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Violin, Viola,Cello background noise

Can anyone identify the quiet, but obvious "shushing" sound found to some degree in all CD recordings of string section performances? It seems to be most apparent in sonatas and other chamber music. I can notice this sound with all my speaker sets, CD players, and amps, both tube and solid state. The sound is present to some degree from every CD manufacturer regardless of whether the recording is DDD or ADD.
tilghman

Showing 3 responses by tilghman

tilghman OP
3 posts
 
Rcprince,
I can list many examples but I am unsure which recordings I would have in common with you. The ECM recording of Schumann's 1st and 3rd string quartets
(2003) is a good example. The sound is apparent throughout the CD but is very noticable during the 1st 30 seconds.
tilghman OP
3 posts
 
I'm fairly certain the sound is inherent in the recording. It occurs immediately following a note from a "bowed" instrument, and is most noticeable in the quietest passages. The strength of the sound varies greatly from one recording to another, but is very common. I have never noticed the sound in any recording of "non-bowed" instruments. I would like to think the sound is generated by the instruments, but it does not quite resemble any sound I have noticed at a live performance. The idea of the sound being an artifact of "close miking" seems possible. I suppose I've become slightly fixated on the issue because I have spent so much effort , to no avail, tracking down the sound within my stereo. I think I'll bring a couple of CDs to my local HiFi shop to confirm that its not in my head...

Thanks to the group for the input...Tilghman
tilghman OP
3 posts
 
Well...a trip to the HiFi shop confirms that the sound is not in my system. The noise was apparent there, just like at home. The salesmen decided we were hearing the breathing of the musicians. I'm not so sure, but at least it's not my imagination.....
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