Another reason for the 1996 remasters having lower DRs is because they have stronger bass, which in general, reduces DR. Take 'Brothers in Arms' for example, with the original CD having DR16, and the remaster DR12. The original CD is very bright, with the cymbals and keyboard flourishes being extremely clear. The snare drum is bright and light sounding as well. Some may like this clarity, however, it is a typical 80s CD with a lack of bass. The 1996 remaster reduces this brightness, and has stronger bass. The snare drum is duller and sounds more powerful. The choice of which CD really depends on your preference.
What do I have? S/T, Alchemy - West German target CDs Brothers in Arms - Japanese Warners CD "Mfd. By Matsushita") Communique, Making Movies, Love Over Gold - US Warner CDs
I wouldn't call any of the 1996 Dire Straits remasters bad. Only for On Every Street I clearly prefer the original since it simply sounds perfect. This doesn't mean the remaster is bad.
Originals are better, more crankable. More hi-fidelity. Still very cheap to find. Was listening to my HDCD of Sailing to Philadelphia recently too. Incredible sounding disc.
But worth picking up for the 5.1 mix by Chuck Ainlay. Just don't bother listening to the stereo mix, whether on the CD layer or SACD layer. Absolutely crushed to death.
Here's an old post of mine comparing the 1996 remasters to the originals. On the remaster, the slight volume increase over the duration of the track "Six Blade Knife" is completely lost. This is what I had written in a follow-up post: "The song used to have a volume build-up, getting louder as it progresses. The remastering engineer decided that that wasn't a good thing, and the song should be equally loud from beginning to the end. He actually changed the quality of the music/recording." DIRE STRAITS: Self-titled: Best version on CD?
Are you sure that volume increase wasn't added by the previous mastering engineer(s)? Is it really present on the mixdown master tape?
After running my Vectron copy of the 1976 S/T recording through the 'corrector'/'decoder', I got DR14... I just ran a test of my 'correction' program on 'Sultans of Swing', producing a snippet. Definitely wear headphones, and download first, Dropbox player sucks. The 'correction' program is a true attempt at correcting the processing done against consumer recordings. Dropbox - 06 - Sultans Of Swing-DEC-SNIP.flac - Simplify your life Included: a snippet of the best possible (after lots of research) unprocessed/uncleaned-up copy of the cut: Dropbox - 06 - Sultans Of Swing.flac-RAWCD-SNIP.flac - Simplify your life The output portion of the program (the descrambler) is still in the midst of adjustment (it acts like a compressor/expander from hell.) Therefore, the sound isn't 100% what I expect yet. Mostly the difference will be in the lower highs needing a bit more 'body'. John
Ludwig did it in 1996. His choice to do so perhaps not, but he was responsible from mastering engineering perspective.. It's fine BTW on the original 1985 WG Dent (for Japan and US) and the original 1985 Vertigo Ludwig (for EU) CD's as well as the 1985 vinyl. The build up was clearly the Artist's intent and IMHO brilliant for Knopfler to do so. Sad that the track is a causality of loudness war
One sad thing is that the percussion is squashed so very bad on many/most versions. Listen to the A/B (just updated) of 'Sultans'. The Percussion at the beginning takes a real hit with the so-called 1980's 'Digital Sound', now being passed of as 'normal'. John
I would, if it would only be released on disc or as a download. I'm not interested in subscribing to Apple Music or Tidal.
Noticed now that two of my 1996 rematers (Making Movies & Love Over Gold) from EU have red swirl lables... Strange. Anyone know anything about this?
They changed it (back) a few years ago. In 1996 Making Movies had a red|blue CD face and Love Over Gold a dark blue one. No changes with s/t and Communiqe.
Thank you. My other 1996 ones, the first two, BiA, Money For Nothing and OES have the "right" disc label.
