Steve, what's your favorite mastering job?

Steve,

Of all the mastering jobs you've done over the years, which one is your favorite and why? Just curious, as you've tackled a varied array of projects in your career.

And if you are so inclined, what was your least favorite...and why?

Thanks!

 

Okay Steve, how about:

Which mastering job made a greater improvement than you initially thought possible?

Which job had the least improvement?

Which mastering job was the most enjoyable for you to go through the tapes?

Which mastering job was done under the most time pressure?

Were there any master tapes accompanied by hired goons to ensure that the tapes went back?

Just a few little "essential" questions!

 

That's funny. I would have guessed bigger names, like say, the Eagles or the Doors, would have had the goons. If the Valens and Hooker SACDs are any indication, the goons don't diminish the sound quality any.

 

In my own opinion...there's not one project that SH did that a difference can not be heard, a moderate or a drastic improvemnt. As long as it has SH on it i'll buy it if -I- like the music contained within...No matter how great SH mastering is, I can't force myself to like or listen to it! I can only name one artist that falls into that category!

 

What's weird to me, as a music/record collector for years and an early purchaser of CDs, I subconsconciously started noticing Steve's name on CDs at some point. Then, later I would think "Oh good, this is a Steve Hoffman CD". Then the DCCs followed MFSL CDs, and there was Steve's name. That was good.

That was way before this place exisited and I even knew that other people collected these CDs and noticed Steve's name.

When I found this place, I thought "Cool".

The fact that way back then I even noticed who mastered a CD and focused on Steve's name speaks for itself, I guess.

 

Were they just mere goons or hired goons?

 

And here I thought they were lawyers!

Bob

 

Steve- What project required the most work to get the sound you wanted? Is there a project you worked on that you are exceptionally proud of because you had to hunt down a certain piece of equipment? What tapes were in the worst condition but still turned out great?

 

Where were the tapes stored, some leaky shed in Alabama?

-Wes

 

From the pictures I've seen of Ted back then, I don't think he showered a ton, so it must have been someone else's bathroom.

 

Interesting, because HIGHWAY 61 REVISITED and THE DOORS were among the most frequently mentioned discs in another thread that discussed which of your projects a forum member would use to demonstrate the difference between "regular" and "Hoffman" remastering.

I haven't seen it yet, so I'll ask which was your favorite jazz project? Was it the Miles Davis quintet recordings with John Coltrane? I think I would have been afraid to handle those tapes!

And since we're playing twenty questions, were you ever offered an opportunity to remaster classical music? I don't recall seeing any on your discography.

 

You certainly did your work well. That is my all time bench mark for the difference between a Steve Hoffman signature work and the regular release of a CD. Even the doubters say, "WOW!!" when they here the cymbals that don't splatter and the kick drum just before Don Henley start singing...

Shear artistry on the part of the band and our favorite "regular guy" Steve Hoffman who has the coolest job (and does it better than anyone) and the best breakfast partners ever!!

Thanks Steve!!


I think one of Steve's best qualities is that he simply lets his work speak for itself. No need to get big headed about it. He simply does his job, does it right and let's us all experience and enjoy it. Thanks again-- now get back to work!! We need more great music!!

 

Fascinating. May we ask why?

 

A good job, sir; and Mr. Feinblatt was nowhere in the vicinity! Fortunately for all of us, he said!

 

Steve,

As I recall, on this project, you used a pair of older JBL speakers for monitors while mastering?

Bob

P.S. Because of familiarity, I use this rendering as a Demo to SH converts. After I play it, I got 'em!