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Source Info (abridged - see complete text files included)
SBD
SBD: MC > ? > CD > EAC > SHN
This excerpt of the show represents all that circulates
from Bear's master cassette. The rest of the setlist
that is missing is unknown. It is likely that several
generations occurred before the digital transfer.
AUD
AUD: Aiwa hand-held microphone > Master Reel (Aiwa 5"
reel-to-reel) > Alesis Masterlink 9600 > Hard Drive > CD
*Filler Dark Star 1969-11-08
SBD
SBD: MR (Dick Latvala) > DAT > SoundForge (Jim Wise) > CD
AUD:
AKG190E > Uher 400L MR; Audience master reel > (extra reel
gen?) > modified Technics 1506 playback > Cardas audiophile
cables > HHB CDR 800 master CD > CD > CD > Samsung SW-232B
extraction (EAC v0.9 beta 4) > tracking > SHN
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Tech Notes
FLAC/SHNs were decoded to wave. Wavmerge used to reassemble
the tracks back to 1 long wave. CEP2.0 was used to align &
synch both of the sources. SF8.0 used to adjust the volume
for the SBD & AUD. This is a 60% SBD, 40% AUD mix.
- Mixed by dan@am-dig.com
- FLAC conversion done 05-APL-2006
- Artwork at 300dpi by dan@am-dig.com
- For best results print at the highest resolution onto glossy
photo paper. Design for use in a clear single jewel case.
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Notes
The SBD source is clearly several analog generations old.
If I had to guess I would say easily 4 or 5, possibly more.
Call me crazy but there was also some LP sounding pops and
crackles on this. I was able to remove all but the most
severe. The analog hiss was as loud as the music in the
quiet parts. Most notable on Morning Dew. Trying to
remove this hiss without an adverse reaction to the music
was pretty much impossible. However, leaving the hiss
alone was leaving this recording practically un-listenable
IMO. So I went ahead and performed some noise reduction
with a very gentle hand. Also a high frequency EQ to
further reduce the ravages of multiple analog generations.
Besides the hiss there is some pretty bad distortion and
over saturation on the loud portions of the SBD recording.
These defects were unfixable but quickly pass. We will
hope that Bear's master is free of those.
The AUD was a darn good capture for 1969 using very modest
taping equipment. A lady close to the mics can be heard.
Astute enough to make the call on Morning Dew just prior
to the beginning of the song. Perhaps she had a view of
the setlist.
The condition of the SBD is so poor I actually prefer the
stereo matrix mix in this situation over the multi channel
version. The blending of the 2 sources help spruced up
what is a very tired board tape. I do feel like this
project was worth the effort even though the relative low
sound quality on this project. We can always hope a
better SBD copy, hopefully off the master, will somehow
materialize. It would be very nice to upgrade that portion
as the AUD actually does work well in the surround sound
setting. Giving the listen an historic perspective of a
1969 Dead show. Talkative chick and all.
Jim Wise's masterful job done on the 11/8 show was added
for good measure. Besides filling up the CD a bit more
it will also bring your ears back to life with a 1969
Dead recording we all know and love. The complimenting
AUD helps open things up a bit and also gives you a
much better idea of what Phil really sounded like that
night. It isn't an overly bright or punchy AUD however.
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