The Loudness War

Big-name CD manufacturers are distorting sounds to make them seem louder. Sound quality suffers.

NOTE: Playback is now disabled on mobile phones because these devices apply their own dynamic range compression, which destroys the effect of my example.

This video was made with image editing software and a screen capture program for the visuals, and a DAW (Digital Performer 4.5) to process the audio.

Thanks to everyone for watching! - Matt Mayfield, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA

• Category

  Music

[Ben Polzin]

I play drums and guitar but I also produce some electronic music.

I have to say that it is harder to produce a computer made track than learning to play guitar. You have to have musical experiences in rhythmical and melodical domains just like as you would play the guitar, bass, drums or anything else

No hating, but I think your argument is invalid.

[Daniel Kay]

I think a huge part is that so many people don't understand subtlety anymore.

All music is done bombastic, imagery has to be huge and swooping all the time, specially effects don't try to accentuate they are there to overshadow and so on.

They just don't understand how some things have to have a supporting function instead of being the spotlight, like here the more silent portions carrying the loud ones.

[Besno Pile]

well said ;)

[Grymyrk]

I have a decent pair of headphones and preamp. But I can't turn them up because all the music I have is already just too dam loud. I want something with a bit of dynamic range for gods sake.

[jw85]

PS: Most people I know think listening to music (in private or even for parties) on laptop speakers. They think it sounds ok. I just want to go home and listen. :)

[jw85]

To me, the last 20 years or so, a huge problem has always been that most people have cheap low quality sound-systems - headphones or speakers.

Even with todays prices, everyone I know have sound you can live with but .. they always listen to music at -my- place because I actually invested in my sound system (not much either, it's just a matter of having to read up on what you need to get good range)

I couldn't afford it myself most of my life, some songs now sound like new. Extra instruments!!

[José Pérez]

To me someone who just doesn't play bass for real it's not a real musician. Anyway I like electronic music.

[José Pérez]

Of course it is harder to produce a computer made track than learning to play guitar, "learning to play guitar", but we are talking about making great music, no offense but anyone can produce a computer made track, but not anyone can play greatly the guitar and make a great record without the aid of computers or electronic music. Anyway there is great electronic music.

[Christophe L]

I disagree. I play bass and guitar and produce electronic music. To produce a song you have to be a composer: compose the melody, bassline, drums, percussion, come up with the proper synth sounds as well as produce the effects for everything and then mix. You still have to be a musician.

[34lbs]

Don't be a stupid fucking hipster thinking it will get your rep. Even David Guetta understands the intricacies of electronic music production, even if he has a team, you might want to view his master class. You know, and we know, you simply said that shit just to get yourself some cred and feel better about yourself. Don't diss someone else's art if you don't understand it, i don't go around criticizing country musicians... its not my style and i dont understand it.

[303machine]

Not if you are David Guetta.