Mixing to the MP3

[SoulSpace]

It may have been discussed before, if so, I aplogize for the repetition.

Who is mixing to MP3, ala Gnarls Barkley "Crazy"...and how are you doing it?

Whether it was intended or not, Crazy sounds GREAT on MP3. It just seems like they mixed it to slam on MP3.

In your face, no hardcore reverb tails, no nuance, decent bass, still full, but just in your face...it sounds like an old 45. Even sounds like the vocals were poorly recorded.

But I totally see why this is a hit.

No advertisement, just respecting the skill...

Who-do-you...nice.

[max cooper]

It's a stinkin' good arrangement of a stinkin' good song with a stinkin' good singer. His voice reminds me of Terence Trent D'arby (who had a spectacular voice, whatever one thought of the music).

it transcends medium and it definitely transcends the hugely distorted sound and smashed dynamics, which will unfortunately date this song over time.

Otherwise, this is a trend I hope sticks.

If only this could have been done by the band on Cat Power's "The Greatest".

It sounds to me like an assemblage of sound files rather than a performance by a band.

And it sounds absolutely nothing like an old 45. I collect 'em because they sound so fat, and so dynamic. The fact that 'Crazy' has got surface noise on it is the only thing they really have in common. Sorry to be blunt about it, but it's as crushed as everything else on the radio.

Goodie Mob usually had pretty good sonics; I guess that's one diff. between '95 and '06.

Cee-Lo's stuff is slammed even harder. I really can't even listen to it.

[Acoustic Cloud]

Terence Trent D'arby

wow, I havent heard that name in years! I felt pretty young for a few seconds!

[max cooper]

Originally Posted by max cooper

If only this could have been done by the band on Cat Power's "The Greatest".

It sounds to me like an assemblage of sound files rather than a performance by a band.

This is kinda what I mean. The bgv and strings sound canned but I'm pretty sure the vox, drums, keyboards are live. I much prefer this version.

<object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/wcOabajz8I8"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/wcOabajz8I8" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object>

[SoundUniverse]

I've got a question (perhaps stupid or not here goes). I assume you would still use a dither plug on the master in protools bouncin to disc as an MP3? Is this correct? Is it perhaps even more improtant? Do you prefer POWR and what shape? Thank you in advance for your input.

[max cooper]

This was addressed in a SOS article.

http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/jun0...ubasenotes.htm

There are varying opinions on this, but I've never been able to find a definitive answer.

MP3 encoders will accept any samplerate/bit depth as far as I know, so I leave it at xx/24 bits and go straight to MP3.

Ask this in the Mastering Forum. I bet someone there can tell you more definitively.

Very good question.

[Flymax]

there is a way to monitor as an mp3 while mixing but I cant remember..some sort of converter box..