Posted by Jack on 12/01/07 06:28

Steven Sullivan <ssully@panix.com> wrote in
news:fipb2o$jb5$1@reader1.panix.com:

> In rec.audio.tech Jack <jack@beanstalk.net> wrote:
>> Steven Sullivan <ssully@panix.com> wrote in
>> news:fik6ot$61j$1@reader1.panix.com:
>
>> I was too lazy to upload anything but you got me started now.
>
>> > wma Blaze 128 CBR
>> > http://www.badongo.com/file/5333875
>
>> Oddly, that WMA file is actually 192 kbps per Winamp and Windows file
>> properties.
>>
>> > mp3 LAME 192 VBR
>> > http://www.badongo.com/file/5333913
>
>> That MP3 shows as 131 kbps (VBR) per EncSpot Pro (analyzes MP3
>> headers). EncSpot also shows the encoder as FhG, not LAME. Were those
>> typos?
>
> Definitely not in the case of the MP3. That was made by me using
> LAME, via foobar2000. I don't even have FhG on any of my computers.

EncSpot (freeware) doesn't claim to read all headers 100% so it could be a
fluke. There's some sort of data string that's not literal text.

>> Also, is that a remastered version of the song? Those "slushy" highs
>> sound a lot crisper than on my original CD. I have Reprise Records
>> Catalog # 2257-2.
>
> There is no remastered version of Decade.

You are correct. Listening again to the whole song, that "brush" drum gets
more muffled toward the middle, which is what I was focusing on. Neil was
known for his imperfect analog mixes in those days - who knows what the
deal is. Indeed, the WMA sounds fair near the beginning. Check out my
samples from 3:30 to 4:00, which is where you can really hear mush.

http://www.badongo.com/file/5372691 (Down By The River 3:30 to 4:00 WAV)
http://www.badongo.com/file/5372700 (Down By The River 3:30 to 4:00 WMA)
http://www.badongo.com/file/5372709 (Down By The River 3:30 to 4:00 MP3)

The above were encoded from the WAV file with GoldWave 5.22, which
currently uses FhG and Windows Media 9.2. Make your own at that exact time
using WMA 128 kbps and we'll be on the same page.

I'm burned out on this thread now. Neil said it's better to burn out than
to fade away..............

Jack

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