Beatles

Best news I heard all year!!!!!!!

A real shame they didn't do the stereo vinyl the same way. And it also means no "Abbey Road" or "Let it Be" in AAA vinyl

The mono you take, is equal to the love you make"

Wonderful news!!

Ken

...for $409.26! A lot of money, but exactly what I've been waiting for, so order placed! Had previously purchased the stereo CD box, and then bought and returned the US-pressed stereo box set due to quality issues. Hopefully, with all of mono box sets are coming from Germany, this won't be a problem.

I might have a seizure im so excited

Fantastic article on possibly THE best news of the year and a most welcomed release. I am glad I never got the Stereo set and just a few of the latter titles (AR, LIB and PM). Cannot wait for 9/9.

My local record shop owner will not be pleased that I won't be purchasing anything over the course of the next three months as I save up!

Hopefully, this release is a harbinger of analog remasters to come. It sounds like they realized their error and corrected things this time around. Thanks internets! "Power to the People"

I think it's just crap that The Beatles get the analog treatment in mono but not stereo! I for one cannot stand mono! I don't care if The Beatles were involved in the mono mixes I like the stereo versions much better! Mono just does not sound right to me. Everything is jumbled up on top of one another. Does not sound as engaging to me! I know the early Beatles albums are panned hard right and left, but I would rather listen to that than mono!
I'm sure I'll get a lot of nasty comments about my statement i.e. that I don't know what I'm talking about or my system must not be up to snuff! Bah! My system is just fine! I never liked mono in any artist catalog. I think this is just another way for the record company to make money again by saying the mono masters are cut to vinyl in all analog! Why couldn't we have the stereo versions in the same way? I for one will not be laying my money out again!

That's What I want, That's What I want, That's What I want!

Mike, I really had to wipe away tears as you described walking into Studio 2. My God, I realize that it's just a room, but then again, no. It's more. Way more. If I were there that day, I'm sure I would have been overwhelmed with emotion, just knowing where I stood and what took place there. Thank you so much for sharing. And by the way, I've got a great mono CD box I'd like to sell you.

Sam

I will be getting these.
LPs done from the original masters, done with TLC.
It's a no-brainer.

Very, very cool, people read and took note of comments and feedback. And on Analogplanet. Very cool.

I agree with the Abbey Road comments, I have a UK first pressing and it's the best of the half dozen I own.

With both the White Album and Sargeant Pepper, the mono first pressing to me sounds better than the stereo. With both I have multiple stereos, but it's the mono that gets played :-)

I've always been curious if the Beatles songs in "A Hard Day's Night" and "Help!" movies were in stereo in the theaters when originally shown? If so, were the songs mixed for the theaters and do the soundtrack versions match?
Bill

I don't own any Beatles vinyl now, but I'll be getting the box. What versions of the stereo-only albums are worth getting for a reasonable price? Reasonable meaning "not much more for each record than they'll cost in the box."

Thanks!

How much would using a mono cartridge benefit the listening experience on this set?

What was the "less than distinguished" turntable used to audition the various pressings? Technics SL-1200 mk2?

In 2011, while I was visiting London and attending the Beatles tour, Richard Porter mentioned that Apple was working on vinyl releases of the new Beatles remasters. I waited, waited....and waited. I was disappointed with the new stereo vinyl release and lack of new mono vinyl . Happy that the mono reissue is here and done the right way! Already ordered :)

As usual interesting article Mr Fremer but why hell these greedy labels have been waiting for 50 years to do so ? Why couldń´t we get this in 80's instead of these digitally Martin mastered crappy LPs..love music, hate this business.What about these thousand dollars MOFI LPs ? Same with LED ZEP to expect ? Come on, look what´s been done with Hendrix, Doors etc.They are just laughing at us, guided by marketing assholes.Bad times, sad times, definitly...think it is last industry breath before it dies, last effort to grab music lovers money, others are listening to MP3s and they are so many around...tapes are dying, our musical patrimony too.thanks anyway Mickael !

Amazon Canada has just posted this set for order today at $624.00, even with the added exchange rate the US price would only bring that to about $450. Who are they trying to kid?

It's almost beyond belief that Apple and Universal have seen sense and done this properly. I really thought they didn't care after the way they went about the Stereo reissues. Glad Sean was allowed to do a proper job after having to justify the way he had to cut the Stereos. I don't see any reason now for Abbey road to at least do Audiophile stereo editions at least for the remaining stereo only titles, Would also like to see the original stereo mix's of Help and Rubber Soul done this way. Add to that Revolver, White Album Pepper etc etc etc. I don't see a third party being allowed to do this as I can't see anyone being able to insure the tapes to leave Abbey Road again.

