Homogenization of DMB Sound
From the video comments —
“I think the overall sound quality is becoming homogenized. The players switch up instruments nearly with every song, presumably to get differing sounds? Possibly for fresh strings to keep in-tune after such full-blast playing. The drums sound more homogenous than ever — every song now has the exact same power level, all compressed into about 1 dB of dynamic range, and all sounds the same. The Gibraltar rack has done its typical, making the overall kit either too high or too low, and it has nearly zero “give”, almost no discernible vibration…well, that dampens natural resonance and further compresses and homogenizes the sounds that should otherwise interact and affect each other [(compare drum rack to setting drum onto concrete floor or thick metal shelf which ALWAYS causes dulling, damping — contrast to every single other instrument, ALWAYS having thin legs and small feet, ALWAYS in attempt to ISOLATE resonant instrument body from ground / floor / immovable / damping / deadening)]. For starters, CB could switch up snare drums and hi-hats from song-to-song. Long time fan, definitely not liking the general sound direction of things. When #41 has overall identical “sound” and tonality to UTTAD, and German Heavy Industrial Metal has more dynamic range, something is Quite Unright IMHO. I prefer dynamic range and gaping instrument character vastness amongst the songs. Anyone else?”
The term “recording technique homogenizing sound” refers to the process or methods used in audio recording that result in making the sound more uniform or consistent across different elements of a recording. This can involve various practices and technologies aimed at achieving a balanced and cohesive sound quality throughout a recording.
Some recording techniques that contribute to homogenizing sound include:
1. Equalization (EQ): EQ is used to adjust the balance of frequencies in a recording, allowing engineers to boost or attenuate specific frequency ranges to achieve a more balanced and consistent sound. This can help to ensure that different instruments or vocal tracks blend well together and occupy their own sonic space in the mix.
2. Compression: Compression is a dynamic processing technique used to control the dynamic range of audio signals by reducing the level of louder sounds and increasing the level of softer sounds. By smoothing out the peaks and valleys in the audio signal, compression can help to make the overall sound more consistent and controlled, resulting in a more uniform sound quality.
3. Mixing and Balancing: Skilled mixing engineers use various tools and techniques to balance the levels of different tracks and instruments in a mix, ensuring that no single element dominates the overall sound. This involves adjusting the volume, panning, and spatial placement of individual tracks within the stereo field to create a cohesive and balanced mix.
4. Effects Processing: Effects such as reverb, delay, and modulation can be used to add depth, dimension, and cohesion to a recording by creating a sense of space and ambiance. When used judiciously, effects processing can help to integrate disparate elements of a recording and give the sound a unified character.
5. Mastering: The mastering stage of audio production involves applying final processing and adjustments to the mix to optimize it for distribution and playback across different formats and systems. Mastering engineers use techniques such as EQ, compression, and limiting to ensure that the final mix translates well across different playback environments and maintains a consistent sound quality.
Overall, recording technique homogenizing sound involves a combination of technical expertise, creative decision-making, and attention to detail to achieve a balanced and cohesive sound that enhances the listening experience for the audience.