Did Mobile Fidelity Lie?? The evidence examined (with a surprise at the end!)
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- Опубліковано 19 лип 2022
- Update: Michael Fremer reached out to me to correct the record on his mofi communications, his interaction with them about the Thriller One-step and the announcement after Munich was over the phone, not by email.**
This video wouldn't be possible without the work of the following channels:
Michael 45rpm Audiophile: / 45rpmaudiophile
The In Groove: / theingroove
Michael Fremer: / @trackingangle929
Intro music: forhoursandours.bandcamp.com/...
Give me a follow on instagram if you like my content: / poetryonplastic
Stumbled upon this on the hoffman forums this evening. Someone posted an email they received from MoFi on this topic in 2020:
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Thank you for your email, there is no analog to digital conversion in our vinyl cutting process. Any product that bears the ORIGINAL MASTER RECORDING stripe on the jacket lets the customer know that the Original Master Tape was used to produce the release.
Any product that bears the MOBILE FIDELITY SOUND LAB stripe on the jacket lets the customer know that, although it is possible that what we have is the original master, that tape could not be fully verified as such and, in the interest of honesty, is not granted the ORIGINAL MASTER RECORDING stripe. As information on the tapes boxes for non-master sources are sometimes wrong or not present, we will not be listing what generation the source is. It may only be a guess and thus could not be consistent from title to title. If a non-master source meets our standard we will use it. If it does not, we will reject it.
In addition, all titles on our main label are sourced from the original master tapes while; although the majority of Silver Label titles are sourced from the original tapes, there are some exceptions where the best available source is used. We do not use digital sources except in cases where the title’s original master was digital itself.
Customer Service
Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab
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Yes, they do not use digital SOURCES.
Once the analog master is converted to DSD for mastering, it's no different than passing an analog master through an analog mastering process.
Liars
Oooof, even this message seems merely deceptive, and again, not an all-out lie.
Saying "there is no analog to digital conversion in our vinyl cutting" is technically true. Once they're cutting the vinyl, the analog to digital conversion has already taken place, so it's not taking place during that process. Digital to analog conversion would be taking place during this stage, but not the other way around. Very clever wording.
Their use of the word "source" is interesting because they're being honest when they say that the original "source" material is the master tape. However, the material that is used to cut the lacquer is not the original tape. Again, when they say "we do not use digital sources[...]" that's technically true also.
They've fallen under the category of labels who use intentionally misleading wording to sell their products. It's a shame, and the more I think about it, the more bothered I am by it.
@@Richbroth Whatever you want to believe; feel free to never patronize them again.
@@VideoArchiveGuy This is categorically a wrong statement. DSD conversion is a digital process. Sure a pulse density modulation "looks" analog to an untrained eye on a scope, but its still digital and produces artifacts and distortion at frequencies which are not present in the original analog source.
The dishonest also reach into how they manufactured scarcity. With a DSD file, they could have made ad Infinitum copies but purposely chose to be opaque to keep the implication these are analog tapes being handled.
Agree 100%. Very premeditated and manipulative.
Great point! Now can we have a 45 RPM Abraxas repress MOFI? Just open up that laptop and fire up the lathe!
... and thereby set synthetic high prices because of the 'scarcity.'
Spot on
It is likely that they have strict contractual terms regarding how many copies they can release of any given title since they are working under licence from the owner. This will suit MoFi with regards to their pricing but perhaps the scarcity is not just down to their choice alone.
Unequivocally the best presentation and analysis of the issue on the net! You SHOULD be a lawyer! No one has explained this as cogently and concisely as you, relying on written sources to make your case. And all done without the self-serving attitude and ego of someone who shall not be named. Thank you.
Great video, man.
Opening with that anecdote about Ludwig van Beethoven was brilliant.
I feel that it perfectly encapsulates the level of deceit that has taken place.
Your take on this whole situation is very level-headed, well-informed, and fact-based.
I appreciate you making this video because so much of the talk around this subject feels a little too emotionally-charged.
Well done. Subscribed.
The Beethoven anecdote was interesting, but not fully correct. Maybe one should lookup the article about Beethoven and the origins of his name over at Wkipedia.^^
Think of the good MoFi could have done in the audiophile community if they had spent all this time promoting how great digital mastering can sound, instead of perpetuating and profiting from the myth of analog superiority through deceptive marketing.
