The 24/48 version unveils Stewart Copeland’s hi-hat work with startling clarity. The rain effect (created by shaking a metal cable inside a piano) now has 3D placement. Gabriel’s vocal reverb trails off into complete silence, not digital grit.
The 24-bit depth increases the theoretical dynamic range from 96 dB (on standard CDs) to 144 dB. This allows the explosive transitions in tracks like "Red Rain" to hit with genuine physical impact without clipping.
Whether it’s the soaring climax of "In Your Eyes" or the experimental textures of "We Do What We’re Told," this version proves that So isn't just an 80s pop record—it's a timeless piece of art that only gets better with more bits.
Kate Bush’s vocal sits slightly back in the mix (as intended), but with 24-bit depth, her subtle inhales before each line are now audible. The LinnDrum machine’s snare has a natural decay, rather than an abrupt cut-off. Peter Gabriel - So -2012- -FLAC 24-48-
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This emotional centerpiece acts as a sonic duel between Gabriel's desperate verses and Kate Bush’s angelic, comforting choruses. The FLAC format excels here, preserving the delicate decay of the synthesizers and the subtle acoustic space around Bush's breathtaking vocal delivery. 4. That Voice Again
Despite its many strengths, the 24/48 FLAC was not universally beloved. The most significant critique was a perceived . A contributor on the B&W blog forums noted that while the high-res download had a wider soundstage, it was "also a little brighter than the old CD". This view was powerfully echoed in a post from the Italian high-fidelity forum, T-ForumHifi , titled " So (Remastered) 24 bit: una cocente delusione " ("a burning disappointment"). The user described the sound as unnaturally "flat," with a two-dimensional soundstage dominated by Gabriel's voice, while instruments lacked depth. He was particularly critical of the sibilance, stating, "Gabriel's 'S's drill my ears," and concluded that the album sounded aggressively processed, leading him to return to his SACD version. The 24/48 version unveils Stewart Copeland’s hi-hat work
The door opened. Inside, an ocean of records rose and fell like tide marks. The man who greeted him was small and wore headphones like a uniform. He looked as if he had spent too many nights arguing with sound engineers.
The remastered "So" album is available for download from various online stores, including the official Peter Gabriel website, iTunes, and Amazon Music. It is also available on select streaming platforms, such as Tidal and Qobuz, which support high-resolution audio.
This emotional duet with Kate Bush showcases the vocal intimacy of the high-res format. Gabriel’s raspy, vulnerable verses feel close and central, while Bush’s ethereal chorus floats wide across the stereo field. The resolution allows you to hear the breath and mouth micro-details of their performances. The 24-bit depth increases the theoretical dynamic range
The 2012 24/48 FLAC was the first digital version of So to truly unlock the detail and space of Daniel Lanois's masterful production, presenting it with a clarity that earlier versions could not match. It remains a highly recommended purchase for any fan of the album who listens on a decent system, offering an experience that is demonstrably more detailed and immersive than a standard CD. For the discerning listener, it is the perfect middle ground—offering the modern clarity of the 2012 remaster while mostly avoiding the harshest loudness war tactics of its CD counterpart.
Here is a deep dive into the content, context, and sonic fidelity of this specific digital artifact.