Michael - I can’t thank you enough for upgrading my turntable and starting to buy vinyl again in 2002. You story of Bernie Grundman having the Led Zeppelin Master Tapes laying around his office was hilarious. Who cares about vinyl? I picked up all those CLassic Records releases and many rare jazz and soul records that were nearly being given away back then. Again I’m very grateful. Thank you.
If one looks at the “One Step” information sheet included with the vinyl, it shows a master tape, followed by a lacquer, and so on, seems they are visually stating that the whole process is analog. Can’t wait to hear how they respond.
Exactly. First thing I did when inheard this was open a one step and carefully read the inserts. It seems like a plain reference to all analog source from the master tapes. There isn't an icon of a digital DSD high-res sound wave.
Thank you both very much for your frankness and insight. Michael Fremer, I am especially pleased to see you call MOFi out for their lack of transparency. I imagine in some ways it puts you in a difficult position but your credibility has always meant a lot to those of us that have been listening to you for years now. I appreciate you both!
I am half way through this and enjoying it immensely. Kudos to you Michael L. For hosting this and your even, measured approach with Fremer in contrast to other interviews I’ve seen. Thanks to Mr. Fremer for the transparency and in-depth answers as well.
Thanks for this chat Michael - I think your best ever & MF was relaxed and very frank. Michael F I love you comment on the La Pavoni. I found one recently in a thrift store in excellent condition for $19.99 CAD! It needed a good cleaning and a couple of seals. Fabulous machine. I'm looking forward to the MoFi statement this week. Looking forward to more. Please do more of these.
You might not be a professional journalist, Michael, but you did a great job in this interview. Polite, diplomatic, but firm. Thank you for this video.
The two "new" Michaels--Ludwig and Esposito--deserve all the credit for bringing this issue to the record buying public's consciousness. Many thanks to them! If we had waited for the very-old-guard "journalists" to break this story we'd never have heard a peep.
Maybe the word “break” should have been “pursed”. A journalistic dig for the question raised by it was what we expected. MOFI chose not to respond and I guess it took outsiders to push harder. Reminds me of the Hunter Biden laptop story…no pursuit, just appeasement. Mr. Fremer even admitted he felt “hung out to dry”. Yep
@@patriceraymond1655 I did dig. In May I was assured the "Thriller" One-Step would be cut from a tape copy and I bet that's what they are doing, only digitized like everything else. The person who really "broke" it was a guy on the inside who told someone who told me and told Ludwigs and told Esposito. But I did not "break" that 3rd hand source rumor. They did. It's not what a journalist does. I did ask the President of Mobile Fidelity about it and all he said was "we'll have a video produced in a few weeks". I reported that.
@@trackingangle929 Do journalists “cover” for the businesses they’re supposed to be investigating? Do they alter stories because businesses ask nicely? That’s fanboy behavior. Also, Mike Esposito has stated that he had more than one source. I don’t want to be disrespectful, but you seem to be more concerned with discrediting Esposito and preserving your reputation than getting to the heart of this issue.
Michael (45rpm one :)), I admire your ability to be critical and respectful atvthe same time. You can even have a genuine reaction like "that is a joke" (when it comes to late reaction from MoFi), which is quite harsh (as it should be), but atvthe same time, you're completely rational and respectful. And you are like this in your videos in general. This is a hard way to be. Respect.
Michael L. This was one of my favourite videos of yours. A frank and honest discussion with Mr. Fremer about things that impact the entire V.C. And that fact that Mr. Fremer does a video with you is a testament to the quality of your channel which goes from strength to strength. Cheers 🥂
What Fremer and some others don’t seem to realize is that Mike Esposito has more trust from a lot of the public than most or all industry journalists. This is because he generally makes coherent logical arguments, and he seems to be genuinely candid and looking out for the customer. It helps that he’s a good communicator on UA-cam. Of course, he has some haters as well, but I think Esposito is the perfect person to be trying to get to the bottom of this.
I agree. While I totally respect Fremer's experience and wealth of knowledge, it's time to call this out: It seems the "journalists" let this slide/go for some time and didn't do the "hard investigation and reporting" that they can do and will do when it behooves them. I expect Mike E to be tough because he has "put his $ where his mouth is" as a retailer who could have negative pushback if this goes wrong for him. But Fremer and journalists apparently believed this call to truth might "hurt the industry", so they sat back and waited. Now Fremer is playing a bit of a victim. WoW. Quite an evolution of perspective in just 4-5 days. 45RPM took it on first, Mike E second and then I chimed in: ua-cam.com/video/ISMU4_MZzqo/v-deo.html Then Fremer commented to me I was spreading rumors and I was irresponsible by asking the question about the MOFI recoding process. I thought Fremer would coma after 45RPM for being the first the blow up this "rumour" but he didn't which would have made great theater. Mike E has a lot of guts and I respect him tremendously. He takes a common man approach and would be a much better advocate IMHO. Someone's feelings got hurt, I fear.