I like many digital records, but I hold a special place in my heart for true AAA reissues. That said, they missed a real opportunity to be advocates for DSD technology (which I think can absolutely rival analog) and their true cutting methods. People can disagree about analog vs digital, there is some level of subjectivity, and a LOT of variables involved, but hopefully everyone can agree that deliberately lying to sell product is wrong.
@vwestlife I am not sure about that. I have the feeling of they would have done it the audiophile community would be full of people claiming it sounds just like a MP3 file and MoFi records would never have received thos level of popularity.
Let's be honest. If they were honest, their sales would have been lower because far too many audiophiles don't care about the truth, only the fantasy they want to believe. They publicly state that even with total evidence on many topics, they will not change their mind. The only reason this one hits so hard is there is no possible way to explain it away. No amount of cognitive dissonance can compensate. It is impossible.
@@poetryonplastic ..... and yet audiophiles lie to themselves, and to others regarding cables, fuses, far too many audiophile electronic products, servers, streamers, you name it. Why is this any different? Oh ya, you can't explain this one away. The proof in this case is 100% irrefutable. So is ASR tests if you understand them, but hey, believe the lies you want.
I totally agree. They could have been the pioneers, and had the vinyl's been say $40-50 I and many other people would have still bought many records because at the end of the day they still sound great and that's what i'm actually after. I've only bought one MoFi record so i'm willing to live with my financial loss cause I love it, but people that have poured thousands into MoFi I can see why they'd be angry.
This is the most level-headed, in depth analysis of Mofi’s wording and how they skillfully misled their clients in believing the cutting was made directly from tape. Great job, Micheal, and thank you!
I came here to essentially say this, but Mr.K (with whom I totally agree), Paul RS and a number of the top listed comments say all that is needed. This is the first time I watch your channel but not the last; poetryonplastic just gained a new subscriber. Very impressed. Well done!
People misled THEMSELVES.
One of the few +30min clips on youtube, with which I agree totally 100%........well done !!. Just stumbled upon you in my feed.......now subscribed.
Your sentiments parallel mine as well. You nailed the crux of the situation, it’s what they positioned their product to represent and made no effort to correct everyone’s assumption that it was AAA.
Yours is one of the best videos that explain the whole MOFi situation, Mike Ludwig said so himself, and I checked you out. I'm now a subscriber.
This is a super well-done video. Your research is in-depth and your eventual analysis responsible and believable. Congratulations! Its tiring to watch people either defend the misleading marketing by MOFI/MD or miss the issue completely with, "well it sounds good". You avoid all red herrings and the common pitfalls so many are getting bogged down in.
Wonderful video Michael, thank you for all the research you did and for stating facts and delivering your opinion in a thoughtful and measured way. The vinyl community needs more people like you.
Much appreciated John!
Wait, another Michael? 🤣
You've examined and summed up this topic more succinctly than any of the other references to it that I have come across. Well done.
Congrats, mate! This is by far the best, most relatable piece of information on this subject I’ve seen so far. Thank you very much.
The 2008 Abraxas jacket says "half speed mastered on the GAIN2 ultra analog system." So going by the inner sleeve description of GAIN2 you have read in your video, they were ABSOLUTELY suggesting (initially) that 2008 Abraxas is all analog. Which, now that Shawn Britton says it's DSD, is complete BS. They have been purposely suggesting to their customers that these are AAA, while "technically" giving themselves plausible deniability. They have been doing this for years. It's a total bait and switch. They knew full well that the public has for years assumed that all these LPs are AAA and they encouraged this misconception with their purposely vague marketing.
The 2008 may have been fully analog and they are talking about the more recent "One Step" release which now says "1/4" / 15 IPS analog master to DSD 256 to analog console to lathe" at their web site. The One Step was released in 2016.
One of the best videos I’ve seen on the MoFi debacle. Thanks.
Good job - this is soooo much better and more measured than the knee jerk train wreck of indignancy and inaccuracy that Michael L and Michael F concocted. Well done and thanks for taking the time to do it.
Fremer and Esposito, while I appreciate their knowledge and contributions to the hobby, are damaged by past arguments to the point that their ability to be objective is non-existent. At least on issues where both parties are involved.
@@herosquadlivemusic4815...
Esposito is a much more level-headed guy than the other two Mikes.
He doesn't flip out and throw tantrums like they do. He's forthcoming and honest, and if he makes a mistake, he has no problem owning up to it.