If you look at their EQ notes you'll notice all the tracks on For Sale have been EQ'd -1-3dB(!) at 12.8k.

And if you're buying these records because they're all analog and contain all the ultrasonic information audiophiles crave, don't look at the 15kHz brick wall filter he has on ALL the tracks.

If you look at their EQ notes you'll notice all the tracks on For Sale have been EQ'd -1-3dB(!) at 12.8k.

And if you're buying these records because they're all analog and contain all the ultrasonic information audiophiles crave, don't look at the 15kHz brick wall filter he has on ALL the tracks. That would make them the equivalent of having a 30kHz sampling rate. Heh...

Appreciate the time you took to serve us the details, making the whole experience of this upcoming reissue so much richer. Hip, Hip Hooray for Michael.

I've had an unexplainable feeling all year, whenever I thought about the mono release, that they would use the tapes directly. Intuition, the delay, or just the fact that Sean joined the group, so it was clear that eyes were turned to our concerns. I think we all deserve credit, and I mean those who spoke and those who listened, and especially Micheal, for creating a single space to educate, advocate and to engage all sides of the music experience. That a genuine effort was put forth is clear from the pride of ownership that I see on the faces of Berkowitz and Magee. Splendid.
I do have to say that although a Mono set has provided an opportunity to issue a more genuine Beatles experience, I don't have to point out that at least the last two and possibly three album were not originally intended to be heard in mono. So although this is a enormous step foreword, I think being tied to the idea of a total mono set is misguided. Why not call this The Original Beatles Experience Box and proceed from there ?
Again thanks, Micheal and everyone.

Oh, I do hope special attention is paid to quality control at Optimal. On the stereo set I had to combine two sets and return one to achieve one complete more or less flat set of pressings. I bring this up now because it appears that the Euro sets for Led Zep were pressed there with further reports of problems. How can this continue ?

Great scoop, Mikey, but Abbey Road out in England two weeks before the US? First the White Album and now this- your memory is fading, my friend. I picked up the British one at NE Music City on Friday, September 26, the day it was released in England, or the next day.; It was out in the US the following Wednesday (October 1). My exclusive in BU's Myles Standish Hall lasted the weekend. Honest.

The Ortofon 2M is not available in mono (there is a separate 2M Mono available), so it sounds like they made the mastering comparisons playing mono LP's cutter with a mono cutter head in the 60's with a stereo cartridge? I imagine they picked up lots of unnecessary surface noise.

Were the reissues cut with a true mono cutter head or with a stereo cutter head being fed the same mono signal to the left/right channels?

When these releases come out, should they be played with a traditional 45/45 degree stereo cartridge or a mono cartridge (I have the Soundsmith Otello in mono)?

Thanks

The *Ortofon 2M Black* is not available in mono.....

I don't have a mono cartridge and probably will never buy one. So, would I be wasting my money buying the mono LP's?

I think this would be very interesting to hear these in mono. Many of the Beatles albums have locals only out of the left or right, vs the more mainstream centered vocals and the instruments spread across the stage. I think it will be cool to hear the mono version.

I'm sorry but I can't help but get a chuckle out of the powers that be at EMI/Universal and probably the Beatles camp themselves.
From their track record you would think they entered the business yesterday. Lemme See, 1987 Beatles Cd's.....Ooops!
2012 Stereo Vinyl Reissues....Ooops!

Well at least they got it right. I guess I have to applaud them on this one, but oh wait their not out yet. Why is it that the consumer always pays the price, over and over again?

All I know is I'm glad I don't whip out my credit card every time these guys release something. Lol

Did Mofi use these same master tapes or did they use the copies that Capitol had for the original american releases?

I would like to add that I found a first press UK Abbey Road at a local record shop for $20, maybe less. Sometimes, the stores don't know what gems are in their collections. At the same store, I once scored a Robert Ludwig Led Zeppelin II...ten bucks. Such finds are uncommon, but always exciting and fun. Much of the fun in collecting LPs lies in a successful hunt. Also, this is why it's always important to check the deadwax on any vintage records. You might find a rare gem in a forgotten pile of old records, foolishly ignored by everyone else. Great finds are out there, free from the grip of Ebay greed.

And, yes, the first press UK Abbey Road sounds wonderful, better than any other version I've heard. I was especially impressed at how the hidden track ("The End") begins later than other versions. It's a good surprise that reminds me of '90s CDs.

