hi all - just a general query - ive been listening alot recently to a fantastic record ("V" by the unknown mortal orchestra) which is decidely "lo-fi" in its recording aesthetic; fuzzy, warbled, saturated, fat low-end. it took me a while to hear past the "lofi-ness" and to hear just the music. since then it doesnt bother me that much.. but as someone who is occupied with speaker design and building it was an interesting exercise to hear past a non-perfect recording.
does anyone have a strategy or specific approach to listening to lofi music on hifi systems?
does anyone have a strategy or specific approach to listening to lofi music on hifi systems?
some of the best music ever is in glorious lofi. Enjoy the music.
The good thing is that you accepted the music and enjoyed it. It is meant that way and will lead to satisfaction instead of focusing only on perfect electronics, loudspeakers etc.
Congratulations!
Congratulations!
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I keep wondering if this song was deliberately distorted as an effect but I enjoy it with any audio system.
It sounds like all instruments are affected but it isn't compressed and most likely not remastered.
It sounds more like clipped inputs on the mixing table or if ripped from vinyl, a clipping preamp.
I think it sounds like this in the original vinyl although I have it in digital format. Most likely recorded with analog gear so yes over driven inputs.
I've spent years of listening to bootleg albums of varying degrees of lo fi; I enjoy them most on our "Classix II" DIY speakers, which aren't quite as detailed as our mains but are more sympathetic to poor recordings. Vifa BC25TG tweeter, Dayton DC160 'Classic' woofer and genius XO courtesy Paul Carmody.
I've also converted the LPs to WAV and used to Audacity remove some noise, normalise and cut excessive treble or hiss. Still, no treatment can make the Stones' "Live'r Than You'll Ever Be" or several other albums sound any better than c---p.
Geoff
I've also converted the LPs to WAV and used to Audacity remove some noise, normalise and cut excessive treble or hiss. Still, no treatment can make the Stones' "Live'r Than You'll Ever Be" or several other albums sound any better than c---p.
Geoff
From my experience, every type of recording benefits from better loudspeakers, room acoustics and electronics. Not adding more distortion on top of a distorted recording makes it more listenable, and "lets the music though".
🧡 - if only my listening habits were structured enough to have different systems ..
and thanks all the for the other interesting replies.
an interesting comparison with the Arzachel track - its funny to know that Unknown mortal orchestra are adding intentional dirt and noise to their recording; i have a fantasty version of that record in my head; done in the "sound" of a steely dan record (it would work quite well i think).. but i respect what they are doing.