The other 2 are back stabbers and opportunists. I used to really like Fremer and Ludwig but they've both turned out to be slippery weasels.
Congrats for your careful analysis mate! I really like how you extracted all your story from the available sources. 👍 Subscribed and keep it up!
Excellent analysis. You did all the work of a law expert. You made your case, presented your evidence in a clear and concise manner, and now the onus is on the folks at MusicDirect and MoFi to refute it. Well done.
Great Stuff Michael well done!!!!! and of course thx for mentioning me 🙂
Very good investigative work, you certainly confirmed their duplicity. Thank you for taking the time to make this video.
I think you explained this better than Michael & Michael, and agree- the records may be good, but they have been dishonest.
How were they dishonest? They never claimed they were all analog, people ASSUMED it.
@@VideoArchiveGuy so are you saying that they had no idea that people would think the are still cutting all analog, because they aren't that stupid and neither am I. Even if they had no intention to mislead people at least 1 person involved in the process would have taken a step back and said "hey guys, if you were a consumer and didn't know our complete process and you look at all our marketing and in relation to our history would you think that we are cutting all analog or would it be clearly obvious that we make a DSD transfer and then go from there?"
Then what happened? The owner comes in the room and says "nothing that was just said ever leaves this room. As far as anyone knows we never said it was 100% analog and that's our story. Right? Everyone a team player here?"
or he says "hey you are right. I never realized that it's really misleading if these are all analog or not. But it can't be helped. What can we do about it. I'm sure people will know we use a DSD file. Alright, good work everyone. See you at Hooters. I'm getting the first round!"
Right, they were never even a tiny bit dishonest. I hope you aren't a lawyer, because your clients are screwed.
@@trippmoore Let's see, they are bad because people ASSUMED things about their process.
Sorry, not a lie, not their fault.
They never SAID their process was all analog from master tape to LP, but if you BELIEVED it was, that's ON YOU.
This is the smoking gun. Liars. They absolutely lied on tape and in print and then perpetuated the lie with highly questionable marketing materials. The worst is how MD has said nothing, a disgrace and goes to how they think about us the consumer. Disgrace!
I want to just add my perspective. About half a year ago o was looking for a present for my farther and was considering buying him a mofi. I am personally not that much into vinyl, but he is. I checked there website. I never once thought there records would be all analogue and i was expecting more or less what now came out, from just reading that information on there website. That's why I am super surprised now, that most people apparently didn't feel so.
Agreed. Anyone actually doing AAA is practically breaking their neck to make it CLEAR.
Nailed it... Very complete. Very brave. Thank you for sharing. Not only the detailed information, but the feelings this has caused for you. Many feel the same way.
So far, the best video of this hot topic! Well done.
Btw: it is crazy how many Michaels are involved in this controversy :D
What you are discussing is pretty eye opening. I still like their records but I am disappointed with the way the truth came about. Maybe you should do the next interview with them.😀
I'll have to check my airline miles!
Great video. I'm looking forward to the MoFi flippers going away and prices being slashed! Congratulations Chad Kassem....You're about to get a huge jump in business!!
Fantastic analysis of the topic! Truly enjoy your channel and I think this is one of the best channels for audio/vinyl in the community. Love the analogy with Beethoven. Always look forward to watching these, thanks Michael.
Hey bro yours is the first video I watched in its entirety and I learned a lot of stuff thanks for your hard work
Great vid, thanks to you and all the Michaels who have shone a light on this subject. Aside from the lack of transparency, we’re paying all-analogue-chain prices for their products. I, like many others, have pre-ordered the Thriller One Step. Directly on the product page, it says:
“MFSL engineers begin with the original master tapes and meticulously cut a set of lacquers. These lacquers are used to create a very fragile, pristine UD1S stamper called a "convert." Delicate "converts" are then formed into the actual record stampers, producing a final product that literally and figuratively brings you closer to the music.”
*If* this is going to be cut from DSD, it should state this, and it should be priced around $40-50, not $100. I emailed Mofi about this whole issue. Not yet received a reply, but maybe if we keep the pressure up, they will respond?
Thriller will be my first Mofi purchase. Will I be buying more? Probably not as they’re not honest enough.
There really are multiple trust and pricing issues here.
I think it is reasonable to say that because the management, publicity department and the sound engineers of Mofi/music direct all knew the truth and benefitted financially from being deceptive about the use of digital masters in creating their records, they are, therefore, all responsible and complicit in misleading their customers and the general public about their products.