In 2014 they STILL care more about the mono mixes than the stereo. I guess that is why they're making an effort with this release :)

Reading how they took your constructive criticism over the stereo lps to heart and decided to go all out with a AAA mono lp release, all I have to say is Thank You Michael! This is the best thing you have done for music lovers since you straightened out the needle on Brian Wilson's record player. My box set is ordered and now it's time for that dedicated mono cartridge,

Realistically, I only want/need 4-5 of these albums, so the box seems kind of frivolous. Still, at <$340 (10% sale at Music Direct), it is really tempting as something of a piece of art. Do these sets tend to hold value well over time? It may be sort of a cool thing for my son to inherit a few years down the road as well.

Michael, do you have any idea how many of these sets- or individual albums- will be made?

Thanks so much for all you do, Michael.

I just placed my pre-order without hesitation. Just as I did for the stereo box, even though I have most of the original UK stereo pressings. Why? Because it's the phuking Beatles, people! Yes, I really enjoyed some of the stereo pressings from the stereo box. No, Rubber Soul wasn't one of them. It's been the holy grail for me in Beatles reacord collecting. I've bought several mono UK originals that were in horrible condition compared to what was claimed and returned them all. So I finally gave up. Now this box will give me that, plus mono versions of Sgt. Pepper and The White Album. AND via AAA process. So you won't hear any whining from me. If you get a poorly pressed record, send it back. I have found the customer service at the well known online retailers to be excellent in that regard. Come on September!

One of your best postings, Mike, sort of like a mystery story, the detective enters the inner sanctum to search out the solution. You seem to have been somewhat influential in their decision to go this route too. I'm still a bit confused about how they created the mono CDs though: my understanding (and correct me if I'm wrong) is that no EQ was used in the digital versions. Is that why they sound so flat and muddy to my ears, because the original EQ settings used on the first vinyl pressings were ignored? It's a minority opinion, but I've always preferred The Beatles in stereo, especially their later work, after all, back in the day, Sgt. Pepper was known as a headphones album. Then there's the story that the Ramones sound was influenced by the wide stereo instrumental and vocal divides on the early Beatles albums, which I learned from the liner notes of the Rhino CD issue of the brothers' first album. But, if these mono pressings fulfill their promise, I'm willing to change my opinion--mono cartridge or not.

How cool would it have been to have 13 mono DVDs of the this project at 2496? I think that something like this from artists is going to happen before I kick. Each track could have 1a: Orignal ; 1b: the EQd version for each song. In 2014 there is no reason for something like this not to happen with most DVD and BluRay players able to play them already.

You look like a kid on Christmas!

Pre-ordered this fabulous box set offering. Thanks for the great piece on this project, it's significance, and your amazing journey!

It seems the studios were slow to embrace digital due to risks with piracy, and just plain going out of their comfort zone, in much the same way that that they have been risk averse in reinvesting in doing these analog project properly. With the success of the Zep reissues and the AAA Beatles, let's hope the studios see this another viable revenue stream and can use the ROI to justify doing these projects to the nines. Best, -Junker

It all sounds great, but I may still take a wait and see approach this time. I pre-ordered the stereo set when it was first announced and was very disappointed in everything except the book and the copy of A Hard Days Night. My copy of Sgt. Pepper was unplayable. What do you know about the pressing pant used this time?

MF's made the case that the mono mixes were the ones the producer and band carefully supervised. Think I recall a PaulMc quote to that effect as well.
I've been lucky enough over time to have a shelf full of Uk Emi individual titles, some yellow/black some black/silver and some orig apple, all Stereo. Know what I do before I play them ? I punch the Mono button on my preamp.

Because to my ear a switched-fold-down to mono sounds way better on a good system than the discombobulated stereo mixes when played stereo.

(Exceptions-- White Album I've never found a Uk pressing that didn't sound anorexic, so I've gone with the Mfsl, which I vary, either stereo or mono-button, for the occasion. Abbey Road sounds better in stereo, as it is in the modern era. Let It Be I listen to an un-phil-spectored 'Naked' lp pressing.)

My point though, is that the earlier half-cooked stereo-fied stereo Beatles catalog sounds ridiculous, if you really listen. Hoping this all-analog Mono set goes some way towards a cure for that problem.

At the left of the tape box is a section for date, operation & initials. I can't make out all the writing, but the last two 'operations' seem to spell 'Japan' & the dates appear to be 1981 & 1986. Might this indicate that this master tape was pulled for the Japanese red vinyl mono series? If so, does anyone know if the 'operation' indicates that lacquers were cut on those dates or were tape copies produced & sent to Japan. The first date looks like 10/68 when the first lacquers might have been cut. I can't make out the second line.

This reissue is a major coup for those of us who want AAA mastering. In the future reissues sourced from digital files may be considered second rate. Now that the Beatles have done it, perhaps the Stones will be compelled (as they always have followed the Beatles) to produce a premium AAA mono box!