Episeto has talked to insiders too, sells and reviews their product and has a great pair of ears and fair disposition. There is a reason Mofi is allowing him to come to their plant
Mr. Esposito has definitely spread false information, for example in the lacquer cut matter some time ago. His allegations in this context were pure nonsense. So I do not say the man knows nothing about records, he actually knows a lot. But I see no reason to trust him without reservation.
@@markusberzborn6346 we are all, to a degree, a product of what we're told. In that regard, some conclusions can be incorrect. Fremer is not immune from this either. Mike E plans to present a recorded interview from Tuesday's meeting from the "horses mouth". I trust he can handle that...
GREAT interview Michael, I think you covered the whole Mofi thing brilliantly and asked all the right questions and opinions. It's all about the transparency. You're an asset to the vinyl community, nice job!
I enjoyed this conversation…mr fremer is always interesting to listen to … and as one of the customers who has pre-ordered the thriller one step Im looking forward to hearing what explanation mofi come out with ….they need to be honest with us and they need to do it quickly
I'll go to wherever Michael fremer goes! I learn so much from him! I still have much to learn at 52! Sorry I missed the live stream, but I was busy! I didn't even know about MF'S new channel until you (Michael 45rpm audiophile) mentioned it on your last video!
Mr Fremer does have the capacity to rub folks up the wrong way but if you actually listen to the guy he really knows his stuff. I’m looking forward to his new website. Michael45 makes his points very well. As a record buyer I’m with M45 all the way.
I think it’s bizarre and childish to do this “he-will-not-named” stuff over Esposito. I like all three of you, but pretty teenagers probably be above some of this. Esposito did the right thing to blow the whistle.
@@lukejohnston5993 Hi Luke , I have the greatest respect for Mr Esposito. He loves vinyl. His videos are fun and informative. His knowledge is pretty damn impressive and he certainly knows a LOT more than the average UA-camr. Let’s just leave the personalities out of this and let Mike continue on his quest to get at the truth. On his own coin it should be said. That’s commitment. Guess that many Mo Fi buyers would have been none the wiser where it not for “ the Mikes” persistence and desire for transparency. It’s not too much to ask. They’re quick enough to take your money.
Really enjoyed the MoFi discussion and digging into the details. This will at some point help MoFi produce a better product that us audiophiles demand.
Mikey has always been the "guru" of vinyl for me. Whatever he does I will be interested in. Best of luck to him, but he doesn't really need luck, the guy is a hard worker and always tells the truth.
M. Fremer, Would you do an update to the top 100 all analogue reissues list? Also as part of the new Tracking Angle endeavor, it would be great if subscribers could receive a weekly newsletter via email with quick reviews of new vinyl releases/reissues. Just an idea… Thanks for your valuable contribution to the vinyl community.
Chad Kassem has shots of Analog Productions cutting the Doors record with both the source tape and the lacquer running in the same shot, pretty transparent The Doors said they were NEVER releasing the Doors Master Tapes - then Chad showed them the money The results speak for themselves
missed this and now watching from holiday in Lipari :-)
2 роки тому+2
Good conversation. Thank you for knowing that digital has less of a problem than analog. This problem doesn't concern me. Digital has no problems, it has features. When there are only digital masters coming out of the studios, what are you going to do? Listening to music from the last century? For me, the "big concern" is that there are still recordings in studio that are moderately made. There's no big concern with the mics, no high dynamics, test mixes for mp3 sound... Just because the "music" is in the grooves, on the tracks of a vinyl doesn't mean it's better. Vinyl is just a support. Ask publishers to sell flac/DSD/ISO files... and listen to music.
Thank you both. I took the day off and have been enjoying this with my breakfast. As far as MoFi, the ones I have, I like and that has not changed any. I was never that concerned with source just sound.
The thing is if a company produces the best sounding record, people will want it regardless of how it was produced but honesty and transparency is a must. Misrepresenting the product or lying is a big mistake.
