From: Michael@Hotmail.com   
      
   "Kim Scarborough"  wrote in message   
   news:eRPod.9$25.9793@news.uchicago.edu...   
   > > But damnit, the stereo remixes sound SO much better to my ears.   
   > > Does anybody out there actually prefer the mono mix of Pet Sounds?   
   >   
   > It's not really a fair comparison, though. I prefer the stereo mix   
   > because the mono mix is so hissy and muffled in comparison. If the mono   
   > mix was cleaner, I'd prefer that.<   
      
   I, too, prefer )))) Stereo (((( playback. It's almost always cleaner and   
   certainly *clearer* but I understand the Mono Mix Mentality. In Brian's   
   case, also The Beatles, their 'vision' was only reflected in the MONO mix.   
   The stereo mix-downs were almost treated as an afterthought. Plus, in the   
   case of The Beatles, some of the stereo mixes were far-out experiments for   
   things that had never been done before...at times even making the track less   
   enjoyable. (Hard panned drums I find difficult to listen to.) Just my   
   opinion here folks.....   
      
   Again, let's rewind 40 years...low-tech recordings, marketing demands and   
   innovation are why some of these records exist in their present form. And,   
   so they should - they are a reflection of the Artist's vision and that   
   should be respected. BUT - in this day of inter-active videogames, DVD   
   extras, deleted scenes / behind the scenes, etc. -  there is certainly room   
   for another 'take' on a recording by a different collaborator as long as   
   they are trying to get more artistry out of the product. And, with the   
   composer's input if possible.   
      
   I'm very surprised someone hasn't mentioned summing a stereo recording to   
   create a Mono mix that pleases them. (A super cheap line mixer is, like 30   
   bucks or something? Most high-end audio gear probably has this built-in   
   anyway. Not sure because I like vintage tube amps myself.) So, if Stereo   
   re-mixes are not your cuppa', sum those channels, back off the gain as it   
   will increase by several db....and enjoy. You'll hear everything crisper and   
   cleaner, but both channels will have the same program material - thus a   
   'mono' playback. A cheap EQ will also help, or a computer plug-in or DSP or   
   whatever. The tools availble now for consumers is endless...and cheap. Very   
   cheap compared when I started recording. The cheapest multi-track digital   
   recorder was 100 grand. Now, anyone with a decent computer and a bit of time   
   can produce broadcast-quality results - and frequently do!   
      
   I, for one, am very happy Pet Sounds was offered in proper Stereo...not   
   every recording can be converted to true stereo anyway. Be happy for we have   
   alternatives - you can choose what ever format you enjoy best. We're living   
   in good times. (Technologically speaking anyway.)   
      
   Mike T.   
      
   --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05   
    * Origin: you cannot sedate... all the things you hate (1:229/2)