Final Thoughts On the MoFi Debacle + The Severe Changes for this Channel
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- Опубліковано 4 лис 2024
- Marvin Gaye 50th: • Marvin Gaye - What's G...
Muddy Waters Folk Singer: • Muddy Waters Folk Sing...
We at Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab are aware of customer complaints
regarding use of digital technology in our mastering chain. We
apologize for using vague language, allowing false narratives to
propagate, and for taking for granted the goodwill and trust our
customers place in the Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab brand.
We recognize our conduct has resulted in both anger and confusion
in the marketplace. Moving forward, we are adopting a policy of
100% transparency regarding the provenance of our audio products.
We are immediately working on updating our websites, future
printed materials, and packaging - as well as providing our sales
and customer service representatives with these details. We will
also provide clear, specific definitions when it comes to Mobile
Fidelity Sound Lab marketing branding such as Original Master
Recording (OMR) and UltraDisc One-Step (UD1S). We will backfil
source information on previous releases so Mobile Fidelity Sound
Lab customers can feel as confident in owning their products as
we are in making them.
We thank you for your past support and hope you allow us to
continue to provide you the best-sounding records possible
an aim we've achieved and continue to pursue with pride.
Jim Davis
President, Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab
From Wkipedia:
Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab (MFSL or MoFi) is a record label specializing in the production of audiophile issues. The company is best known for its reissued vinyl LP records, compact discs, and Super Audio CDs but has also produced other formats.
In the late 1970s, the label earned a reputation for high-quality audio from its Original Master Recording LPs, which had been recorded with a half-speed mastering process. The company was purchased in 1999 by Music Direct in Chicago. In the 21st century, Mobile Fidelity's sales grew with a renewed interest in vinyl.[1]
Background[edit]
In the 1950s and 1960s, it was common for record labels to press relatively heavy records on new or "virgin" vinyl. During the economic downturn of the late 1970s, the cost of record pressing increased, and many record labels cut costs by pressing lightweight recordings from recycled materials, which are considered impure. Recycled vinyl pressings are reported to have more pops, clicks, and surface noise.[citation needed]
Copying sound from magnetic tape to LP is highly complicated. Apprentice engineers typically spend several years becoming experts in disc mastering. A mastering engineer may need to adjust and or compromise the sound quality of a record in order to maintain loudness and make the groove traceable by the stylus of a record player using a low-quality phono cartridge. Often, sounds have been mastered with additional compression, limiting, and equalization. In order to reduce wear on the master tape most discs are not sourced from the original master. The source tape used may be many generations removed from the original. Typically, the engineer will cut the first pressing and a "cutting master" tape in parallel. Subsequent pressings are cut directly from the cutting master. Some pressings are cut from copies of the cutting master tape. Each subsequent tape copy adds tape hiss, and wow and flutter, degrading the sound.
Founding[edit]
Recording engineer Brad Miller (1939-1998) released the first recordings on the Mobile Fidelity label in March 1958, a recording of a Southern Pacific steam locomotive.[2] Later LPs included other steam trains, environmental sounds and orchestral music, which drew interest from audiophiles but gained little attention from the public. While Miller was located in Burbank, California in 1971, the company released a few pop and orchestral recordings. This included a 7" 45 rpm single produced by Miller, "Saunders Ferry Lane"/"Early Morning". The record was credited to "Clare" and sung by British vocalist Clare Torry, who later gained fame from her performance on Pink Floyd's song "The Great Gig in the Sky".
In 1977, Mobile Fidelity began to produce a line of records known as "Original Master Recording" vinyl LPs. These albums were previously released by other companies, licensed by Mobile Fidelity, and remastered using half-speed mastering. During mastering, sound was transferred from magnetic tape to disc while the cutting lathe moved at half speed. The albums were remastered from the original analoquadraphonic Compatible Discrete 4 records, which had been introduced in 1972. JVC Supervinyl was more durable than regular vinyl, with lower surface noise and fewer pops and clicks. Mobile Fidelity packaged their albums in heavy cardboard sleeves, inner cardboard stiffeners, and plastic liners.
vinyl community 2022 mobile fidelity sound labs tone poet series
We at Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab are aware of customer complaints
regarding use of digital technology in our mastering chain. We
apologize for using vague language, allowing false narratives to
propagate, and for taking for granted the goodwill and trust our
customers place in the Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab brand.