Well done Michael. Thank you for this well structured wrap up.
Thank you for this video. I've been too busy to follow the details of this, and this really helped fill in many of the gaps. Great job.
I've listened to many videos re the MoFi scenario over the last few days. Being an LP collector for about 45 years, I'm appalled at MoFi but not surprised. Your video is by far the best recap, very well spoken and your logic makes complete senses, at least to me. It's encouraging to come across a young person who knows how to think and express himself.
Well done! You did great research and put forward an evidence-based argument. I can't disagree with your conclusions. Thanks for digging into the backstory and bringing the damning evidence out into the sunshine.
Great video. The best one I’ve seen on the topic.
Perfect explanation, very eloquent. First time watching, I’m a subscriber now!
18:17. Boom - those were my thoughts exactly when I saw all the heat aimed at Fremer. Forever Changes is a desert island disc for me, and his review of the MoFi helped me steer clear of it because I trust his ears. I remember him talking about a sort of rubbery sound in the mofi that wasn’t part of the original timbre of the master. I bought the Rhino version to give my original pressing a break and so glad I did. All that said, people should lay off Fremer. It would have been bad for him and his business to take MoFi to task for something that they needed to take responsibility for themselves. Great video.
I still think this quote from the One-Step insert is a clear, unequivocal lie: "The exclusive nature of these very limited pressings guarantees that every UD1S pressing serves as an immaculate replica of the lacquer sourced directly from the original master tape." If a *lacquer* is sourced *directly* from the *original tapes* doesn't it have to be cut from the tapes? What other meaning could this language possibly be conveying?
If it's from dxd they can make as many copies as they want as well.
This is an example of how they are misleading because it is a perfect replica of the lacquer that was sourced from the original Master but the source for the lacquer is a DSD file
@@RocknRonni my point is that it goes beyond misleading into simply being a lie once they explicitly state the *lacquer* is sourced *directly* from the tape because there's no room left for obfuscation. That language just can't be true if there's a DSD step in between.
@@RocknRonni Not a "perfect replica" as it will have digital artifacts from both the DSD and when they convert to PCM for editing, will have even more digital artifacts and will no longer be pure DSD.
Weasel wording.
Think like an evil attorney.
"Sourced directly thru a DSD hi-res copy of the analogue mastertape."
Wonderful clear-eyed breakdown of an intentionally murky situation! Keep up the fantastic work!
Yes, you did bring something new to the table, Michael. You understand the technical side of issue, did your research and shared your thoughts in a very concise way! Well done!
Michael this is the best video on the subject that I’ve seen. Thanks for doing that.
Excellent analysis. Mofi totally lied and especially when you pay $120.00 on the One Step thinking you're getting all analog. Michael Fremer is an expert and a journalist and I trust his opinion. Thank you for posting.
imagine paying 120 bucks for something that dosent exist: any hearable difference
Excellent analysis, Michael! Thanks for the video.
Great post - - one of the few videos along with some of the stuff that Michael has posted that's bringing clarity to the controversy, thanks.
Thanks for making this video. At the end of the day, a good sounding record is going to sound good. However, the deception from Mofi was real and being a Mofi customer myself, I feel I was 100% misled by their marketing.
Thank you for an amazing, informative and most of all, level headed analysis. You cut thru all the vitriol and got to point of all of this, they lied and decieved all of us. No one is arguing they're not capable of making a great release, this is a matter of trust and how they conducted themselves as a company. Great work!
I feel like I’ve watched every single mofi scandal video known to man the last 2 weeks and I think this video nails it more than any other video does.
I didn’t even know about this channel but I’m now a subscriber 👌🏽
Good job. Nice to find this kind of in-depth analysis within the vinyl community
There’s also a video from about 2 years ago, done with Krieg, it’s funny, they show the tape machine over and over, which now, hasn’t aged well.
The issue for me is not the DSD, if anything, its exciting to see how good digital can sound when done properly for vinyl, my mofis still sound like some of the best records I own.
However, their lack of transparency and misleading marketing is disgusting, they knew people would be turned off by using DSD, and used that to gain more sales.
They really should have just said from the beginning, we use DSD, we think it’s the way to go to really capture original analog tapes, listen to the records yourself and see what you think.
It’s a shame they had to be dishonest to gain more sales. On top of that, they didn’t seem bothered or sorry in the slightest for taking thousands of dollars off people, for something people thought they were getting, but didn’t.
