If it was lossy (say, mp3 sourced) it would cut or roll off much lower. Lots of times mastering is done without taking full use of the audible range. Commercial mastering is a compromise. It needs to sound good in as many situations as possible (crappy little radio speaker, cheap headphones, hi-end speakers, car, etc.).
What is the original source (and what time period)? The original mix of
Electric Ladyland was done & then Kramer told Hendrix it wouldn't work. Jimi liked the bass to slam, & when pressed the needle would have jumped off the record.
So they had to tone it down.
No members have liked this post.