Dynamic Range & Format

Posted by: Mr THX on 16 September 2015

hi

 

Could anyone cast some light of this for me please...... looking to buy the Hans Zimmer 'Interstellar' OST and wanted to buy the version which gave me most bang for my bucks (sonically)

Having looked at the DR database (excerpt below) am I reading this right that I might as well just buy on CD and rip to my server? or does the 24 bit version actually bring more to the party even though the DR looks to be on an equal footing?

 

I appreciate there are some various 'deluxe' versions but for now I'm just looking at the best format.

 

Thanks

 

Chris

 

Posted on: 17 September 2015 by Mr THX

Great response !!! Mods please delete 

Posted on: 17 September 2015 by Bruce Woodhouse

As this is a technical question maybe better moved to the Streaming section? I suspect it may get some attention there.

 

Looking at the list I don't think the quality between the first two would be any different, and the third one may be a different version? Just my two penneth. More technically minded views will hopefully follow....

 

Bruce

Posted on: 17 September 2015 by karlosTT

Chris,

 

I don't think hi-res is as simple as, or limited to, dynamic range.  Whilst this can certainly be compressed (and shouldn't be), it should never be 'expanded' from what was originally intended either.  The loud peaks should remain at the correct level relative to the quiet sections.  24 bits could give more sense of space and a 'blacker' noise floor.... maybe ;-)

 

As an aside, I thought Interstellar had one of the most insanely blown out dynamic ranges I've ever heard.  It went from almost inaudible mumbly dialogue to truly ear shattering musical crescendos.  I was constantly and desperately fiddling with the volume to try and find a happy medium.  But failed.

 

 

Posted on: 19 September 2015 by Simon-in-Suffolk

Chris, I am not sure you can make a decision other than go for the cheapest based on this. If they are all derived from the same master then they will/should  be effectively the same  .. irrespective of format type.

 

I find different mastering engineers have different approaches and philosophies, and so looking at who they are can often give a clue to how their masters  will sound...certainly if they are industry renown.