Great video and subscribed. you hit the nail on the head, the problem is they have been pulling the wool over our eyes for years. It’s sad cause my favourite record is the MOFI David Crosby but it’s like buying a free range chicken only to find out the chicken had been living in a battery and on a food convey-a belt for mass produced foods.
Good thing this isn't food then.
Brilliant video! Great research and nailed it with how a lot of us are feeling.
Excellent take on the Mofi situation Michael. People were raving about you and this video on the livestream this morning. I can see why. 😎👍
Thank you, your analysis is spot on. I performed a similar investigation and came to the same conclusion. Having worked in consumer protection for many years, this case has all the earmarks of misleading the public if not outright bait and switch. Those Mofi engineers gave me the impression that they were caught red handed and left twisting in the wind by the company. All the written documentation about their process appears to try and shield them from legal blowback. I’d guess their engineers came up with an outstanding process but the company knew that mentioning digital would be less lucrative and therefore omitted it. Besides duping their consumers (myself included) it also creates an unlevel playing field for their competitors. It’s hard to regain the public’s trust once it’s broken. Unforced error may prove costly.
Yes! I’m *done* with FauxFi and Music Direct. I spent so much hard earned money to buy what I thought was the pinnacle of the analog format. There’s too many other companies out there that have amazing products, integrity, and treat their customers with respect.
FauxFi lol
You should pursue a criminal case. It might go like this -
Audiophile: Help I have been defrauded by buying the best sounding copy of this record possible; one meticulously engineered by the best audio engineers in the business.
District Attorney:What is your problem then?
Audiophile: It wasn't analog!
District Attorney: GTFO of my office.
This is a brilliant very well done video on this issue. It is articulate and well researched. Thank you. They have perpetuated a lie. Not good. As more info has unfolded I have gone from disappointed to mad.
Very insightful & articulate video...exactly the kind of journalism Fremer was talking about. Well done young sir.
I learned a lot here and thanks for making this very informative video!
If the discs were advertised as cut from DSD, how would they still be able to charge 100 dollars plus per release? That was their dilemma and why they didn't want anyone to know the truth.
The unit economics don't work that way. Does the licensing fee change? Nope. Does the cost of manufacture, distribution or marketing change? Nope. Do they spend less time perfecting and tweaking the audio? Nope. In fact, arguably, they spend more with a 256xDSD capture. Is it still a one-step? Yep. Did the Nightfly One-Step cost less because it was a digital recording? If not, why weren't you outraged then?
A Capitalism dilema
Thank you for this: your thoughts are, I think, well researched, helpful and balanced. I do see things similarly - the lying is insulting and I will not purchase anything from MoFi or MD again. Which is a shame. Some of their records do sound amazing.
Very well-presented take on this and I wish more people would watch your video first as an intro to the mofi situation. Still a mofi fan, here, too.
Excellent job. It is often hard to navigate the jargon utilized within the industry. It is often “loose”. An unfortunate reality. But you have made it clear from the consumer perspective that there is something here to talk about further.
Agree with you completely. Two points to mention: As mentioned elsewhere, the fact that Mike from the In Groove was permitted the interview is sure to not a music journalist and therefore they were able to walk all over him, with all respect to Mike's intentions. Second, body language is everything - when Mike asked about the Santana cutting, the answer given back IMMEDIATELY was _"Oh yeah"_ - this is an indication of being caught out & making it sound like 'we've always cut digitally'. Just my thoughts.
Huge credit to Mike for a lot of this, but yes they picked the person who was the least experienced with these types of situations. According to Fremer, MoFi told him no, they couldn't come.
Good observation on the "oh yeah" response. Very telling. Also the cynical and smug approach they took around all the more serious questions like that one.
@@poetryonplastic Agree, Mile was fantastic to even go there and tackle this topic. No issue with him whatsoever. It's just so obvious that a journalist was not permitted a leg into this.
@@poetryonplastic Angel Dust is a digital recording to begin with,
Also the Kevin Gray cut of Marvin Gaye has a digital component as well. A lot of blatantly false advertising with that one. Sounds good but don't believe the hype (sticker).Also, that particular record sounds great but the pressing consists of crushed charcoal.
I dig this guy! New subscriber.
100% agree with everything you said.