We recognize our conduct has resulted in both anger and confusion
in the marketplace. Moving forward, we are adopting a policy of
100% transparency regarding the provenance of our audio products.
We are immediately working on updating our websites, future
printed materials, and packaging - as well as providing our sales
and customer service representatives with these details. We will
also provide clear, specific definitions when it comes to Mobile
Fidelity Sound Lab marketing branding such as Original Master
Recording (OMR) and UltraDisc One-Step (UD1S). We will backfil
source information on previous releases so Mobile Fidelity Sound
Lab customers can feel as confident in owning their products as
we are in making them.
We thank you for your past support and hope you allow us to
continue to provide you the best-sounding records possible
an aim we've achieved and continue to pursue with pride.
Jim Davis
President, Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab
Fool me once shame on you. Fool me twice shame on me. Can't believe it took this long to come up with this business as usual "apology". I don't even own any Mofi recordings and it makes me mad. How about a return policy on all the records you've lied about?
The Better Business was been contacted. I’m lucky I never bought any of your releases. I’ll keep my original copy of Thriller by the way.
Clarity is needed. The casual reader of the brand names of your processes can be lead to believe, if they don’t read properly that they are getting a special all analogue production chain from master tape to LP disc. It doesn’t appear to be accidental. Your digital file won’t degrade so many more perfect stampers can be produced at any time. That implies that the limited editions at elevated prices don’t really need to be that way, in fact you could do the opposite. You could improve the quality, cut the price and sell more. You could even do it for other people. With feelings running high it all feels like a spectacular own-goal!
Too little too late.
@@rongreen1538 exactly. I don’t buy a album because it comes in a pretty box. Give me a nice gatefold, a nicely mastered LP with a hype sticker and I’m fine. I hope they don’t think they’re going to get new customers after this.
Dear Michael,
You started this channel in 2020 as a fun hobby, and now you become most influential channel about vinyl on UA-cam.
Thank you for everything you doing for us!
🙏
Love ❤️ peace ✌️ and prosperity to everyone around the globe 🌎
If you're able to source the original pressings to compare them to the reissues, that will be a huge service to the community!
Really good early vinyl often sounds better (to me) than modern pressings, even mofi. And, not just first pressings. Sometimes, a pressing ten to twenty years after the original recording can sound better than an original pressing. Gotta hunt around to find copies in good shape, of course.
If analog fanatics now start to claim they don’t like the sound from these MOFI records, or that they can “hear” the digital, I will laugh my a$$ off.
I don't think MoFi has used DSD in cases where that is possible. If Sony will not let masters travel, MoFi is doing the best possible to get you the best sound by going to the tape instead. It's the art of the possible. And do the results sound good? Yes!
Interesting I just compared my Classic Records Muddy Folk Singer. Sounds great. I have always found Muddy voice harsh in places (always). It is so dynamic when he yells it blows you out. I then took out my Mofi one step Muddy Folk Singer. Same harshness in the voice, it’s in the tape. Honestly. If you played both blindly I wouldn’t find any preference they are nearly identical to me. As much as I feel that Mofi bent the rules here and did some deceiving…I think they also exposed a flaw in the vinyl purist. Always wanting analog. If it sounds good it sounds good. If this Mofi Muddy Folk Singer was the only version I had that would be great. I think everyone feels deceived. But the analog purists are a bit exposed because they raved about several of these releases from
Mofi for years….driving up prices on things like abraxas to $2500.
I can’t wait for the Van Halen one steps. Not cancelling anything. I think the transparency will come in the end. Sunlight neutralizes all this bogus on both sides
@@laurencewhite4809 I heard the digital Lonnnnggg before this ever happened. That’s why I only have one Mofi record. Learned my lesson
Remember MOFI, because of the digital connection could have easily made more copys but they kept the numbers down to drive up the price.
