I often marvel at how audiophiles lament that "no stereo reproduction can match a live performance in terms of sonics." Not true. At all. The vast majority of venues for live music have terrible acoustics. Most live events have a sound quality well, well below the sound quality of a fine controlled reproduction on a home audio system of distinction. It is true that a live acoustic performance of a jazz trio or other small group (for example) in a close seat where the venue is designed for excellent sound will present sonics that are tough to rival on a stereo system... perhaps impossible to match. But most live concerts --- especially of rock/pop/blues etc. --- have sonic quality that is easily below that of a good studio recording played on a good stereo. Now the energy of the overall event --- that is something different --- but good stereos using good studio recordings often sound better than most live (especially amplified)concerts.
LOUSY SOUND AT LIVE CONCERTS
I went to a concert at Bank America Pavillion in Boston last night. I saw Tedeschi and Trucks, and The Black Crows. A terrific concert; The Tedeschi and Trucks Band was especially terrific.
Unfortunately, these bands sound better in my living room than at this beautiful, outdoor venue.
Many venues have extremely poor acoustics and/or poor sound systems. The music is often terribly distorted, details and nuances of the instrumentals and voices are lost. The sound presents as a congealed distorted mess. The art of these incredibly talented musicians cannot be fully appreciated without clear sound. Listening to music in these crappy venues is like looking at masterpiece paintings in dimly lit museums with dirty glasses. The colors, details and brush strokes are indistinct. The artistic genius cannot be fully appreciated. The Comcast Center in Mansfield, MA., Fenway Park and The Boston Garden are just as bad as The Bank Of America Pavillion, if not worse.
I am frustrated with these venues that cannot provide great sound to accompany the great music. What is the sense of attending live concerts if the sound quality sucks. Does anyone else share my frustration?
Unfortunately, these bands sound better in my living room than at this beautiful, outdoor venue.
Many venues have extremely poor acoustics and/or poor sound systems. The music is often terribly distorted, details and nuances of the instrumentals and voices are lost. The sound presents as a congealed distorted mess. The art of these incredibly talented musicians cannot be fully appreciated without clear sound. Listening to music in these crappy venues is like looking at masterpiece paintings in dimly lit museums with dirty glasses. The colors, details and brush strokes are indistinct. The artistic genius cannot be fully appreciated. The Comcast Center in Mansfield, MA., Fenway Park and The Boston Garden are just as bad as The Bank Of America Pavillion, if not worse.
I am frustrated with these venues that cannot provide great sound to accompany the great music. What is the sense of attending live concerts if the sound quality sucks. Does anyone else share my frustration?