Peter Gabriel "So" - Sibilance on record

So, I got this record yesterday, used. It's in quite a good condition, but there is quite a bit of sibilance, mainly on Peter's vocals. I read that this is a common problem found on the original "So" record, and isn't a turntable related problem. It can't really be damage, because Kate Bush's vocals are absolutely fine, and most of the high-end instrumental too. What happened at the mastering that makes Peter Gabriel a snake at times? Does he just sing like that?!

 

It was always a very bright album. Either brightly recorded, or brightly mixed.

 

Yes, the CD version has quite a sharp high-end too. But it seems it wasn't optimally mastered for vinyl, thus the high-end distorts, if I get this right.

 

I have the same problem with "Thriller", especially "Billie Jean". Sounds like some of the vocals were also miked a little too close.

 

I have the Nimbus CD, the Geffen US and the Hit compilation. They all sound with the same boosted treble.

When I was listening to Big Time, I even got scared that my Onkyo receiver was malfunctioning! I had to put the treble control to almost the 6 o'clock position. Then I put Steam (original Geffen US CD) and the sound difference was even refreshing to my ears!

Big Time sounds the same on my computer... what the hell? It was one of my favorite songs, now I cannot enjoy it fully

 

Indeed, I also have the Geffen US and also find that although it's a "lively" sounding CD it's got a nice low end (African drums and such.) What baffles me is the track "Big Time." This is the only track that sounds as if the bass control knob has been placed at its minimum setting. Absolute phase anomaly perhaps? Any opinions?

 

The only 'not as harsh' Big Time I've come across is from the Canadian B.G. Press lp, but as with other pressings sibilance is present on other tracks, especially Don't Give Up
Comparing to the
US 7 inch 45, Nimbus UK maxi single cd and the 'Shaking The Tree' comp

 

I have had 14 different copies (no exaggeration!) and every single one had bad sibilance..."In Your Eyes" was unlistenable...like nails on a chalkboard.

 

The worst offender in my collection, and it's not even close.

 

yeah, basically every copy i've listened to is awful. here's hoping the forthcoming 45 RPM release is better.

 

Never had a problem with this one. Certainly not awful.

 

Yeah, thought I had bad copies or alignment issues with this one. I just don't play it on vinyl.

 

this is definetly a cd album

 

I bought this in good condition (1986 issue) today an NOW I found this thread! Definetly hissy at places. I'm still able to enjoy the album though. Haven't gotten to the dreaded Big Time yet. So far I've found the bass pretty good.

 

Is there any decent (33 1/3, please) vinyl pressing of this album? I know there's been some reissues, but I don't know what the verdict was on them. I had two 80's pressings at different points, and they both sucked, for the OP's stated reasons.

 

The issues I had with my Canadian BG cut were user error related.
Sibilance disappeared after adjusting my VTA

 

Dynamic Range ratings:
Album list - Dynamic Range Database
Memory:
So, was into this title late Nineties.
So, many years & systems ago.
So, do remember sssssibilance.
So, don't go for re-masters.
So, Wiki on recording:
So (album) - Wikipedia
So, ribbon mikes were used for vocals in a "cheap" room w/a analog board.
So...

 

I’m sure this has been discussed elsewhere but I couldn’t find it from searching. Is there a general consensus on which vinyl release has the “best” sound from the original pressings, 45rpm remaster, 25th anniversary etc.?

 

the 45 rpm reissue definitely addresses the sibilance issues.

 

The CD was fine, the vinyl was so-so....

 

Maybe he was trying to match the sssibilance of his old bandmate's Sussudio record released a year earlier.

 

I listen to the version on YouTube.

 

I think I have this title in all 3 old formats (LP, CD, cassette).

With my CD (early US issue), I noticed the sharp treble decreases when I flip the "POLARITY SWITCH" on my iFi Micro iDSD Black Edition DAC. IMHO, the tone is more balanced and there's better spatial placement & focus with the recorded elements (especially vocals, percussion, etc). Of course I don't fancy myself an audiophile, so, maybe somebody else can confirm or refute this. Using Foobar, there's a plugin that can be added labeled "Simple Polarity Inverter (L&R)". When comparing the inverted polarity sound to non-inverted, don't be fooled thinking the one with more treble is always correct. Focus on the spatial imaging. One is usually more open/spatial sounding compared to a closed in or flat pancake texture.

 

I just thought about that and went back on this post to write it in, and you beat me by 19 minutes!cwd

 

The Classic Records Hand Select version sounds great... but has sibilance.