Right
A very good point
This is complete nonsense.
You don’t know that for sure. Licensing agreements most times stipulate a fixed run. Even if they have the possibility to press more copies they can’t for contractual reasons.
Not necessarily true. Many times the numbers have to do with the licence
I don't know why you guys are upset, there has always been a superior option. It says it right on the the case...
"The Music on this Compact Digital Disc was originally recorded on analog equipment. We have attempted to preserve, as closely as possible, the sound of the original recording. Because of its high resolution, however, the Compact Disc can reveal limitations of the source tape." :)
Spin on you crazy diamonds!
Please don’t torture yourself with thoughts of how this debacle has affected your channel. Keep doing what you have always done, informing and entertaining us. Review your new records and give us your valued opinion, we don’t need anything else in my opinion.
Completely agree. We don't need you to compare with the original. Just your opinion on the release. Seriously, MoFi messed-up and continue to dig their own grave by saying nothing. Don't pay their price for them!
I just said the same thing. Review new releases. Forget about MoFi. They’re a lot of new vinyl out almost everyday. Review the new Lizzo. It’s a great album. I just got mine and I haven’t played it yet. I would love to know what you think about it. How it sounds and the pressing. This kind of stuff. MoFi isn’t worth your time anymore. Pretty packaged records isn’t enough for you to spend your time on.
This guy is right. Don’t stress over someone else’s dishonesty. Keep on doing your thing. We will keep tuning in!
Amen! Comparisons are cool when you can, but the added personal expense to source an original could get out of hand. We’ve seen you do comparisons with older releases in the past, and those are great. But not having an original to compare with does not negate your review of the newer release! If the new release is good then it’s good. Keep letting us know. I have purchased several records based on your reviews and have been quite pleased. Thank you for all you give to us. Keep it up! Peace
Glad I'm old enough to have a few that they made in the 70's. Never got all the ones I wanted.
JOHN COLTRANE - BLUE TRAIN (BLUE NOTE TONE POET SERIES) is live for pre-order
link please
Dear Michael, About a year ago I started buying vinyl and early on I discovered your channel. For me (and surely for many people) you are a reference and a reliable opinion. You sincerely express everything that others like Mofi have never done and will never do. Continue with your work that so many people admire and value. A hug from Spain.🥰
MoFi still makes some of the best sounding records, that won't change, I'll still be buying ones that I like!!
Just want to say thank you Michael for your videos. I have a fair size vinyl collection but I can't afford to buy expensive reissues. But doesn't stop me loving your channel. You and your love of music is so inspiring. Thank you so much.
I think it’s time for a mid-year (2022) best record review. I enjoy these and they are a great help to discover new music. As always, love your channel.
Micheal you have always been passionate and true with your videos.
For me, your way changed my concept about collecting records.
I think that the VC needs attitude,love,honesty like yours,so keep on the good and positive work.
The vinyl community survives without MOFI,but MOFI doesn´t survive without the vinyl community!!
100%. Not only do we survive, the vinyl community will thrive!!! Great things ahead!
MoFi has already survived during a time where there was no "vinyl community."
@@jamesdavid7782 ,good on them! Why vinyl community in quotients? You doubt there is such a phenomenon out there in the wild😅? Don´t answer by the way,just have a really nice day and take care!
You are a Man of Honor Sir that's for sure..I completely agree with the things you say..your channel and knowledge of all things "vinyl" is well respected from the community...good luck still to you...as for MOFI,I believe they are doomed.
Yes, but not always with LPs. They stopped releasing LPs in the heyday if the CD craze and then resumed production in 1994.
MOFI Just needs to be transparent and if you feel that the music satisfies you ear. They should also price accordingly.
Agreed. Transparency and a modest price adjustment for the regular titles, and they're still going to be a tremendous product. 1-steps need a bigger adjustment price-wise IMO. ✌️
Their literature that is included with all their One Steps as well as on the website is as about as transparent as it gets. Except, it’s a lie. They hid their digital sourcing for their records for over a decade, while straight up lying in videos and personal emails when asked if particular titles were all analog. Why would you trust anything they say in the future???? You can’t just think they’re gonna tell the truth after a decade plus of strategic lying do you?
