Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion The Water Cooler Compression Artifact in LOTR:ROTK DTS?

A few weeks ago I was watching LOTR:ROTK (using the DTS mix) at near reference level on my system (M22, QS4, VP100 and SVS PB12-ISD)and was struck by how good the system sounded, except for one scene.

As Faramir rides across the plain with his men on a suicide mission to retake Osgilliath, the scene intercuts with Merry singing a soft, dirge-like song in the royal chamber. During the rendition of this song, I could clearly hear a very high-pitched noise coming from the VP-100 on top of the vocals - like a hissing shadow of his voice.

Because I did not hear this noise at any other point in the movie and I did not notice any of speakers exhibiting distortion during the movie, I assumed this was an unfortunate artifact of the DTS soundtrack.

Has anyone else noticed this artifact? If not, I'll assume I have golden ears and will therefore make it rich in the boutique speaker-wire marketing business.

Hi Samson,

I'm just trying to recall this scene...I don't remember any hissing and his singing sounded nice. Hmmm I'll check it out when I get home tonight.

Pardon my ignorance but what sound or db is the reference level? Is it the ref level for DTS, receiver or speakers?

hashts,

Reference level per volume control on my receiver (0.0 dB). This would be well over 85 dB measured (using pink noise) since I calibrated my system at that level and had the volume control at around -9.0 dB.

Have played that scene many times in DTS and at very loud levels and no hissing sound.