Really well thought through response, thank you for all the work you put into it. As you say Music Direct have thrown the engineers under the bus. They need to make a statement urgently before their brand is damaged
The video was so excellent. I don’t have any skin in the game. I don’t own any audiophile recordings of any sort. I’m a thrifter through and through. That being said, I still hunt for the best album I can find and that sounds good to me on my system. Your take on this subject was not only fascinating but very thorough. Well done.
Great video, really breaking down the actual issue. Agree that its all about how the parent company handles marketing, its not the mastering guys fault. And its also about the narrative that 100% analog = perfection, and digital is somehow fake and cant ever sound good... and then not being able to live up to that.
New sub!
Great work!!!
In Australia consumer protection law we have a legal term ' Misleading conduct' . The word conduct is very important here and that is exactly what MoFi are guilty of. I bet there were many meetings regarding whether to mention DSD but they chose the sneaky ...or misleading conduct...pathway.
A class action is not out of the question I imagine.
Get class action out of the equation here because not all the possible plaintiffs are situated in similar conditions. In fact, a very large number of people have said they don’t care because the records sound good. Even if a legal action was presented, it would not go too far because of the real harm part of the test for liability under torts. Complaints with the FTC usually result in cease and desist orders, which force companies to correct their false or misleading advertising and obligation to inform people who brought the products that falsification or misleading information was used and the inclusion of new disclaimers in future marketing. The FTC has the power to issue fines but this issue to them may not be as serious or systemic as those of privacy breaches for example.
On the other hand, this does not only affect the consumers, it could also involve the competition if one of the other reissue labels can prove they had losses or did not sell well due to the unfair and deceptive practices of MoFi/ MD which secured better sells for them as a result. MoFi’s issue has the potential of causing industry-wide damage but those would have to be proven as well, but can be prevented if companies properly disclose the source and their mastering techniques when making vinyls.
A real problem could happen if people that bought these records stat going back to the record shops asking for their money back because the product is not what they were hoping or lead to believe that it was. This will in turn force those retailers to revert back to MoFi/MD and present cases of their own and then the issue start’s snowballing to the point that it has to be address legally. But this is very unlikely to happen. As we can see many of us do not know what are we going to do going forward, just as this gentleman also expressed.
End of story, the worst thing that MoFi/ MD can face is the implications to the business in terms of brand name and reputation of being perceived as untrustworthy. But the consumers have not decided to do something about it and MoFi knows it can get away with it without even making a formal apology. This will be the case as long as the records they put as back in stock get sold out in a matter of minutes, most recently this happened with the Bob Dylan’s Nashville Skyline LP. Very unfortunate that consumers are not willing to sacrifice their collection habits to hold a company accountable for their unfair and deceptive practices.
Salute to you. An even, emotions-removed dissection of the topic. Mike, Michael, we should call you masterful after this piece. 👏🏻
I applaud your sleuth-like investigatory skills! Nicely done -- a reasoned, level-headed presentation. You trace a history that clearly demonstrates MOFI's willingness to play with their wording about and presentation of their processes in order to 'hide' the digital truths hidden within their false analog promises.
In conclusion, because of this "dishonesty" of the Marketing people, people are going to start buying records from other companies that do cut directly from Analog tapes but that don’t have the quality of Mofi, but of course, they tell you the truth.
Totally agree☝️
Amen.
What companies that cut AAA don’t have the quality of MoFi?
@@poetryonplastic Without going into discussions, what I want to say is that being AAA does not necessarily make it better, the quality goes through many other factors that are later noticed in the final product. Regards and congratulations for your channel!
They are selling a product they pretend to be scarce, except it isn't. They can print new records to infinity and beyond with their digital master. Collectors must be happy about this. Anyway, I agree fully with you. Great video, subbed.
They legally cannot press up more. Licensing agreements ALWAYS include run limits, but I agree that MFSL can keep their remastered copy for a future licensing run.
Great video man! Very level-headed and analytical. Laid it out pretty clearly as an expert prosecutor would.
Wow. Great video. Bombshell at the end, didn't think there would be anything a clear and ass recent with them stating an all analogue chain.
Nailed it. Despite the admittedly outstanding sound of my MOFI records, my future purchases will be very limited. It will give me great pleasure to throw my $ at Chad.
+1. The only reason I ever bought a One Step was the "Collector" value current and future with the assurance of limited production and the promise of the best sounding option of a given title from a 100% Analog production chain promised and stated by individuals from a company I thought I could trust. These guys "Mofi" best come up with a plan pretty dang fast to resolve this with their customers or I think lawyers are gonna get involved.
