Why Do Remastered Songs Tend to Have Changes?
Introduction
Remastered songs often undergo noticeable changes that can include cuts or alterations. These modifications are a part of the broader process of improving song quality and adapting them for modern audiences. Let's explore the key points that explain why these changes happen and their relationship with mastering, mixing, and remixing.
Definition of Terms
Mastering
Mastering is the final step in the audio production process. It involves preparing and transferring recorded audio from a source to a data storage device. The goal is to ensure the song sounds polished and consistent across all playback systems. Mastering can include adjustments to EQ, compression, and overall loudness. It aims to achieve a cohesive and high-quality final product.
Mixing
Mixing occurs before mastering and involves combining multiple audio tracks such as instruments, vocals, and effects into a final stereo or multi-track audio file. Mixing focuses on balancing levels, panning, and applying effects to individual tracks. The goal is to create a harmonious and balanced audio mix.
Remixing
Remixing is a creative reinterpretation of a song, often involving significant changes to the arrangement, instrumentation, or structure. It can completely alter a track's feel or style, creating an entirely new version of the original song.
Reasons for Changes in Remastering
Improved Technology
Advances in audio technology significantly contribute to changes in remastered songs. New tools and techniques can lead to better clarity or enhancement of certain elements, improving the overall sound quality. For example, noise reduction, dynamically appropriate compression, and advanced EQ techniques can make the song sound clearer and more refined.
Artistic Decisions
Sometimes producers or artists may decide to make small edits or cuts to enhance the song's flow or to better fit modern listening habits. These changes can improve the pacing, structure, or emotional impact of the song. For instance, a bridge or a particular verse might be removed to create a cleaner transition or to make the song more impactful.
Restoration
In cases where the original recordings had flaws such as noise, distortion, or poor dynamics, remastering can involve cleaning up these issues. This process can result in cuts or edits to remove these imperfections. For example, a poorly recorded section might be removed, and a cleaner, more professional version might be reintroduced.
Length and Format
With the rise of digital formats and streaming services, songs may be edited to fit specific time constraints or to make them more appealing for playlists. Remastering can involve adjusting the length of the song to ensure it fits within certain genres or formats. This can involve making the song shorter or longer to better suit the requirements of playlists or radio airplay.
Distinguishing Mastering from Mixing and Remixing
Mastering
Mastering primarily focuses on the final sound quality and consistency of a completed mix. It aims to unify the audio elements into a cohesive whole, ensuring the song sounds good on different playback systems. Mastering involves techniques such as stereo balancing, EQ tweaking, and compression to achieve a polished sound.
Mixing
Mixing deals with the individual elements of a song and how they interact with each other. Mixing involves setting levels, panning, and adding effects to create a balanced and harmonious audio mix. The goal of mixing is to ensure that each element in the song contributes to the overall sound without overwhelming one another.
Remixing
Remixing can radically change the structure or style of a song, often creating an entirely new version. It involves significant rearrangements of the song's arrangement, instrumentation, or even its structure. Remixing can add a modern twist to an older song, giving it a new life and appeal to contemporary audiences.
Conclusion
While remastering should ideally preserve the integrity of the original track, it often introduces changes due to technological improvements, artistic choices, and restoration efforts. These changes help adapt older songs for modern audiences while still aiming to maintain their original essence. Remastering is a crucial process that balances preservation and innovation, ensuring that the songs continue to resonate with listeners across different eras.