Forthcoming Neil Diamond Uni/MCA box set

[Dan]

It's coming out this month. Any predictions on what this 3-CD set might sound like? Do they actually have any of the original masters?

[Steve Hoffman]

Well, the Neil Diamond one disc greatest hits that I heard from (maybe) two years ago sounded great, all from the correct stereo masters. One problem. The entire thing was digitally compressed to death. Sigh. All the dynamic range lost. Also, everything seemed to have that 14k "air" added. Typical modern mastering. Nice warm midband though, just like the originals.

Hope they use the mono version of "Brother Love" this time. That stereo mix really bites!

[Dan]

Thanks Steve. I'm hoping to find more info about this project. Like who is involved in the mastering and what source the tracks are from (single mixes, mono mixes, etc.). I don't own any Neil Diamond currently. Lots of tracks on this box though, 74 in all!!

[Grant]

Steve, any comments on the Sony/Legacy box "In My Lifetime"? I have had this since it was released and I think the sound is brilliant, no compression.

[Steve Hoffman]

Grant, I haven't heard it. Sorry.

Nice that they didn't compress it to hell though...

[Jeff H.]

I own Neil Diamond box on Sony. I agree with Grant, great sound. I do have a question though. Were any of those tracks from the Bang Records era ever mixed for stereo? If not do the multi-tracks still exist?

[BradOlson]

http://www.angelfire.com/mo/iris/neilbang.html

This is a great way to find out where to find those Bang stereo mixes.