NIN - Hesitation Marks "Audiophile Version"

Err · Post by **Err** » Wed Sep 04, 2013 9:10 pm

Background here: http://pitchfork.com/news/52074-nine-inch-nails-releasing-hesitation-marks-audiophile-version-with-alternate-mastering/

In summary, Trent was supposed to release an "audiophile" version of the new album. I've only listened to a couple of the songs so far and while I like what I've heard of the new album, I hesitate to call it an "audiophile" version.

On Top (for comparison) is Sanctified from Pretty Hate Machine (1989)

Second is Copy of A from Hesitation Marks Regular Version

Bottom is the same song as the audiophile version. To my ears the audiophile version does sound better but it's still compressed. However, it has better bass response and isn't distorted. I don't understand why clipping is allowed during mastering.

Quote from Barry Diament. He mastered Pretty Hate Machine.

I wonder why anyone would think a recording of loudly played music, which is meant to be played loud, should be effectively predistorted by making the recorded level on disc loud, rather than achieving that loudness with the playback volume control.

While I admire what I take to be the intent of the "audiophile" version, going from a DR rating of 5 (with 6 tracks overloaded!) to a DR rating of 6 (with - only- 2 tracks overloaded) isn't exactly pushing the audiophile envelope. Makes me think the definition of the term "audiophile" is either completely misunderstood or it has been stretched to (well beyond) the breaking point.

I did the original CD mastering for "Pretty Hate Machine" (way back when, for TVT Records). To my knowledge, it has a DR rating of 13 and no overloads at all. It can be turned up, using the playback volume control, for a non-distorted hearing of the music, with all the "punch" put into the original mixes.

Some folks like their music a bit squeezed. It provides an illusion of loudness because it simulates the near overload (or in some cases, full overload) of a playback system taxed and stressed to the edge. I wouldn't argue with whatever brings anyone their listening pleasure but personally, I don't want the illusion of loudness, I want the real thing. And the only way to get that for real is with the playback volume control. (Turning up that playback volume control also brings with it other benefits, just as having to turn it down to achieve the same apparent level with a compressed recording, will bring with it certain drawbacks.)

Maybe there will be a "super audiophile" version next, with a full 7 dB of DR and only one track overloaded?
It would seem the real audiophile version of this release might currently be the one on vinyl.

Best regards,
Barry
Soundkeeper Recordings
The Soundkeeper | Audio, Music, Recording, Playback
Barry Diament Audio

Pugsley · Post by **Pugsley** » Wed Sep 04, 2013 10:17 pm

And people wonder why I listen to Pink Floyd so much. Its not so much that I think the music is great, but it just sounds so good. If that makes any sense.

Post by **FlyingPenguin** » Wed Sep 04, 2013 11:36 pm

It's sad how much modern music is purposely recorded distorted. As a former audio engineer, it's grating on my nerves. As Barry Diament states above, I would prefer to choose the amount of distortion (or lack there of) I want to hear, and if I want it louder I'll turn it up.

I'm beginning to believe most of these musicians are half deaf and they shouldn't be allowed anywhere near the mixing console during a mastering session.

normalicy · Post by **normalicy** » Thu Sep 05, 2013 9:37 pm

OMG, you're right. Even the audiophile version makes me shudder.

Err · Post by **Err** » Fri Sep 06, 2013 12:37 pm

I listened to the Album. It's good but sounds more like his side projects than the angry NIN everyone is used to. Due to the lack of dynamics, the album is tiring to listen to and honestly makes it a bit boring. I haven't received my vinyl yet but I'm hoping it's not as overdriven as the "audiophile" version.

I was listening to my 1989 CD of Pretty Hate Machine this morning on the way to work. It's honestly one of the best recordings I own. If you're looking for it, make sure to get the 1989 version. It was re-mastered recently and now sounds like everything else.

Err · Post by **Err** » Sun Sep 15, 2013 6:53 pm

I transferred my vinyl today. It sounds much better than the so-called "audiophile" version. It's still a bit compressed but is much cleaner and more dynamic.

Audiophile top. Vinyl bottom.