I'm not a Beatles collector, but I just bought Rubber Soul and I'm going to compare it with a Japanese copy I bought several years ago. The Japanese copy states it was direct metal mastered from a "digitally remastered original tape". Whatever that means. I'll let you know shortly.
"New" Beatles Mono Catalog Release on 180gr Vinyl
It looks like the Mono CD Collection from 5 years ago did well enough that the collection is to be re-scrubbed & re-mastered and released on 180-gram vinyl.
Scheduled release date is 09/09/14. Not sure if the September release date has any significance, but apparently the box set is part of Apple Corps 50th Anniversary marketing campaign.
Here's the link to the Rolling Stone Article:
http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/the-beatles-in-mono-to-get-lavish-vinyl-release-this-fall-20140616
For vinyl junkies, this looks like a no-brainer.
Personally, I'm on the fence as to whether to pull the trigger, especially given the $375.00 US Suggested Retail for 14 LPs (roughly $26.75 per album).
I have the Mono CD Box and the Limited Edition USB-Rom 24-Bit FLAC Collection (Shipped in its own aluminum Green Apple). I passed on the US-Release CD Box, and the UK Stereo CD & Vinyl Boxes. Still, it IS The Beatles, and adjusted for inflation the pricing is about the same as when I bought the record albums the first time...
Scheduled release date is 09/09/14. Not sure if the September release date has any significance, but apparently the box set is part of Apple Corps 50th Anniversary marketing campaign.
Here's the link to the Rolling Stone Article:
http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/the-beatles-in-mono-to-get-lavish-vinyl-release-this-fall-20140616
For vinyl junkies, this looks like a no-brainer.
Personally, I'm on the fence as to whether to pull the trigger, especially given the $375.00 US Suggested Retail for 14 LPs (roughly $26.75 per album).
I have the Mono CD Box and the Limited Edition USB-Rom 24-Bit FLAC Collection (Shipped in its own aluminum Green Apple). I passed on the US-Release CD Box, and the UK Stereo CD & Vinyl Boxes. Still, it IS The Beatles, and adjusted for inflation the pricing is about the same as when I bought the record albums the first time...
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- 65 posts total
Great stuff guys. Keep em coming. I am really tempted to get a few, but have it on hold due to not having a mono cartridge. In reading the comparisons so far, it seems like they are not enjoyed to their potential without a mono cart. On top of that, I found out my Shindo preamp could have been ordered with a mono input. I don't know the technical reason the mono input would be better, but I'm mildly curious . While I figure it all out, maybe I should scoop up Revolver, Rubber Soul, @ Sgt Peppers. Mmm- then maybe a sharp left on Abbey . |
Here's a link to an interview with Mono mastering engineer Sean Magee: http://www.digitaltrends.com/music/what-its-like-to-remaster-the-beatles-for-vinyl/ |
Two years ago, when it became apparent that the stereo reissue of these Beatles albums were mastered from 24/44.1Khz masters, I started snatching up what I could find among the used albums, coming away with "The Beatles Second Album," "Something New" in mono, a Parlophone stereo version of "Help!" and a Capitol mono pressing of "Sgt Peppers." Today I took delivery of my order of the new EMI mono LPs from the analog masters. I didn't get the box set, but got everything individually except "Help," MMT, and the White Album. What I have is incredible and exceeded my expectations in every aspect. I'm really surprised how subterranean the noise floor is and how extended the bandwidth is. If I had it to do over I wish I'd just gotten the entire box set. As good as my "Help" (Parlophone), MMT, and white albums are, based on what I've heard, I suspect those new ones are better. |
I had a chance to compare side one of the new Rubber Soul mono release with my Japanese stereo version cut from a digitally remastered copy of the original tape, so it says. While it was a relief to be rid of the distracting hard panning of the stereo, the mono cuts were compressed to the point that I could not discern the slightest level change. It seemed like a pure AM radio mix from the old days. The only reason I can see this being done with this audiophile release is that the original masters were like that. I mean - really leveled. In any case, I'm not unhappy with my $23 purchase. I've spent a lot more on less. The mono release is more enjoyable to listen to than my stereo version and it is definitely not bright. While I've only heard this one record, in all honesty, I don't see what the fuss is about, unless you're a diehard Beatles fan that wants to know they have the closest thing to the original master. Like a historical thing. That's cool, I guess. |
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