@@discustank I agree. Class Action likely already in the works. I predict MOFI Bankruptcy by 2024
@@discustank Lawyers should get involved. Class action lawsuits work.
Far and away the best summation of this whole issue, and I completely share your reactions. Glad you defended Fremer - the trolls have really been going to town on him. Also glad you defend the engineers - they have been hung out to dry by management (though looking at the video snippet at the end it's clear they have become comfortable with the lying). I'm afraid we increasingly live in a world where truth is infinitely malleable, and none of us are better off for it.
Best commentary I have heard on the topic, thanks.
You Sir- have earned a like and subscription from me. Very informative, well thought out and honest opinion. Great stuff.
Very very good explanation of this topic. I feel that mofi intentionally mislead the public. They knew what they were doing. The releases (most) sound great. If they would have told the truth only a few analogue purist would have not bought the records. It’s not the crime but the cover up that sinks the ship! Well done!
Great video, the MoFi's analoguegate will definitely affect my record collecting habits. I have been collecting MoFi because they are MoFis, but not anymore. From now on MoFi needs to prove the absolute top sound quality first, not buying them blind anymore.
I think that's the position I will likely find myself in in the future.
"Feels like analogue" will be the future quote i guess
Superb analysis and summary. Really enjoyed the outline of the facts. Says it all
All DSD should not be grouped together as the same absolute quality. It depends on the preamps used, whether it is software or hardware upsampled/resampled and other contributing factors. When you digitally edit and/or sum in DSD (i.e. use PCM based DXD) that mostly negates any use of pulse density modulation. So, if they used Merging DSD256 and don’t do any digital editing or summing, it will sound as good as virtually anyone will ever discern compared against 2” first generation slew mastered tape. However, a SADiE based DSD64 is maybe a bit better than 96kHz PCM, but it cannot be compared to top tier modern Merging DSD done at the higher rates. If you null against each other you can see how different they are. My primary point is to not look at DSD as all the same, or even necessarily inferior to original master tape.
Not one person will or can tell the difference. Transferring to DSD is a good thing and a no brainer to get the best possible transfer. These guys are out of their minds and way to deep in the hi-fi trash
@@Limit5482 Generally that's true, especially when you are listening on typical systems in typical listening environments.
The blame is on Jim Davis, head honcho at Mobile Fidelity.
This video is fantastic: clear, thoughtful, and relevant
excellent work you have gained another subscriber good up the great content
It goes to show that those who claim vinyl is superior-sounding, are fools. Without this info breaking out about MoFi's sources, pedantic vinyl lecturers would have continued to assert these vinyls sound better than digital. Vinyls have a limited dynamic and frequency range compared to digital ; that's why they sound vibrant and warm. There is a chorusing effect due to the complex behaviour of the stylus in the groove, that adds a sense of depth or "air" to recordings. These euphonic effects are what vinyl lover are hooked to ; not the transparency of the sound reproduction, which cannot hold the candle to high-end digital systems.
Let's make an important distinction - Mofi's tape scanning process is 4xDSD, not a consumer format, that is 256 times the resolution of CD. The claims by people that vinyl sounds better than "digital" are talking about comparing vinyl cut from lower resolution digital files to vinyl cut entirely from tape. That's not a claim they can hear the difference between AAA vinyl, and every digital process, including some a digital format they never even knew existed.
You have done an excellent job of summarizing the issue. I agree with all your points both positive and negative about MoFi and where the blame lies.
Good work - thanks for digging deep!
I feel duped…..yes the sounds are incredible….but to pay lots of money for what could or is a digital copy….may as well dust of my CDs…
On music direct website right now for their upcoming Eagles/One of These nights One Step: “MFSL engineers begin with the original master tapes and meticulously cut a set of lacquers.”
Please. These guys lie to their customers. It’s not debatable.
How is that a lie? Where do you think the sound on the DSD master came from? Ding ding ding - the ORIGINAL MASTER TAPES.
There is no lie in that statement.
@@VideoArchiveGuy by that logic every single copy is sourced from the mastertape. So a 4th generation copy would be original master recordings as well.
Once you make a copy/transfer its changed. Period. The source for the vinyl is not the master its the copy of said master. Copies are imperfect, digital or analogue, information is lost. They clearly lied.
