Has anyone noticed that songs on the radio can sound better than your CD?

Question

What media/medium do disc-jockeys use?

I don't think they use CDs. Do they still use DAT (digital audio tape), or LPs? I find it somewhat sad that I buy a brand new CD, turn on the radio, and perceive a sound quality greater than for what I just spend $12-15 dollars.

Answer 1

That is because radio stations process the sound with a dynamic range limiter, which compresses and processes the audio. This give it a thicker sound which is conducive to high volume listening… also some radio stations pitch or slightly speed up the music to create a more energetic sound.

Answer 2

it hi tech stuff

Answer 3

Not really. When I use the cd I get that artist and I control the way it sounds when to change it, fast forward, replay. On the radio you cant do that you have to change stations every time to get your favorite song. My song is keep bleeding love.

Answer 4

Most stations have everything on hard drive. But the source is important. With oldies, it's often gong to be the original 45s - even when "tuned up" with a talented audio engineer and an equalizer they can sound... well, old. If a Music Director wants a song on the air badly enough, there's no telling what the source will be. It may be DAT - or even an old 8-track!

Newer sounds are digital and many stations have made some incredible upgrades to their broadcast "chain" in recent years. HD radio which is available in many markets, though not yet a smashing success, could be - and the fidelity is very good (even if it doesn't get as far from the tower as the "sponsoring" station).

As to your situation, are you playing the CDs on the same system as the radio? If not, there's your answer. If so, Invest a few bux in a CD cleaning kit. This will give the read head in your CD player a good cleaning. Don't try this by yourself - spend the money and use a kit made for the purpose (they aren't expensive and are available at big drugstores, Wal*Mart, etc.)

If you still sense the CDs could sound better, wash 'em - especially your older ones. Really... gently wash with soap and water and a lint-free cloth, dry thoroughly and see if there's any difference.

- a guy named duh