Credit: hiresphile
THE LOUDNESS WAR
The “Loudness War” refers to the increasing trend in music production to prioritize loudness over dynamic range, often at the expense of sound quality. Dynamic range is the difference between the quietest and loudest parts of a track. Compressing this range allows producers to make music sound louder, but it often results in a loss of depth, clarity, and emotional impact.
The “war” began in the late 20th century when producers realized that louder tracks stood out more on the radio and in music charts. This led to the use of dynamic compression to increase the overall volume of recordings. While some genres, like pop and hip-hop, have embraced this louder, punchier sound, others—particularly rock and classical music—have suffered from a loss of dynamic range. The result is often a flattened, lifeless sound that lacks nuance and excitement.
Interestingly, modern streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music now try to normalize the loudness of tracks to provide a consistent listening experience. This means that excessively loud tracks aren’t automatically favored, potentially signaling the end of the Loudness War. Some mastering engineers and artists are pushing for a return to greater dynamic range, advocating for sound quality over sheer volume.
In conclusion, while the Loudness War has pushed the boundaries of how loud music can get, it’s come at the cost of musical dynamics and listener enjoyment. Audiophiles and producers alike are now rethinking this approach, focusing on delivering a more balanced, high-quality sound experience that respects the dynamics of the original recording.
Makes me feel a bit guilty…
The only countries in which I have lived/worked for 5 years or more are:
UK
UAE (although it was the Trucial States at the time)
Canada
But I did spend about a year in India …
Amen.
I could wax lyrical and boringly about how the delivery of music to the consumer has degenerated over the years, but what’s the point.
I get what you mean about packaging but the ease of getting a hi res file couldn’t get any more quicker.
I’m intrigued by what might happen next time the N. Pole decides to take a holiday near the S. Pole. Should cause a fair amount of confusion if there are still any humans around to witness it.
My parents’ house in Fladbury, Worcestershire, was called The Monastery, but its nickname was Bishop’s Piddle because it was opposite Fladbury Church (where they are now buried).
I know the house, I live near the village. We use the pubs and I played Cricket for Fladbury for a number of years. I have a school friend who said he looked at the house ( It might have been the Manor but I’m sure it was yours) when he was house hunting some years ago, he bought near Malvern in the end . Small world.
My father kept a single skull rowboat at Fladbury boat club.
whenever I had the chance, I would row it up to Chadbury Weir and back - often under the stars.
Once my father and I rowed from Stratford on Avon to Fladbury in a day, lifting our two boats over all the locks.
I was in Pershore this weekend seeing my sister.
World map of Martello Towers.
Interactive map with more details here: https://www.martellotowers.co.uk/all-towers