Agree
I refuse to pay $125.00 dollars for a record. A box set of course. But, not a expensive record in a pretty package. I usually pay about $24.99 to $30.00 dollars for a current release from the artists store. Yes, I’m sure they’re DSD which isn’t a problem for me. I’m been buying current releases since the 1970’s. I don’t plan on stopping anytime soon. But, I understand what I’m buying too.
I am 68 years old and I have been playing records and listening to vinyl since I was ten years old.
I am not an audiophile at all. I only have about three hundred albums and I also have have around 3000 ITunes. I also have a nice collection of CD’s.
I do have some MoFi albums and box sets.
One thing I like about your channel is that when you do a review you give your honest opinion and many times it is the original regular album or first pressing that can be purchased in a record store for very little money.
I appreciate your honesty and integrity.
I just received an Allman Brothers album “ Eat a Peach” as a gift.
It’s labeled as a Vinyl Lovers album made in Russia. It seems to be a black market album and there is a lot of controversy about the “ Vinyl Lovers “ label.
Some folks say it’s a big scam and they are using CD’s to record from.
Well to me it’s a great sounding album and I absolutely love listening to it.
Maybe I should be buying more CD’s instead of albums if they sound that good.
I feel the same way about MoFI.
If it sounds good to me I am keeping them and I probably will buy more of the MoFi albums because they just sound awesome.
I listen to what gives me pleasure.
Cheers!
I am so glad to hear that you will be listening to and sharing your insights on original pressings. I think this is a great move!
Think most of us will stick around,new direction or not! This channel is one of my favourite outlets on the Tube,gotten so much in the shape of valuable and interesting tips on artists,albums,bands and recording companies and so on. As well as a very sympathetic host of the channel and very pleasant atmosphere surrounding the channel. So from me,Mr Ludwigs, i do hope you stick around for many good years to come! We have a lot to discover in the future together! Cheers and thanks!
I love his channel and how he reviews new releases as well. This MoFi scandal isn’t his fault. There’s plenty of music to review out there. Every artist is releasing their music on vinyl these days. Plus cassettes….but, that’s a different story for another time. Michael, continue to do what you love. I will still be watching you and respecting your opinion on different releases.
This is good news to hear Michael. I've always said, and continue to say, that the original should always be your baseline and starting point when evaluating reissues. It's what the remastering engineers do, it's what Chad does. Where it becomes tricky with original pressings, is that many times there are 3, 4, even 5 different sounding versions pressed during an original pressing's run, but hunting them down is all part of the fun. Keep up the great work Michael, it's much appreciated.
Nothing you could do about this dodgy situation. I’m up for whatever direction you take this channel now. Just glad you’re keeping going. Best vinyl channel on UA-cam. Nice one Michael. Keep up the good work
Absolutely. Comparisons are terrific and you have the pleasure of doing so very well. :)
Hi Michael, I just wanted to offer my sincere thanks to you for the great advice you offer and for raising very important issues on behalf of vinyl collectors. Please remain independent in the future and continue to challenge, asking questions that really make a difference focussed on customer service, range of titles, quality of sound recording and printed album covers/inserts.
...from 1990 to 2018 I was working in a well known Highend shop in Vienna and sold lots of all these audiophile records as ANP, ALTO, MFSL, SPEAKERS CORNER etc. I am a collector myself. The funny thing is, that I only bought a very few of the post 2015 MFSL LPs. I could not tell why, but something in my gut told me: "You are fine with the the SACDs - the difference is too small." In some way the SACDs with my PS Audio Combo sounded less(!) "clinical" for...less money. I did not like that, and in some way I had to force me, to stop thinking about that. But: The little voice in my ear asked me: "What's going on here?" (pun intended!). Was it my turntable, my ears or some "new aesthetics" of the MFSL sound? Now we know!
