

Interesting questions.

"Ram" is a funny sort of album, sound wise. Done at A&R Studios in NYC, with several "bounced" mixes with overdubs added. Extra hissy because of that, but the great music more than makes up for it.

Because of the bounces, several of the songs are totally out of phase in mono L+R, and cannot be corrected. No biggie, but a bit sloppy in the mix department. I've never been a big fan of A&R Studios, although I realize a lot of great music was recorded there.

My favorite from that studio, sound wise: "Getz/Gilberto"

My "this is ok but could have been better, sound wise": "Phoebe Snow/Self titled".

My least favorite sound from A&R: "The Amboy Dukes/Journey To The Center Of Your Mind" album.

I'm sure I missed part of the initial question. I do that!

[Steve Hoffman]

Yes, I missed the last part of your post.

If you are curious as to how I work, etc., go to the hompage and click on "Interview Archive". All you would want to know and more, compiled by our friend Doug Hess (Dough).