Recordings are artistic constructions, not literal captures of live sound

Evidence

What are we trying to reproduce, to imitate? Some say that the live acoustical experience must be the ultimate standard, but typical recording techniques do not capture the performance as it is heard in the audience. Classical music is a blend of sounds picked up within and above the orchestra and other sounds collected back in the hall. Popular music is abstract art, assembled from many pieces (tracks), manipulated in recording control and mastering rooms, where the original “performances” occur. None of this “pure”, and that is not a problem because it is art, it is entertainment, and most of it is successful but sometimes it disappoints. — Toole, Floyd E, Sound reproduction- the acoustics and…, 371