I appreciate your channel, Michael, and your feelings on this issue, with which I agree. Two albums I want to get are the Sonny Clark Dial S for Sonny Blue Note classic series vinyl and Oscar Peterson We Get Requests (and later, Night Train) Acoustic Sounds Series vinyl. I wanted Dial S anyway and was thrilled that it is being reissued (no way I can afford older pressings of it), and then I watched your recommendation of it, and that definitely made up my mind. Keep up the great work!
Hello Michael. I agree that the window for a statement from MoFi to apologize has come and gone. I now feel that the window for analog master copies is going to continue to close as time passes and this is just the first awakening for us. Tapes have a life, but it seems they have not all been cared for properly and it will be more difficult not to have a digital step if not impossible. We will all need to adjust to it. In the meantime, for MoFi, I think it's time to let the litigation begin.
You're right about the life of tapes, but all the masters should be committed to very high quality "reference" or "safety" copies. As Fremer said, back in the Analogue Era, the master tapes weren't typically sent around to produce the lacquers. A copy was sent, and some of the very best Analogue Era pressings were made from copies. Obviously a copy isn't preferable to the master, but given the alternative, it's a legitimate option that'll keep analogue alive for a very long time to come.
@@audiophileman7047 Thank you audiophile man!
I think all the talk about tape deterioration is very much exaggerated. While there were the well known sticky tape problems in the seventies and eighties when some companies tried out other formulas, many very old tapes from the fifties are still in excellent condition.
@@markusberzborn6346 Thank you Markus.
@@markusberzborn6346 Good point, but there is a limit to their lives. Improper storage and carelessness are another issue even to to the point of tapes being misplaced or lost. When the digital age arrived, many labels neglected their master tapes not thinking that they were important. Heard a story from Fremer where Bernie Grundman had the original master tapes for one Led Zep's albums on the floor. Grundman said the label hadn't picked it up, and it had been sitting under his table for a really long time. Well, those days are over, and the labels recognize the critical value of their master tapes now if they can find them.
I appreciate your efforts to make the comparisons. I know it will be an expensive undertaking. Thank you for being so thoughtful about this issue. I don't really care that Mofi used digital to remaster from as long as it sounds good. What really makes me feel cheated is the lack of transparency. I was willing to pay the premium for what I thought was an all analog recording. I think they need to readjust their pricing as result of these revelations. Thank you.
I would LOVE to see you compare original pressings to reissues. But keep doing what you enjoy, love your channel
The Mofi debacle aside, we watch your videos because of YOU! Great channel and very informative. Keep up the great work and just keep moving forward. Lot's of fantastic release's coming out. Look forward to your thoughts and reviews. Be well!!
The continued excellence of ur channel is a bright spot in the vinyl community. Balancing a love of music and great audio sound. A careful ear for detail and well reasoned comments. Comparisons always add more depth to a good review. Thx for ur commitment. Cheers.
Yes it’s a great idea to have the original pressings to use as a benchmark comparison…and I also agree with you that the window of opportunity for an apology from mofi has closed…I’m sure it’s going to affect their sales
Why do they need to disclose their trade secrets, sources and processes? This is isn't food or medicine, it's music.
Yes that's a nice change for your channel I've made some buying decisions based upon what you said in the past and I think this will just make it even easier to make up my mind in the future keep up the good work!!
A “wunderbar” and appropriate way to move ahead with your future videos. Thank you for your continued vinyl passion, as it helps the rest of us!
I like your channel a lot and you do a terrific job. Comparing all those different pressings is only for the happy few though. It's very expensive and I just want good sounding records. Whether one is better than the other is not such a big thing. My first thought is the music, my second is the sound and my third is the price. Not everyone can afford or even find the best pressing. I just watch your channel for suggestions and if you say it sounds good, I trust you. If some other pressing sounds better, I'll just let it be. But you do what you want and I'll keep watching.
Michael, I followed the links and watched your listening impressions in your MoFi shootouts vs AP. Wow, it's really impressive how you heard it. In both shootouts you could tell that the AP sounded more "analog" than the MoFi. You should feel great about that. In a word, the MoFi's were sounding more "digital" to you. You heard what was going on without even realizing what it was. It's good to trust people, as you do, and it's especially good to be able to trust your own judgement, as you clearly can. I'm looking forward to your future videos.