Nice chat, enjoyed it very much! MoFi having gone digital with its vinyl releases, and not been transparent about it, would be insane. In my opinion, a digital transfer from analog master tape direct to DSD can sound astonishingly good! Of course, every dac is a compromise soundwise compared to pure analog but DSD as a storage medium seems to be very interesting. So my newest hobby - besides spinning my beloved vinyl records - goes as follows: First of, I use a refurbished Revox A77 tape recorder, which is very quiet (the issue with the howling capstan drive has been completely solved by me). I do purchase DSD files from NativeDSD from time to time, beeing derived directly from analog master tape content, and record on tape in 7.5 ips (2 track of course). The result may be close to the original master tape experience, only slightly compromised by the "slow" tape speed of my Revox and the adc/dac processing. Just a fun project! 😀
To me, it's is not " whatever sounds good to our ears" but there is much more to it, listening to you both and Mazzy, there are fantastic stuff out there which I am not aware , which would make my ears much happier...thanks 🙏
I really push against the idea of audiophile records..but that was a great interview, your an absolute natural. I actually watched the whole thing. Nice one Michael!
Re: this new Jim Davis / MoFi internationally discussed vinyl controversy, that has INDEED embarrassed several vinyl aficionados, there are two new "independent vinyl standard-bearers", Michael 45 and Mike @InGroove. Is SO impressive in this vid, how Michael 45 is simply & candidly boiling down this REAL controversy into a few pushback questions for HOF Fremer. Have been a long time fan (3+ decades) of Michael Fremer and it's again, fascinating in this vid. the two "freedoms" each has to discuss this real/sad MoFi controversy. I also feel (IMO) M. Fremer will have more freedom of opinion in the future with his new, great media arrangements w/ writing and vid. production (UA-cam). Kudos Michael 45! PS I love MoFi and own a ton. But why INVITE Michael @InGroove to an in-person meeting and simply not 📞 immediately! And/or add several others to the same meeting!??
Great interview! You nailed all the issues and didn't let Fermer get away with anything. Good job on a fascinating issue which touches on so many interesting topics related to music, how we listen to it, how it's created reproduced and sold and the geeks like me who are obsessed with all of it.
Very nice video. $100 for a one step, digitally sourced Thriller LP or $30 for the SACD. Sounds like the SACD is the True one step out of the bunch. Great job with your channel
Nice interview with one of the biggest names in the vinyl hobby! 👍👍👍 I was curious if both you and Fremer played a musical instrument. Fremer talked about playing a Strat guitar. Do you play an instrument, Michael?
I usually watch this channel at 1.5x speed as this is the best speed. (After all it must be called the 45rpm Audiophile for a reason) Now that Mikey Fremer is on it, 1.5x is a tad fast. So drop I it down to 1.25x and its just nice.
Thanks for the nice exchange and addressing the latest controversy Doubt MoFi would have mentioned a 2nd generation tape if Michael F didn’t call them on it And mofi probably would have done their digital file process on Thriller anyway
I'm actually very cooperative and easy to deal with, which is why I've been so successful. Just curious: who told you I'm a "difficult character to deal with"?
Throughly enjoyable and I could listen to Michael Fremer for hours. As an ageing audiophile my worst nightmare is to be loosing my hearing which I am, so thanks for putting me onto the White Ex hearing aid and for taking the time out to review or investigate hearing aids in the first place. I don’t usually watch UA-cam videos that are longer than ten to fifteen minutes but this one seem like ten minutes. Great stuff from the Michael’s.
I enjoyed listening to the interview/conversation, thanks for doing it. The only distraction was the constant vaping and coughing :)))). I have only recently discovered who Michael Fremer was and now I have watched a couple of his interviews and he seems quite open and I enjoy his banter. Cheers
To Michael Fremer - Hi Michael. We had dinner many years ago on the first night of CEDIA with one of my favorite people, Stirling Trayle. It happened to be my birthday and you were kind enough to buy dinner for us. So, based on your barbecue comment, here's my offer. I live in Kansas City, MO. (Yeah, yeah, I know Kansas just made the news re: abortion but I only live 1200' away from the Kansas state line). Come to Kansas City and I promise you the best barbecue you've ever tasted. My turntable is just a Micro Seiki RX-5000 I just refurbished but the BBQ is killer. Rick Milam
In Groove Mike has been nominated the mofi spokesperson to fix their pr problem. Mofi is guilty of cleverly ambiguous lingo on their promotional content and never saying anything else about their processes. The lingo is such that it leads people to believe they are AAA for their whole process. That isn't true. They copy the master source to a DSD file and cut from that. There's actually great reason to do this. Cleaner sound and an archival storage spot for master quality audio. They erroneously worried the analog purist fanbase would drop them once they started using this DSD step. Now, many years later, social media has applied enough pressure for transparency, mofi had to do something. Come clean. And come clean with minimal pr damage. In Groove Mike has a huge fan base and great fan loyalty. He's a logical choice to soften the blow. Smart on mofi's part.