Ever write a school paper? There's primary and secondary sources. A transfer is a secondary source. It's not the same. And mofi knows this which is why they were never transparent about the digital. They spell out their whole process but do not mention digital transfers because they know it's not the same nor what customers want.
If I take the original US constitution and photocopy it is my photocopy the actual constitution? No. If you bought an original painting and it's a print would you be upset? But it looks the same! But it's not of the same quality nor provenance. You like the beatles? Say you buy a 1st state butcher cover and get a 3rd state recovered in return. Are you gonna be upset? I sure hope so.
They maliciously lied. Here's a video from 2017 of one of the masterers stating its all analog. What's your excuse now? How could you defend such behavior? They're scammers. They know AAA demands a higher price and provenance and thus pretended theirs was AAA. If they weren't malicious liars they would be championing dsd from the getgo not lying.
Here's the video. There's no disputing it now. They're liars and I hope a lawsuit starts up.
ua-cam.com/video/z-td3Uk5TIQ/v-deo.html
@@simonemurray1345 Good, I'll laugh when the issue either gets laughed out of court, or drives MoFi into bankruptcy so there are no more releases of these titles at all. 🙄
Whether or not MoFi lied, they certainly misled their customers at every turn. They knew what they were doing. They knew their image would be tarnished if they mentioned “digital”. All they mention is analog, over and over.
@@VideoArchiveGuy you walk into a room with a lady, she turns off the lights, and you get a great BJ. Except the BJ was performed by a dude. Did you deserve to know before hand? Was it a lie? Maybe you don’t care, but you deserved to know.
...a great addition to the MOFI chronicles!--thank you ....Jack
The big cheese at MOFI seriously passed the buck. No way those engineers/mastering guys should have been the face of what’s actually a big marketing lie. You’ve summed everything up very well. Subbed.
I think my head is going to explode 🤯 I just can’t believe it has come to this! I have been collecting vinyl since the 1970s including lots of the recent MoFi releases! This is a pox on vinyl I’m worried about an expensive collection that’s effectively counterfeit! I bought expensive vinyl when I could’ve gotten a $30 SACD that’s at least 1 generation better than the much more expensive vinyl! Aaaaaaaagghhhh!!!!
If it's any consolation I have a lot of these same albums on mfsl SACD, the vinyl does sound better to my ears. I honestly have no issue with the actual products, they sound great, it's the lying I'm pissed about.
I double up on their sacd's, one to play, one remains sealed...at least with sacd, they can't lie about its digital quality.
@@poetryonplastic Good to hear your experience with their SACD and vinyl for comparison. If you haven't watched it, I highly recommend searching UA-cam for the video from PSAudio where Paul M. states that they have found that their 100% DSD recorded music released on their Octave record label sounds better cut to vinyl vs. straight DSD, at least on their DACs.
This is exactly how I feel. I’m so pissed.
If it makes you feel better... at least the vinyl benefits from the 4X DSD... as SACD is only 1X DSD
I am not a lawyer, but in my eyes it‘s definitive a lie if they call it „one step“ and use a second digital step…..
My understanding is that the one-step refers to the cutting to pressing process. Standard process is a 3 step process. I think what they do prior to actually cutting the lacquer is the main concern since that is where the deception lies.
This is really well done. Thank you.
And thank YOU for the hilarious video yesterday. Was the humor break many of us needed.
Just saw this video, I must say you did an excellent job describing of What is Known at this moment.
Just subscribed to your channel, Thank You….
Excellent research and points made. I feel the same way that you do. I will give even more of my business to Analog Productions moving forward because of the honesty issue with MoFi. Unfortunately, they cover many artists that I love that are not available at AP, but it is what it is.
Absolutely first class presentation. I have the collection of ABKO Rolling Stones LP remasters which are clearly hype stickered as DSD Remasters. That’s transparency. I do love a lot of the MOFI releases and have a number of them but feel duped. Being in the U.K. I don’t use Music Direct but would be reluctant to use them going forward.
This is a wonderful video that goes back to so many original sources for clarification. Thanks for taking the time to put this together. It is appreciated!
Lying is lying whether it's straight up or by omission. What pisses me off even more is they weren't just lying in publicly available marketing materials. They were lying to customers over private emails as recently as last year. I will never buy another MOFI LP and would suggest others do the same. I'm not sure I want to support their products at all at this point. If I did, it would be a digital CD/SACD only.