Steve Hoffman: More famous?

[Gary]

Searching for and collecting *old* CD's on MCA, I've noticed that Steve's name appears on a lot (but not all) MCA CDs. Of course these CDs were produced in the early to mid '80's. The Mama's and Papa's and others come to mind. There are lots more, too. This is great because it makes identifying Steve's work easy with little financial risk!:)

I have *never* noticed any other mastering engineer's name on any early MCA CD's. Why is this? Did MCA realize that Steve's work was superior? :) Did MCA put Steve's name on the CD's after he went to the DCC Audiophile label - like "free" advertising? Was Steve the only staff engineer at MCA dedicated to mastering tapes - all the others were freelancers?

Just curious.....

Steve, feel free to jump in here! I would have addressed this question directly to you but I did not want to bug you with silly questions :) as you are working on CCR!

[Bob Lovely]

Originally posted by Gary
Searching for and collecting *old* CD's on MCA, I've noticed that Steve's name appears on a lot (but not all) MCA CDs. Of course these CDs were produced in the early to mid '80's. The Mama's and Papa's and others come to mind. There are lots more, too. This is great because it makes identifying Steve's work easy with little financial risk!:)

I have *never* noticed any other mastering engineer's name on any early MCA CD's. Why is this? Did MCA realize that Steve's work was superior? :) Did MCA put Steve's name on the CD's after he went to the DCC Audiophile label - like "free" advertising? Was Steve the only staff engineer at MCA dedicated to mastering tapes - all the others were freelancers?

Just curious.....

Steve, feel free to jump in here! I would have addressed this question directly to you but I did not want to bug you with silly questions :) as you are working on CCR!

Gary,

I cannot answer for Steve but MCA CDs from that period were famous for not including much information, poor liner cards, notes etc., sometimes with just a track listing and track times.

Bob

[Todd Fredericks]

Yes. a lot of the MCA discs from that period did not have very much detail info. For example, there was one (I can't remember which) that didn't even have a disc! An accident but I had it replaced at the store...

Todd

[Gary]

Originally posted by Todd Fredericks
.... there was one (I can't remember which) that didn't even have a disc! An accident but I had it replaced at the store...

Now THAT'S what I call "no detail" :D . Needs more mid range, low end is lacking somewhat... ;) Sorta quiet from the start to finish... too short......... :D

[Todd Fredericks]

Maybe MCA was experimenting with a new proto-type CD? Invisible and out of phase with the known universe (meaning you can't touch it or even acknowledge it's existance). It did sound amazing (in my mind at least). Maybe they were trying to save on freight costs with the less weight? This happened to my mother recently with a DVD. Luckily the store was understanding (rare because most places treat customers like criminals) and gave her a replacement...
Todd

[Beagle]

You rarely saw anyones name on early CD's, re-issues anyway. Maybe it was because since CD was a "perfect" medium and bits wuz bits, it mattered not (to record companies) who mastered it, it was gonna come out "perfect". We soon found out otherwise.

[whoompley]

Back in them days, Steve was one of the few mastering engineers who ventured to put their name on the product. I always took a remastering credit as a good sign back then. Nowadays a credit in itself is meaningless unless you recognise the engineer and like his or her work.

the other Wes

[John Carsell]

Come to think of it, I don't ever recall a Mo-Fi CD with any remastering engineer's name on it either.

[Bob Lovely]

Originally posted by John Carsell
Come to think of it, I don't ever recall a Mo-Fi CD with any remastering engineer's name on it either.

John,

Come to think of it--you are correct. Makes one wonder doesn't it? Has any Engineer ever come forward and claimed to have mastered a CD for MFSL? Hhhmmm!

Bob

[Gary]

Yea, John, I've never seen a mastering credit on a MOFI disc either. Company policy? Who were those mysterious poeple?

So Steve, was it your choice to have your name put on your discs? :)

[Steve Hoffman]

After I gained some fame in the music world with my Buddy Holly "For The First Time Anywhere" LP, the powers that be started to realize that my name on a disc meant more sales.

I declined to put it on single artist CD's ("Who's Next", etc.) that were not compilations however, a mistake that has caused much confusion over the years.

[Gary]

Thanks, Steve.... they made a good choice! I guess sometimes the Powers that Be are "smarter than your average bear!", if I may use a quotation from a personal hero ;)

[Grant]

Originally posted by John Carsell
Come to think of it, I don't ever recall a Mo-Fi CD with any remastering engineer's name on it either.
It was Mofi's policy not to mention the engineer's name. They didn't want any one person talking credit. It was probably so the guy couldn't use his work as leverage for a higher salary!

[Bob Lovely]

Originally posted by Grant

It was Mofi's policy not to mention the engineer's name. They didn't want any one person talking credit. It was probably so the guy couldn't use his work as leverage for a higher salary!

Or, the mastering for CDs was done by the local recording school intern program as a way too save money at MFSL!!!

Bob ;)

[Pinknik]

The booklet in MoFi's Pink Floyd THE WALL lists Krieg Wunderlich for digital remastering.

[Michael]

Steve's work ages like fine wine...as the remasters keep coming, Steve's work is more appreciated. Look how many people are searching out 16 + year old CDs example: Mama's & Papa's , Buddy Holly, The Who, Vintage Music Series Vol 1-10 , list goes on and on...

[Claviusb]

Originally posted by Steve Hoffman
After I gained some fame in the music world with my Buddy Holly "For The First Time Anywhere" LP, the powers that be started to realize that my name on a disc meant more sales.

I declined to put it on single artist CD's ("Who's Next", etc.) that were not compilations however, a mistake that has caused much confusion over the years.

You were everywhere there for a while...

[Dave]

Claviusb,

What in heck are you doing sneaking Patrick's avatar in there when we all know how much better it would be with Spiderman on it?!;)

[jligon]

Originally posted by Claviusb


You were everywhere there for a while...

I actually am laughing out loud! That's great Clavius.

[Joel Cairo]

I thought the Breakfast of Mastering Engineers was the same stuff that John Belushi ate when he swept the Olympics... Little Chocolate Donuts!!

-Kevin

[Dave]

Naw Kevin, you're thinkin' about Krispy Kremes Mmmmm......:cool:

[Joel Cairo]

Y'know-- one of these days they're gonna build one of those stores around here, and I'll finally get to find out what all the shouting is about.

But I tell you truthfully-- I like creme filled donuts (well, they're kind of "frosting filled" at Dunkin' Donuts), but I'm not sure how they'd taste if they were warm. Which is Krispy Kreme's big selling point, isn't it?

-Kevin

[Patrick M]

Originally posted by Joel Cairo
I thought the Breakfast of Mastering Engineers was the same stuff that John Belushi ate when he swept the Olympics... Little Chocolate Donuts!!
Don't forget to smoke.

[Patrick M]

Claviusb, have I complimented you lately on your superb taste? :D

[Dave]

Allright where's the gagging icon!:D