Someone on the comments saying "MOFI please be honest, this isn't going to hurt your sales". Huh? Give your head a shake, of course this is going to hurt sales.
Michael F, it’s not possible to lose high frequencies with a one-step stamper unless it occurred on the lacquer. HF loss in plating only occurs when a stamper is made from a mother that has been polished (or overly polished) in the three-step process.
I myself discovered this story because of the guy who has the UA-cam channel anadialog. He told me about this and he also told me that there was a UA-cam video where People from mofi talked about this in a conversation. and the guy who asks them these questions apparently has something to do with the record shop the groove. And he has his own UA-cam channel
Watching this, we’re glad we’ve NEVER bought a MoFi pressing now. Couldn’t tell you why, possibly the price was off putting. However, I realize people make mistakes but once you’ve fibbed to us, we’ve kind of done.🎧
If MoFi steps up and discloses the full mastering chain, they will no longer be able to gouge consumers with unjustified prices because the illusion of "all analog" will be blown.
I canceled my Michael Jackson thriller for this issue I’m not paying that amount for a digital I rather like to have a SACD and already have a original pressing and if Mofi will do this I rather get a record from target Walmart and big box stores they are from digital and cost less.
My guess is that MoFi are in discussion with their legal advisors because this issue might lead to a legal claim. Have they be misrepresenting their product? Time will tell....
Hi Michael (45), I definitely agree with your comment, it they do a transfer from the Master Tape to DSD it’s simply NOT a One-Step, that would be a lie now, wouldn’t it? While I think Fremer’s comments are usually a little extreme, I think he kept it so centered and was (ironically) more honest than MoFi themselves. And I love Mike’s videos usually, but I too was a bit disappointed with his line of questioning (or lack there of), I don’t think he pushed hard enough. Guess I found your channel at just the right time, huh? ;)
For his own sanity I wish Fremer didn't care so much about what "people on the internet" say. His knowledge speaks for itself and he has nothing to prove to anybody.
@@gonolith Once someone says something about you that's untrue and very negative if you don't fight back it sticks and then you hear it over and over and over and it's not very pleasant. For instance, things like "Oh, Fremer never gives a negative review to a Mobile Fidelity record because they send him free promos and he doesn't want to get off the gravy train". Or "they give him all of the expensive equipment he has". Those are two of many untruths about me I will always fight.
I think the way @Michael 45 is handling his business is 100% class. Much respect.
even though this vid is digital I will enjoy it
I fully expect Ludwig to convert it to tape before this is all over.
OK, THAT'S funny! 😂 👍
Excellent chat, Michael. One of the best I have watched with Fremer.
Being American, I love to see journalistic integrity.
Michael - I can’t thank you enough for upgrading my turntable and starting to buy vinyl again in 2002.
You story of Bernie Grundman having the Led Zeppelin Master Tapes laying around his office was hilarious.
Who cares about vinyl? I picked up all those CLassic Records releases and many rare jazz and soul records that were nearly being given away back then. Again I’m very grateful. Thank you.
Great interview! Love Fremer
Watched live and really enjoyed the chat from the UK
Look forward to more
Thank you both
Please do more of these - thoroughly entertaining and so much great info!!
If one looks at the “One Step” information sheet included with the vinyl, it shows a master tape, followed by a lacquer, and so on, seems they are visually stating that the whole process is analog. Can’t wait to hear how they respond.
This is the best comment
Exactly. First thing I did when inheard this was open a one step and carefully read the inserts. It seems like a plain reference to all analog source from the master tapes. There isn't an icon of a digital DSD high-res sound wave.
So let’s see what they say, I don’t have an opinion yet, the pressings are mostly fantastic.
@@CoreysChannel ya i did the same ,lets see what they have to say about it
Excellent and entertaining discussion, thanks Michaels
Great segment. Thanks!
Excellent interview, looking forward to more.
Great discussion Michael² I love the points you from the journalist, creator, and consumer points of view.
Thank you both very much for your frankness and insight. Michael Fremer, I am especially pleased to see you call MOFi out for their lack of transparency. I imagine in some ways it puts you in a difficult position but your credibility has always meant a lot to those of us that have been listening to you for years now. I appreciate you both!
WOW!! This is probably the longest UA-cam video I have ever watched - and it still wasn't long enough! Fantastic! More please!!!!
wonderful video. thank you!
Go Fremer go! Always a fan
I could listen to Michael's stories all day, fascinating stuff. Hope you have him on again, I think he would be up for it.
