I’ve just started with Danny’s Mastering class and the first subject we’re tackling is loudness and metrics of volume and compression. As an old timer I’m more than keen to the difference of dynamics between the good old days and what’s in earbuds today. Thankfully it seems producers are starting to dial back on shoving as much signal into as small a space as possible which I for one applaud.
For anyone who’s interested here’s a NY Times article I just came across that speaks to this.
I’ve also spent some time reading works by the long time mastering engineer Bob Katz who also has a web site with articles discussing the Loudness Wars, worth checking out.