I realize that talking about DT's sound production in their Mangini days is like opening the Pandora Box. There are some folks that don't have any issues with Dream Theater's sound production in their most recent studio and live outputs, but there are many who do. DT13, Luna Park, BTFW and The Astonishing have all had their fair share of mixing criticism, and of course that the man behind the sound production of those four albums is Rich Chycki.
I think the man has been more a miss than a hit. I know that mixing a band like Dream Theater is not the easiest job in the world, and more so with such a critical fanbase (us included) which will never fail at pointing out the smallest detail in their music and performances; but we should all agree (like 'em or not) that DT's latest mixes all have flaws: maybe the overly loud guitars (thinking of Luna Park), the drums that don't seem to get to that sweet Portnoy sounding spot (say what you want about him, but his drums have always sounded incredible) or whatever.
What strikes me the most about it, is that DT is a band with a pretty solid recording budget (probably the most a progressive metal band will ever get), and their mixes end up being somewhat inferior to far lower budget mixes such as Haken's The Mountain or Affinity. I enjoy thoroughly everything Dream Theater has put out since Mangini came on board, but most of it is far from perfect in the audio department and I think we all can agree on this. Just for the record, I think The Astonishing is a very good sounding record, and considering the hell it must have been to mix (orchestra and choirs included), I gotta give some serious props to the man. The drums are way too 90s sounding, but what the crap. They kinda fit.
I created this thread because I want to know what you folks think of him, and if you consider him to be a good enough asset that DT should keep working with him in their future albums.