Is there any possibility that the lacquers used for the actual pressing stampers were cut from digital transfers?

forever. This is such fantastic news and hats off to Apple for doing it right. I have a few Parlophone 1st pressings, the MoFi box and the Parlophone blue box and I have a feeling this is going to top them all (except maybe my 1st pressing of Revolver). Looking forward to your review.

Thanks for sharing your experience at Abbey Road.

...OH BOY"

Actually it was Monday evening. Was spinning UK Abbey Road while deleting 'junk' emails when came upon MusicD'slast chance Fathers Day special. Now I need more records like Blackburn, Lancashire needed holes & stated to hit delete...doesn't hurt to look got the better of me. Couldn't believe my eyes when the link opened up. "I saw the photograph....", what a rush. Grab my credit card "in seconds flat".

Thanks Mike for more insight into the process that went into this set. It had to be hard for you to keep this under wraps for so long. Touring the studios is a dream of mine, it was fun reading your experience of stepping into Studio 2.

Dear Mr. Fremer, awesome read, thanks! :-)
Do you know or do you have access to information about which original pressings where used as reference for each title, mostly Rubber Soul and Revolver. It is well known that 1st UK pressings were deleted and replaced. For Revolver the actual 1st pressing with the alternate TNK sound better than the -2/-2 with the right TNK mix...and the 1st press Rubber Soul is cut too loud, but do sound a lot more present and full than the 2nd pressings of Rubber Soul. If they did used the 2nd pressings as reference for these titles, did they compensate etc? Thanks!

So glad to hear that Mono Masters will be spread out over a 3LP set. There's just too much information for a double album. The stereo Past Masters LP confirms this after sonic compromises (bass cut for one) were made. Would be nice if they would reissue Past Masters as a 3LP set and cut from stereo ANALOG tapes. Chances are very slim they'll ever do it but, hey I'd buy it.

How did you keeps this story a secret from us? What else are you hiding from us?

As most know, the original UK Beatles For Sale is a terribly compressed album in mono. It is the only album which Steve Hoffman recommends getting in stereo, in spite of the left/right mix, due to its much greater dynamics. I certainly like the mono presentation in terms of the more cohesive presentation of the band, but it IS very compressed in mono.

I'm wondering if the new release will be greatly improved in terms of dynamics, or was the compression in the original mono tapes and be delivered the same way?

Wouldn't the CD Mono box indicate this?

SoundStageDirect has this pre-order priced at $337.00
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They're way cool people.

I bought the 'new' Sergeant Pepper's but for the stereo-versions my pristine Dutch BC13 is the best option. I might go for a UK-version, but these prices are stellar. But now there's possibly the best available option (and reasonably affordable) for the mono-versions. Especially the albums from the 'middle period' have much to gain from the more cohesive sound without these strange stereo-choices! And with restored album-art. The reissue of the year for me....

What is all this fuss I hear about Mono? My Mom Emily had this as a teenager and said that it is nothing to mess with.

Frank Litella

PS: Can anyone tell me the make of the turntable, arm & stand posted by YNWaN on January 26, 2014 under "My turntable"? Thank You.

Maybe a change in the recording/mastering info could help. Right now I believe that we have AAA for all analog, ADD for analog master to digital.

What if we went to small "a" for analog at 15ips or less and "A" for 30ips; small "d" for digital master for 24/48 and under and "D" for 24/88.2 or more for digital masters.

We could have "add" analog master at 15ips; digital mastering at 24/48 or less and "d" for the format of CD or less.
We could have "ADD" for an analog master at 30ips, digital mastering at 24/88.2 or more, and "D" for hirez download at 24/88.2 or more or a 24/96 DVD wav file.
We could even have an "ADA" release of a 30ips master tape, a hirez mastering at 24/88.2 or better and a "A" vinyl release.

I would certainly not complain about mastering done at 24/192 of a "A" master tape. For me it would have to be a hirez sale download or a vinyl release. You probably could make a good CD from that, but would not make much sense I wouldn't think. That would be "ADd" .

People are getting more concerned about the original files and the mastering done at what rate? It used to be we just played records and didn't worry about, or know about any of this. Not any more. The 3 letter coding we have now doesn't really tell us much. Maybe they don't want us to know.

Its real frustrating when something that sounds great, gets rejected because of tracking issues...

worse is when you have a committee that has to sign off on a ref or test pressing, and a few may have opposite opinions... The more people in the approval chain, the harder it is, and also the more likely for there to be sonic compromises...

Does anyone know how limited this will be? Do I need to jump on it right away?