You are very welkom Clause. I am speaking for the other judges as well. You are right when you say.."whole lotta work". 16 mixes....
well 15, now that there has been a wiener rubbing disqualification!

(Sirsomethingness is waiting in the cave Dog, but careful...I heard he just stocked up on Vicks Vapo-Rub!!

)
The judges have busy lives, with family and jobs and there own musical activities. So I give them all a big KUDOS myself!!!
Me, I come here and post nonsenical phrases and meaningless post all day.
The listening isn't actually hard of course, but is very time consuming, because a judge needs to hear each mix several times and have a break inbetween, as it does take a toll on the ears.(Fatigue) To be fair, we have to take time to do it correctly and as efficently as possible. We could have split the number of mixes between us, but that just didn't seem to be fair either. So 16 tunes, to listen to several times, making notes, going back and listening to something we noted, and then to have one last listen...to the mix as a whole...without breaking down the elements of recording into seperatness but as a whole...just to listen. So 16 xs ?....it can add up to many many listens. The final listen says a lot about the mix. Because the final listen to the mix as a whole...a song, with different sounds tracked, compressed, eq'd, effected, panned...etc... all come togather to be presented as a SONG!! The guitars clear and crisp...the drums tamed, yet punchy...the bass full and throaty...the vocals distinct with just enough effect..each with it's own space, yet togather as one balanced sound. etc...WoW!! I am excited and having so much fun doing this!! I am starting to ramble!! I know my terms are most likely different than what they should be, and hope I don't cause too much confusion.
Thanks Clause, you other doods, the judges....and TO RAMI, for this experience to share and learn.
Luv ya,
True.............
*Oh yeah...don't forget...words like Strat...Marshall....Babyblue....Tascam....helps your cause immensely.*