What's up with lousy bass on classic rock recordings?

Few examples: ACDC Back In Black, Van Halen 1, Boston (1), WHO's Next, Def Leopard Pyromania.

The low end is almost non-existent. Digital and vinyl.

It's not my system, I listen to a lot of jazz, other classics like Janis Ian Breaking Silence - bass is rich, full, has slam when appropriate.

Compression? Or were the low frequencies never there? Pretty disappointing.

macg1903-10-2023 12:53am

lowrider57 Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 5,397 posts 03-10-2023 at 10:42am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete In original recordings the bass is balanced within the mix in most cases. I think those who don't hear enough bass have gotten used to today's remasters with their loud brickwalled low-end. There's lots of bass now but it lacks the detail and definition of original recordings.
lowrider57 Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 5,397 posts 03-10-2023 at 09:34pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete It just so happens I was listening to Who's Next this week via Qobuz. I loved the balanced mix of the remaster. Keith Moon's drums killed. And there was enough separation to hear Entwistle's bass.