“While Dean’s mix may be impeccable, there is one kink in MBDTF’s technical solidity. For proof, compare the G.o.O.D. Friday version of “Monster” that first dropped this summer with the version that appeared on the album: The latter is harsher, clipping more frequently; the waveform confirms it, resembling a long, ugly brick. Dean does not deserve the blame, however. According to him, whoever mastered the final cut (Vlado Meller, say the liners) turned up the volume too loud.”
From a Respect Magazine interview with Mike Dean. This seems plausible, definitely, but I’m just slightly unconvinced. I mean, look for yourself below.
I’m not audiologist. It looks to me like there’s more compression on the album cut, but it’s not like the G.O.O.D. Fridays version is much better. Still, it’s good to know that genius Mike Dean isn’t for some reason totally incompetent. (I mean, he’s the opposite and then some: very competent.) Phew. Perplexing, still, why there’s some random-ass old white guy significantly ruining-up Kanye’s albums.
On the other hand… Watch The Throne sounds fucking awesome, and I’m pretty sure it was mixed and mastered by Dean. Damn. Take a look at “Ni//as in Paris”.
