I decided to do a flat transfer of Pet Sounds; disconnecting all of the mastering equipment, including the console. It would be the only flat mastering of the mono mix in recorded history. (Every other version of that darn album be it LP, domestic and foreign, 45, Juke Box, EP, Cassette, 8-Track, Open Reel, Compact Disc, Hi-Rez, stereo remix, mono remaster, WHATEVER, has been tweaked in some way or another).
Really, on a great system, the original "fairy dust" mono mix doesn't need tweaking at all. It needs leaving alone. It is a little bass heavy, but so be it. It will shine and blossom the best on a really great system that way.
In my opinion, every attempt to "fix" that old tube mono Western Studio sound ALWAYS results in (pick one or some): Aggressive, brittle, blanched, thin, dulled, veiled, pinched sound.
Since there are PLENTY of those around, both new and old, those who don't really like the DCC version can have a treble field day with them!
WHY ALL OTHER VERSIONS WERE MASTERED TO SOUND SO BLANCHED AND UN-MUSICAL IS A MYSTERY TO ME. Are we here alone in being in awe of the original sound of the original mix? What is this obsession to knob twiddle stuff to death until the original musical vision is obscured or lost completely?
Steve Hoffman
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