Brad -
I kind of agree that it's the artist's right to do whatever they wish with their music. That being said, here are two other view points:
1. A dialnorm does nothing but automatically regulate the volume. This is a consumer-driven product, not artist driven. Remember Magnavox's "Smart Sound" Technology? This is essentially what they did - as a commercial came on that was significantly louder than the TV show, it automatically lowered the volume. I didn't see too many complaints about that! Also, remember, it has been suggested that this should be defeatable manually. Frankly, if it were on my system, I would defeat it. THAT is the definition of a free society - people are given the options (that is, the consumers AND the producers) and THEY choose which they prefer.
Bob's not arguing that bands can't produce a certain level. He's just stating that, in a perfect world, people would understand the volume wars issue is a lose-lose scenario.
2. Just as it's the artist's right to demand loud volumes, as a mastering engineer, it's YOUR responsibility to educate them on the process. Explain to them how broadcast processors work so that their mix SOUNDS loud over radios, but on CDs sounds good - neigh, damn-good.
My biggest concern so far isn't the loudness war - it's the quantity of well-educated mixers and MEs that are doing nothing about it. How come so many good mastering engineers are associated with so many sh*tty albums? And furthermore, how come they get rewarded with Grammys or nominations? (And this is by NO means an attack on any one personally here!)
Is it because the client DEMANDS loudness and instead of educating or even turning away the business for personal credibility, the ME takes the job for the sake of the money and the album credits? I sincerely hope not.
I just find it amazingly funny that people (especially MEs) complain about the loudness war, but in so many cases, they are the ones that actually are in a position to make a difference.
Don't get me wrong - some make a HUGE difference. Without trying to crawl TOO far up Bob's arse, his book is perhaps a landmark piece of non-fiction which many consider to be standard reading. THAT's making a difference.
Engineers such as Doug Sax who repeatedly put out quality material *make a difference*.
Perhaps there should be some accountability amongst those of us in the audio world. If we turn out utter poop and it winds up on the radio, damn what the 13 year old girls say, we should call poo "poo." (Oh, and if you call an album "poo," you should also be able to defend your views).
Okay, I'm done. BTW - any case where I used CAPS was for emphasis - not yelling.
Thanks!!!!!!!
Jeremy