Michael, the way you present your opinions is wonderful, as long as you have a reference as to the sound quality you will be of great value to our community. Seeing you struggling to deal with this mess shows you passion and love for our hobby. Thank you, be you!
I haven't bought new vinyl in more than 30 years but, for some reason, enjoy your channel. I appreciate the earnestness with which you approach your reviews and your respect for the music itself.
Hell Mike,
you are right in think
45 Michael is unprecedendet in field.
❤️Heike
He is simply the best. :-)
Michael thank you for your thoughtfulness and ongoing commitment to quality and transparency - I really like your suggestion about how to proceed with your reviews going forward.
Dear Michael,
I’ve been following your channel for quite a while now. You are doing very well and I like the positive way you think. One can feel your love for music especially if the recordings are great.
Of course your opinion matters to me but it’s only one opinion and I’ll never expect, even the finest ear to be able to know what sounds best. There is always something like the personal taste.
The frequency of your videos is high and we all know the time and effort (and money) you invest in this all.
Almost every release of good quality labels is given a video and thus, your channel is of great value even months after it was put online.
So please don’t think, we feel disappointed of what you are or have said. Most Mofis do sound great, so there’s nothing to be ashamed of. Mofi covered up their DSD mastering step for more than a decade without being discovered and the only way the could get away with that, is that almost every release was great sounding.
The vinyl community discovered the truth not by hearing it but by questioning how they could do 40 000 copies from an original master tape. It was the brain and not the ear that was able to question what Mofi was doing. So I still trust you and your opinions on sound quality.
But I don’t know if I’ll be willing to pay more than 125€ for the Mofi one steps since they are at least two steps IMHO, now.
Thank you for your engagement to try and guide us through the “rough and rowdy ways” of the shady record industry and their endless offerings.
I’m a 56 year old, buying records for more than 40 years now. Some recordings I bought several times. On LP when they were released, on CD when vinyl “disappeared”, remasters of CD, SACD hybrid or single layer, remasters from the original record company on vinyl, high quality remasters from Mofi, AP and others…
Sometimes I think, they (the artists or record labels) should thank me for all the money I spent over these 4 decades and give me my 10 favorite records for free. Instead they continue to rise the price (Universal) as if they still haven’t made enough money from their past releases. For God’s sake. They sell Freewheeling Dylan for 60 years now and Miles Kind of Blue for almost 70 years !
I do think DSD should be accepted as a legitimate audiophile format, and I do think their explanation that it can create potentially higher quality transfers DOES hold water (im a studio engineer for what its worth, not much judging by my bank account)... but it's just so awful they hid it for so long. Back when they started doing it they could've actually hyped it up as an advantage and explained it clearly. It would have also opened them up to market legit AAA releases at a real premium. But... yeah.
Yes, true, well said.
Oh bloody hell. Digital in many forms is well beyond what vinyl has ever been able to deliver to the customer. Get over yourselves already.
@@robertt7238 Oh come on! Get over YOURSELF! I love vinyl and to me personally it delivers MUCH MUCH more than digital music. Even when putting on my worst cared for, most scratched up and abused mono pop record... the experience floors me every time.
It is ironic that now it is YOU, the vinyl hater, that is forced to make arguments by clinging to simply "sound quality". Let me assure you, as a professional sound engineer I discovered very quickly that everyone has a different opinion on what makes a "quality" sound. Needless to say, no matter how great digital can sound, a good vinyl record can still sound F&!%ing GREAT.
It also MUST be stated, that although 4xDSD can provide amazing digital sound quality, (again ironically) it is most often only on a vinyl record when that level of digital fidelity would be applied. The VAST majority of digital audio is compressed, butchered nonsense that has been mastered in the loudest, worst possible way to be streamed to the lowest bidder with an iPhone. In the majority of cases, a clean vinyl record WILL provide better sound quality. Of course if you cannot hear the difference, it won't make any difference to you.
