On 11/03/2015 16:42, Johny B Good wrote:



Yes, this all rather begs the question of _just_ how far we should go
in pursuit of 'perfect reproduction' of the original 'sonic
experience'.

Lots of interesting stuff snipped for brevity...

Such a comprehensive and well written set of comments that I have to
acknowledge it although I have only skimmed through it so far. Your
mention of the response to sudden high sound levels and simulation of
same in Wolfenstein 3D reminded me of a similar technique used in modern
'Dance' or 'Clubbing' music. As you probably know, much of it is based
around electronically processed kick drum sounds and the spl in venues
is often colossal. To further enhance perception of this already loud
and pulsing '4/4 to the floor' sound the producers use 'ducking' (also
called 'side chaining') whereby the rest of the music fades rhythmically
in time to the beat. Even played at home at reasonable levels there is a
distinct impression that the kick drum beat is louder than it actually
is in this type of music.

The technique has now become rather a cliche and I've even heard music
in that genre with extreme 'ducking' but without much of a drum beat at
all.