This episode was epic. Thank you!
Great discussion thanks for putting this up.
We are all on the same side.
I am half way through this and enjoying it immensely. Kudos to you Michael L. For hosting this and your even, measured approach with Fremer in contrast to other interviews I’ve seen. Thanks to Mr. Fremer for the transparency and in-depth answers as well.
Well stated. 👍
Pleasant and relaxing conversation. Keep on the good work, boys!
Thanks for this chat Michael - I think your best ever & MF was relaxed and very frank. Michael F I love you comment on the La Pavoni. I found one recently in a thrift store in excellent condition for $19.99 CAD! It needed a good cleaning and a couple of seals. Fabulous machine. I'm looking forward to the MoFi statement this week. Looking forward to more. Please do more of these.
Thanks to both of you for the interesting discussion. I’m looking forward to seeing you together again in the future.
You might not be a professional journalist, Michael, but you did a great job in this interview. Polite, diplomatic, but firm. Thank you for this video.
Great video Michael. Like all great interviews, you got Michael to talk without constant interruptions. Thank you .
The two "new" Michaels--Ludwig and Esposito--deserve all the credit for bringing this issue to the record buying public's consciousness. Many thanks to them! If we had waited for the very-old-guard "journalists" to break this story we'd never have heard a peep.
I did in my original "Thriller" post back in May, actually.
Maybe the word “break” should have been “pursed”. A journalistic dig for the question raised by it was what we expected. MOFI chose not to respond and I guess it took outsiders to push harder. Reminds me of the Hunter Biden laptop story…no pursuit, just appeasement. Mr. Fremer even admitted he felt “hung out to dry”. Yep
@@patriceraymond1655 I did dig. In May I was assured the "Thriller" One-Step would be cut from a tape copy and I bet that's what they are doing, only digitized like everything else. The person who really "broke" it was a guy on the inside who told someone who told me and told Ludwigs and told Esposito. But I did not "break" that 3rd hand source rumor. They did. It's not what a journalist does. I did ask the President of Mobile Fidelity about it and all he said was "we'll have a video produced in a few weeks". I reported that.
@@trackingangle929 Do journalists “cover” for the businesses they’re supposed to be investigating? Do they alter stories because businesses ask nicely? That’s fanboy behavior.
Also, Mike Esposito has stated that he had more than one source. I don’t want to be disrespectful, but you seem to be more concerned with discrediting Esposito and preserving your reputation than getting to the heart of this issue.
Excellent session!
Brilliant. Very interesting.
Michael (45rpm one :)), I admire your ability to be critical and respectful atvthe same time. You can even have a genuine reaction like "that is a joke" (when it comes to late reaction from MoFi), which is quite harsh (as it should be), but atvthe same time, you're completely rational and respectful. And you are like this in your videos in general. This is a hard way to be. Respect.
Michael L. This was one of my favourite videos of yours. A frank and honest discussion with Mr. Fremer about things that impact the entire V.C. And that fact that Mr. Fremer does a video with you is a testament to the quality of your channel which goes from strength to strength. Cheers 🥂
So looking forward to more from you two!
Great video! Can’t wait to see more .
This was such a wonderful exchange. Thanks to you both.
What Fremer and some others don’t seem to realize is that Mike Esposito has more trust from a lot of the public than most or all industry journalists. This is because he generally makes coherent logical arguments, and he seems to be genuinely candid and looking out for the customer. It helps that he’s a good communicator on UA-cam. Of course, he has some haters as well, but I think Esposito is the perfect person to be trying to get to the bottom of this.
I agree. While I totally respect Fremer's experience and wealth of knowledge, it's time to call this out: It seems the "journalists" let this slide/go for some time and didn't do the "hard investigation and reporting" that they can do and will do when it behooves them. I expect Mike E to be tough because he has "put his $ where his mouth is" as a retailer who could have negative pushback if this goes wrong for him. But Fremer and journalists apparently believed this call to truth might "hurt the industry", so they sat back and waited. Now Fremer is playing a bit of a victim. WoW. Quite an evolution of perspective in just 4-5 days. 45RPM took it on first, Mike E second and then I chimed in: ua-cam.com/video/ISMU4_MZzqo/v-deo.html Then Fremer commented to me I was spreading rumors and I was irresponsible by asking the question about the MOFI recoding process. I thought Fremer would coma after 45RPM for being the first the blow up this "rumour" but he didn't which would have made great theater. Mike E has a lot of guts and I respect him tremendously. He takes a common man approach and would be a much better advocate IMHO. Someone's feelings got hurt, I fear.