Vinyl, as a total music experience, satisfies me in a very special and irreplaceable way. If you can't wrap your head around this I highly suggest the recent video from TheSyndicateInsider about cancelling his mofi pre-orders. Anyone walking around defending their musical habits with scientific jargon is totally missing the point, and probably missing the experience of enjoying that music in the first place.
Also blow it up your nose you miserable crumb.
I have a huge library of oldies. From Rock, R&B, Alternative and Pop. I’m not wasting my money on re releases. I buy pretty much only current releases. Like Harry Styles, DIA Lipa, Lizzo and Lana Del Rey. Music didn’t stop in the 1980’s. So I don’t need fake analog music from decades ago. I don’t need another copy of MJ Thriller. I have my original and a 30th Anniversary edition. This is enough for me. But, MoFi needs to stop lying to people. Lower their prices and be honest with their customers.
@@tturner12341 Meh, customers paid the money because they thought it was worth it. Unless their specific goal was to store and resell as an investment, then their goal was the music. I figure unless you have unopened packages (i.e. investment) you have no legal leg to stand on.
I very much support this Michael and I think it’s awesome what you’re doing I know it’s not the easiest thing to source an original pressing in most situations. But I applaud you and I will be even more excited to be your channel in the future thank you for all that you do for the vinyl community.
Just enjoy the music.
Michael well done and a crisp message with a strong outcome to look forward to! I agree 200%. It’s unfortunate that those of us who own MoFi pressing may look at them differently while listening, a vail of disappointment.
But you are a thoughtful person and your logic and perspective is terrific.
These situations define the companies we admire and those we don’t!
Cheers
With your Professional Background you would have prevented this mess they find themselves in !
You have again cemented the importance of your reviews / knowledge in this wonderful world of Music. You heard a difference and you chose your favorite. We can all move on and continue our journey with you and your community
Really appreciate your opinion and care on the topic. I think originals are the best benchmark when possible. Of course some are not as good as remasters but it is a consistent benchmark in my opinion considering all the variables. For those you can’t use the original for any reason then I don’t know if there is a good solution. Maybe you can somehow creat your own benchmark for an album more generally speaking. You know albums that sound good. You know albums that have great sleeves and liners. If there isn’t an original press to compare to for your channel then you can say this is compared to your own standard for what an album should be or if you have a unique example of the best specific copy of the album you are testing than this can be the comparison in that case.
I’m curious to know what is going to happen when they release MJ Thriller this year. You know very well that CBS or I should say Epic Records isn’t going to give them their master tape. Plus I already have enough versions of Thriller. I don’t need another one. I think his 30th Anniversary Edition sounds great already.
This is your best thought ever! Almost every time I have had a original and a audiophile record the original sounds better. Of course there are a few exceptions. I remember the video your talking about. When you compared the MOFI One Step to Analog Productions you heard the difference. I love what you said about the Analog Productions record " it just sounds more Analog". We all know why now, good call.
Michael, amazing idea. That will be such a valuable tool in my own vinyl purchasing - thank you for making that change in order to better inform us. It is sad that for many titles that parade around as something they are not, this has become essential.
Love the new idea, Michael. Comparing to original pressings will be a huge benefit to the channel. Thank you for your amazing videos!
This is a great approach to this situation and is a great solution and way forward for your channel. What you are presenting is exactly what consumers really what to know and learn from. Appreciate your passion and consideration of the new approach
I’m not surprised MoFi hasn’t apologized. After all, its the “one step” they skip in transparency.
Thank you for your nuanced and balanced opinion and videos! Something else: I'm really fascinatie by your beautiful glasses! Wondering brand it is? Does anybody know?
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the recent debacle. Keep up the great work
I like the idea of beginning with an original reference pressing and using that to determine the quality of the new release. This will make all comparisons fair, each review having a known baseline. All releases will compete on the same premise. Excellent idea when it is possible moving forward. Thanks for your attention to this difficult subject and bringing rational thought and reasonable analysis to us through your channel. Excellent job, although not what you were expecting. 😃✌️🙏
The collectors wine market was rocked to the core a few years ago by the actions of one person that sold fakes to people that trusted in him. Like wine music is something that gives us pleasure and the colector wine market did come back. Just a bit wiser and cautious. We as consumers now need to learn from their mistakes in trusting sellers and manufacturers of the goods and services that are provided. As an audiophile and a Sommelier there are lessons to be learned here. Deductive reasoning and steps of evaluating a wines quality lead me to make a an educated decision on it's value and pedigree to the consumer and myself. We all need to use our senses, reasoning capacities, and experiences in the future to avoid being hoodwinked. Thanks for being there Michael; we are very grateful for the service you provided to the audiophile community worldwide.
