| Andy
VanDette
In February of 2003, a digital audio
tape (DAT) recording of Paul's
Boutique was listed in an eBay auction. The noteworthy
thing about this DAT was that instead of being just another
mass produced copy of the album, this tape was one of Masterdisk's
equalized original sequence masters. Obviously a bidding
war ensued and the DAT ended up selling for $102.50. Interested
in those who worked on Paul's Boutique and what they
thought of the auction, Beastiemania.com contacted Masterdisk's
chief mastering engineer Andy VanDette.
For those who were curious as to
whether or not this rogue tape was any different than the
commonly held version, Andy said the following: "I
do believe they approved the original sequence for the final,
but I have no way of knowing 100% now. 1989 was before we
computerized stuff like that. I know I made that DAT after
sequencing the album with the Dust
Brothers, Mario Caldato,
Jr., Adam Horovitz and
Mike D. The label with the
red underline could only have been made by Linda, our general
manager at the time. Ah, seems like only yesterday."
Even though 1989 was well over a decade ago, Paul's Boutique
and Andy's workshop at Masterdisk are both highly esteemed
today.
Dating back to 1973, Masterdisk has maintained their status
as an industry powerhouse. By late 1989, Masterdisk became
the first New York recording facility to embrace Sonic Solutions'
all-digital audio editing system. Ten years later in 1999,
Masterdisk built two surround-capable mastering rooms; this
was another first for the New York media technology market.
Today Masterdisk offers their clients all the amenities
of a home away from home. The words of Masterdisk's CEO
Doug Levine paint such a vivid image that it makes one want
to pay for a tour of the studio's grounds.
"Whether you've been mixing all night or just flew
in from abroad, we're waiting here to welcome you to a problem-free
oasis in Manhattan. Our three lounges offer amenities like
a pool table, a fish tank coffee table (you'd be amazed
how relaxing it is to look at), Internet access, satellite
TV, and plenty of cushy furniture to doze off in. Coffee
and beverages are always freely available, and our clients
are used to helping themselves to our fully stocked kitchen.
Full day sessions include complimentary food from the huge
gastronomic palette that only Manhattan can provide. We've
become quite adept at pleasing clients beyond the requirements
of the technical services they've come to Masterdisk for."
|