Episeto has talked to insiders too, sells and reviews their product and has a great pair of ears and fair disposition.
There is a reason Mofi is allowing him to come to their plant
Mr. Esposito has definitely spread false information, for example in the lacquer cut matter some time ago. His allegations in this context were pure nonsense. So I do not say the man knows nothing about records, he actually knows a lot. But I see no reason to trust him without reservation.
@@markusberzborn6346 we are all, to a degree, a product of what we're told. In that regard, some conclusions can be incorrect. Fremer is not immune from this either. Mike E plans to present a recorded interview from Tuesday's meeting from the "horses mouth". I trust he can handle that...
There is so much you don't realize, I do not know where to begin. So I won't.
GREAT interview Michael, I think you covered the whole Mofi thing brilliantly and asked all the right questions and opinions. It's all about the transparency. You're an asset to the vinyl community, nice job!
Thanks Michael for this video. Looking forward to new videos from the 2 Michaels. 2 tumbs up 👍👍
Awsome talk.thx
Very enjoyable chat guys. I look forward to your future catch ups...as well as exploring Mr Fremer's new site once up and running. Cheers!
Great chat, the time flew by. Looking forward to the Reissue campaign 😉👏👏
A terrific 85 minutes of information and anecdotes. It went by in a flash.
Thank you for this session.
A super explanation and honesty comments….. kee p on going guys.. we unknown buyers need you…..
Das war großartig. Danke an Beide.
Nice job had fun watching
I enjoyed this conversation…mr fremer is always interesting to listen to … and as one of the customers who has pre-ordered the thriller one step Im looking forward to hearing what explanation mofi come out with ….they need to be honest with us and they need to do it quickly
Thank you for this session you guys. Really great thank you once again
Great video from my two favorite vinyl guy 👊🏻
I'll go to wherever Michael fremer goes! I learn so much from him! I still have much to learn at 52! Sorry I missed the live stream, but I was busy! I didn't even know about MF'S new channel until you (Michael 45rpm audiophile) mentioned it on your last video!
Goes without saying, thank you both for this fantastic discussion!
Very informative and entertaining guys!!!
Mr Fremer does have the capacity to rub folks up the wrong way but if you actually listen to the guy he really knows his stuff. I’m looking forward to his new website. Michael45 makes his points very well. As a record buyer I’m with M45 all the way.
I love Michael Fremer. He is funny as hell. Fremer...if you're reading this, do your Chad Kassam impersonation again. Laughed my ass off!
I think it’s bizarre and childish to do this “he-will-not-named” stuff over Esposito. I like all three of you, but pretty teenagers probably be above some of this. Esposito did the right thing to blow the whistle.
@@lukejohnston5993 Hi Luke ,
I have the greatest respect for Mr Esposito. He loves vinyl. His videos are fun and informative. His knowledge is pretty damn impressive and he certainly knows a LOT more than the average UA-camr. Let’s just leave the personalities out of this and let Mike continue on his quest to get at the truth. On his own coin it should be said. That’s commitment. Guess that many Mo Fi buyers would have been none the wiser where it not for “ the Mikes” persistence and desire for transparency. It’s not too much to ask. They’re quick enough to take your money.
Really enjoyed the MoFi discussion and digging into the details. This will at some point help MoFi produce a better product that us audiophiles demand.
Mikey has always been the "guru" of vinyl for me. Whatever he does I will be interested in. Best of luck to him, but he doesn't really need luck, the guy is a hard worker and always tells the truth.
M. Fremer,
Would you do an update to the top 100 all analogue reissues list? Also as part of the new Tracking Angle endeavor, it would be great if subscribers could receive a weekly newsletter via email with quick reviews of new vinyl releases/reissues. Just an idea…
Thanks for your valuable contribution to the vinyl community.
Chad Kassem has shots of Analog Productions cutting the Doors record with both the source tape and the lacquer running in the same shot, pretty transparent
The Doors said they were NEVER releasing the Doors Master Tapes - then Chad showed them the money
The results speak for themselves
missed this and now watching from holiday in Lipari :-)
Good conversation. Thank you for knowing that digital has less of a problem than analog. This problem doesn't concern me. Digital has no problems, it has features. When there are only digital masters coming out of the studios, what are you going to do? Listening to music from the last century? For me, the "big concern" is that there are still recordings in studio that are moderately made. There's no big concern with the mics, no high dynamics, test mixes for mp3 sound... Just because the "music" is in the grooves, on the tracks of a vinyl doesn't mean it's better. Vinyl is just a support. Ask publishers to sell flac/DSD/ISO files... and listen to music.
