Quad 33/FM3
So, How to achieve "The Closest Approach to the Original Sound" .
It's all a matter of chains.... the concept that sound is passed from component to component as a chain of events is not new; what is often overlooked is that the chain is as strong as its weakest link, and all the links need to be included.
So, what are all the links? In the simplest example, we tend to consider the source (Maybe a CD player) feeding the sound to an amplifier, and then on to speakers.
SOURCE>AMP>SPEAKERS
Those with more knowledge will be aware that the interconnects between these units make a significant difference.
SOURCE>interconnect>AMP>interconnect>SPEAKERS
So, are we near yet? Well, No, there are more links in the chain yet.
SOURCE>interconnect>AMP>interconnect>SPEAKERS>ROOM ACOUSTICS
The significance of room acoustics cannot be over-stressed. Those who have moved a good system from one room to another will know it can make a much bigger difference than an expensive upgrade. The matching to, and location in, the room of the speakers (and stands if needed) are equally critical.
Any More?
Yes, the original recording. By the time we lay our hands on a CD, there have been many links in the chain already, typically : -
MIC>EQUALISER/PANNING/MIXER>REVERB>COMPRESSOR>CD MASTERING
with many more possible additions. These links are beyond our control, but must be considered. Why? Because you cannot achieve the original sound if these stages are not right. (and they often aren't!!) The most you can hope for is a close copy of what the sound engineer heard on his monitors when playing back his (or her) completed mix. What is worse is that you have no means of knowing exactly what he heard, and he only heard the original reproduced over speakers in the control room!! I have very strong personal opinions about the modern recording methods used in studios, but I'll not include them here!!
So, let's revert to back to the chain that we can influence: -
and think about balancing the strengths of them.
Don't forget that each stage in the chain degrades the quality (Despite what some manufacturers might want you to think!!), so the onus is on keeping the degradation to a minimum........
The method that I have found to give the best results is to work from the end of the chain forwards. So come with me for a brief look at room acoustics......
