The "Phase 4" recordings were a departure from the
normal recording techniques applied by Decca. They are
highly multi-miked, and closely miked to maximize impact of
the instrumental sounds. No attempt is made to create a
natural soundstage, as in the classic miking techniques from
the standard music catalog.
The *London* Phase 4 recordings are different in tonal
balance from the *Decca* Phase 4 recordings. Unlike the
standard catalog, the Phase 4 catalog was separately
mastered for the U.S. market, boosting bass and treble. The
Decca Phase 4 pressings mastered for the British domestic
market, while still multi-miked and closely miked, were
mastered with a more neutral tonal balance.
Some Phase 4 recordings can be very impactful, dynamic and
exciting. But, don't go to this sub-label for natural
sounding recordings that attempt to faithfully capture the
music event from an audience member's perspective. Consider
the Phase 4 catalog a fun and frivolous adventure in sound
for sound's sake.
Some Phase 4 recordings for classical music fans to seek
out:
- Stokowski / Scheherazade
- Munch / Pines of Rome
- Herrman / any of his own works that he conducts
.
normal recording techniques applied by Decca. They are
highly multi-miked, and closely miked to maximize impact of
the instrumental sounds. No attempt is made to create a
natural soundstage, as in the classic miking techniques from
the standard music catalog.
The *London* Phase 4 recordings are different in tonal
balance from the *Decca* Phase 4 recordings. Unlike the
standard catalog, the Phase 4 catalog was separately
mastered for the U.S. market, boosting bass and treble. The
Decca Phase 4 pressings mastered for the British domestic
market, while still multi-miked and closely miked, were
mastered with a more neutral tonal balance.
Some Phase 4 recordings can be very impactful, dynamic and
exciting. But, don't go to this sub-label for natural
sounding recordings that attempt to faithfully capture the
music event from an audience member's perspective. Consider
the Phase 4 catalog a fun and frivolous adventure in sound
for sound's sake.
Some Phase 4 recordings for classical music fans to seek
out:
- Stokowski / Scheherazade
- Munch / Pines of Rome
- Herrman / any of his own works that he conducts
.