Excellent 👍🏼
Thank you both. I took the day off and have been enjoying this with my breakfast. As far as MoFi, the ones I have, I like and that has not changed any. I was never that concerned with source just sound.
This is beautiful!
The thing is if a company produces the best sounding record, people will want it regardless of how it was produced but honesty and transparency is a must. Misrepresenting the product or lying is a big mistake.
Nice chat, enjoyed it very much! MoFi having gone digital with its vinyl releases, and not been transparent about it, would be insane. In my opinion, a digital transfer from analog master tape direct to DSD can sound astonishingly good! Of course, every dac is a compromise soundwise compared to pure analog but DSD as a storage medium seems to be very interesting. So my newest hobby - besides spinning my beloved vinyl records - goes as follows: First of, I use a refurbished Revox A77 tape recorder, which is very quiet (the issue with the howling capstan drive has been completely solved by me). I do purchase DSD files from NativeDSD from time to time, beeing derived directly from analog master tape content, and record on tape in 7.5 ips (2 track of course). The result may be close to the original master tape experience, only slightly compromised by the "slow" tape speed of my Revox and the adc/dac processing. Just a fun project! 😀
Great Job Guys , I am so looking forward to future video's .
Great stuff
Nice
To me, it's is not " whatever sounds good to our ears" but there is much more to it, listening to you both and Mazzy, there are fantastic stuff out there which I am not aware , which would make my ears much happier...thanks 🙏
Good job
I really push against the idea of audiophile records..but that was a great interview, your an absolute natural. I actually watched the whole thing. Nice one Michael!
Re: this new Jim Davis / MoFi internationally discussed vinyl controversy, that has INDEED embarrassed several vinyl aficionados, there are two new "independent vinyl standard-bearers", Michael 45 and Mike @InGroove.
Is SO impressive in this vid, how Michael 45 is simply & candidly boiling down this REAL controversy into a few pushback questions for HOF Fremer. Have been a long time fan (3+ decades) of Michael Fremer and it's again, fascinating in this vid. the two "freedoms" each has to discuss this real/sad MoFi controversy.
I also feel (IMO) M. Fremer will have more freedom of opinion in the future with his new, great media arrangements w/ writing and vid. production (UA-cam).
Kudos Michael 45!
PS I love MoFi and own a ton. But why INVITE Michael @InGroove to an in-person meeting and simply not 📞 immediately!
And/or add several others to the same meeting!??
Great interview! You nailed all the issues and didn't let Fermer get away with anything. Good job on a fascinating issue which touches on so many interesting topics related to music, how we listen to it, how it's created reproduced and sold and the geeks like me who are obsessed with all of it.
Very nice video. $100 for a one step, digitally sourced Thriller LP or $30 for the SACD. Sounds like the SACD is the True one step out of the bunch. Great job with your channel
Thanks guys. This was a wonderful watch. Looking forward to more content featuring the Michael’s.
Nice interview with one of the biggest names in the vinyl hobby! 👍👍👍 I was curious if both you and Fremer played a musical instrument. Fremer talked about playing a Strat guitar. Do you play an instrument, Michael?
I usually watch this channel at 1.5x speed as this is the best speed.
(After all it must be called the 45rpm Audiophile for a reason)
Now that Mikey Fremer is on it, 1.5x is a tad fast.
So drop I it down to 1.25x and its just nice.
Thanks for the nice exchange and addressing the latest controversy
Doubt MoFi would have mentioned a 2nd generation tape if Michael F didn’t call them on it
And mofi probably would have done their digital file process on Thriller anyway
Well done Michael, you’re a natural at this. Fremmer is, in my opinion, a difficult character to deal with but you certainly got the best out of him.
I'm actually very cooperative and easy to deal with, which is why I've been so successful. Just curious: who told you I'm a "difficult character to deal with"?
@@trackingangle929 Haha, well said and my apologies, I should have thanked you for taking the time to entertain and inform us. Many thanks.
I'd be happy to help you redesign that magazine Mr. Fremer!
I have that Beach Boys two-fer, and totally agree.
Throughly enjoyable and I could listen to Michael Fremer for hours. As an ageing audiophile my worst nightmare is to be loosing my hearing which I am, so thanks for putting me onto the White Ex hearing aid and for taking the time out to review or investigate hearing aids in the first place.
I don’t usually watch UA-cam videos that are longer than ten to fifteen minutes but this one seem like ten minutes. Great stuff from the Michael’s.
Enjoyed this very much, thank you Michaels, Masi sent me….
