24KG production question - is it just me?

[Johnny Stew]

Originally Posted by TheWILDheart

It doesn't matter what I play the new songs on, it sounds like the volume is up too high on some crappy speakers and it's causing hiss.

You're listening to lossy mp3s. Fine for standard computer speakers, but a good set of headphones or speakers will reveal the sonic limitations.

I suspect when you listen to an actual physical copy -- whether vinyl or CD -- the songs will sound great to your ears.

[SameGlassTable]

Exactly Johnny Stew .

The ITunes rip is horrible I played it through my professional sound system and the whole thing is completely muddy
It's borderline unlistenable .
I wish they would have mastered it for iTunes
Even my Warner brothers downloads sound a world better .

The same thing goes for IYD .

But when I play The actual CD of IYD it's a world of difference .

I suspect (hope) the same goes for 24k .

I'm glad I got the Vinyl and the deluxe CD

My suggestion would be to rip a copy at full quality when you have the CD and then upload that copy into you're iPod .

[Macfanforever]

I have not listened to the new tracks to keep in suspense and not ruining my surprise when I get the new album. I know what you guys are talking about.The mp3's are crap.Thats why I cant stand iTunes and paying for them.They are great for the iPod ,iPhone with buds and earphones but not for sensitive high power full range HiFi stereo set. Also Stevie probably wants to try to keep them close to the original demos which is fine with me.

[TheWILDheart]

I've just downloaded the tracks from Warner. Same problem. And it's worse the more you crank the volume.

I've not had this problem with any other download or any other tracks on my iPod :/

[Christopher]

I agree that the new single MP3s have limitations & loss in their sound quality and eveness. But I anticipate that is a separate issue than the overall production on the entire "24 Karat Gold" record. It's the most apparent on "The Dealer" mp3 - I always have to turn the bass down, and cannot quite find the sweet spot. However "Starshine" sounds sparkling & overall the best so far of the full mp3s released.

The trend over the last 2 years, or so, is that many artists are mastering their new records for ITunes specifically, to enhance the variables in their recordings for those who chose to purchase compressed digital song files (mp3s) - an inferior product. But unfortunately that's the most commonly purchased music format. So it's unfortunate for fans who no longer bother to buy the actual CD, or Vinyl, that Warners (or Stevie) elected not remaster for Itunes on"24 Karat Gold." The actual CD always sounds 100% better than any mp3 format. The difference on a good stereo system is significant. The vinyl mastering on this record is going to be a real bonus.

[MusicInferno]

You can now listen to the four already released tracks on Spotify.
The issues we talked about are still there and I guess the songs are streamed from official digital sources of the album, right?