I enjoyed listening to the interview/conversation, thanks for doing it. The only distraction was the constant vaping and coughing :)))). I have only recently discovered who Michael Fremer was and now I have watched a couple of his interviews and he seems quite open and I enjoy his banter. Cheers
To Michael Fremer - Hi Michael. We had dinner many years ago on the first night of CEDIA with one of my favorite people, Stirling Trayle. It happened to be my birthday and you were kind enough to buy dinner for us. So, based on your barbecue comment, here's my offer. I live in Kansas City, MO. (Yeah, yeah, I know Kansas just made the news re: abortion but I only live 1200' away from the Kansas state line). Come to Kansas City and I promise you the best barbecue you've ever tasted. My turntable is just a Micro Seiki RX-5000 I just refurbished but the BBQ is killer. Rick Milam
"If" Mofi is using a copy of the master tape, is it possible that other labels that claim it is "cut directly from the master tape" doing it as well?
I don't care much about vinyl, still I can't stop listening to this discussion.
Same here
Me too. Such a weird space to be in
In Groove Mike has been nominated the mofi spokesperson to fix their pr problem. Mofi is guilty of cleverly ambiguous lingo on their promotional content and never saying anything else about their processes. The lingo is such that it leads people to believe they are AAA for their whole process. That isn't true. They copy the master source to a DSD file and cut from that. There's actually great reason to do this. Cleaner sound and an archival storage spot for master quality audio. They erroneously worried the analog purist fanbase would drop them once they started using this DSD step. Now, many years later, social media has applied enough pressure for transparency, mofi had to do something. Come clean. And come clean with minimal pr damage. In Groove Mike has a huge fan base and great fan loyalty. He's a logical choice to soften the blow. Smart on mofi's part.
Someone on the comments saying "MOFI please be honest, this isn't going to hurt your sales". Huh? Give your head a shake, of course this is going to hurt sales.
Michael F, it’s not possible to lose high frequencies with a one-step stamper unless it occurred on the lacquer. HF loss in plating only occurs when a stamper is made from a mother that has been polished (or overly polished) in the three-step process.
#MOFIGATE
I myself discovered this story because of the guy who has the UA-cam channel anadialog. He told me about this and he also told me that there was a UA-cam video where People from mofi talked about this in a conversation. and the guy who asks them these questions apparently has something to do with the record shop the groove. And he has his own UA-cam channel
Watching this, we’re glad we’ve NEVER bought a MoFi pressing now. Couldn’t tell you why, possibly the price was off putting. However, I realize people make mistakes but once you’ve fibbed to us, we’ve kind of done.🎧
If MoFi steps up and discloses the full mastering chain, they will no longer be able to gouge consumers with unjustified prices because the illusion of "all analog" will be blown.
I canceled my Michael Jackson thriller for this issue I’m not paying that amount for a digital I rather like to have a SACD and already have a original pressing and if Mofi will do this I rather get a record from target Walmart and big box stores they are from digital and cost less.
My guess is that MoFi are in discussion with their legal advisors because this issue might lead to a legal claim. Have they be misrepresenting their product? Time will tell....
I do not see any basis for a legal claim. But who knows. In the US justice system, everything is possible.
So, should we worry about the upcoming One Step of Sketches of Spain? Really enjoyed this interview. Thank you both!
Hi Michael (45), I definitely agree with your comment, it they do a transfer from the Master Tape to DSD it’s simply NOT a One-Step, that would be a lie now, wouldn’t it? While I think Fremer’s comments are usually a little extreme, I think he kept it so centered and was (ironically) more honest than MoFi themselves. And I love Mike’s videos usually, but I too was a bit disappointed with his line of questioning (or lack there of), I don’t think he pushed hard enough.
Guess I found your channel at just the right time, huh? ;)
Fremer isn't annoying me as much as usual. Ludwig knows how to bring the best out of him. Fascinating discussion.
Ludwig is an equally strong personality and that keeps Fremer in check.
For his own sanity I wish Fremer didn't care so much about what "people on the internet" say. His knowledge speaks for itself and he has nothing to prove to anybody.
My wife says the same thing!
But it is his personality, I would much rather listen to him than some of the monolithic folks.
@@gonolith Once someone says something about you that's untrue and very negative if you don't fight back it sticks and then you hear it over and over and over and it's not very pleasant. For instance, things like "Oh, Fremer never gives a negative review to a Mobile Fidelity record because they send him free promos and he doesn't want to get off the gravy train". Or "they give him all of the expensive equipment he has". Those are two of many untruths about me I will always fight.
👌👌