Integrity and honesty are not always easy to come by when money and egos are involved. I think the community that checks in your channel on a regular basis finds those qualities on a consistent basis in your clips. Which speaks to your character. I don’t think it’s a sad story, it just propelled some important change. Best regards…
Bench mark is the word you were looking for. Thank you for all you do for the vinyl community!
Good direction Michael 👍🏻
Michael, I really enjoy your channel! I have collected and listened to vinyl records all my life, since I was a child in the mid 60s. Your insight, opinions, honesty and integrity are in full view to anyone who watches your channel. In my opinion, If at all possible, I would always include an original released pressing as a baseline for comparison to other versions/releases/pressings, as this is what was put out at the time as the statement the artist/band wanted, except in the case of perhaps some compilation LPs, or something that had to be released due to contractual reasons. Results of course, will vary. Mastering, vinyl compounds, equipment in use at the time, even age, all have a bearing on the final result. I say this because it makes sense, at least to me. This is what most of us have grown up listening to, not comparing numerous versions of re-issues, unless it's specifically called out as such. Just my two cents. Thanks
Brilliant idea. Comparisons between original or early pressings and remasters are a great idea and will be very helpful. Totally agree with your comments about MOFI and their lack of an apology. Thank you for taking the time to do these videos ! Cheers from the UK
Hey Michael, I can't wait to re-watch the Marvin Gaye and Muddy Waters videos - thanks sir!
Great video, Michael!
I watched both of the videos you mentioned. It's "funny" that you even feel awkward for not picking MoFi's versions. Looking back, I believe you felt something was "off" with the MoFis (in comparison with the others).
Please, keep up the great work! You are doing an amazing job for the community. Keep it up! Cheers!
BTW: Kevin Gray's pressing of "What's Going On" is superb!
Great idea comparing with oroginals! Is something that was in my mind for a long time, great to hear this from you, I'm 100% with you Michael.
Thank you for your passion and thoughtfullness. All has been said, and it Took l me a while to find words what it is all about in one word that is not only referring to transparency: Integrity. This is what I always got from watching your videos. This is what shake your money maker companies miss. Good luck and looking fwd to your next reviews.
Michael you have gained a subscriber, thankyou for highlighting the Issue. You have taught me so much watching your videos & I truly appreciate the passion you have for vinyl. Your channel is informative on another level & it can only grow from here.
Hi Michael. I appreciate your videos and opinions. I agree with your assessment and others commenters here: you should do comparisons with the original versus reissue. There will be frustration with trying to get the original pressing. But I’m positive that some in the vinyl community would lend you their original pressings for your thoughtful comparison and opinion. “When we were in MoFi’s land, let my people go!”
Many very good comments that agree with Michael.
❤️Heike
Opinoin and judgment clearly speak for Michael here. :-)
Michael, I have never commented before to you, but I have enjoyed your channel for a long time. To me, I like your insights about the recordings - that is the most important part of each episode to me. I am not very concerned about where you got each of these recordings.
So, maybe, you become like the rest of us who like vinyl of all kinds(?)
We look/shop around for various generations of recordings, both new and used, and listen to them to see which of the pressings we prefer.... You could now do this like we do, only they will not include MoFi recordings until they clean up their act and tell us ahead of time where the recording came from to make the latest pressing. There are plenty of sources of new recordings around.
Please keep up your reviews. Best Regards, CHRIS
Thank you for treating this with such thought and respect.
You seem like a very thoughtful and sensative person, and I support you and your videos and opinions. I wish you all the best in the future and will continue to listen to your videos. It's too bad you had to be the guy who put two and two together, but that's the way it is. I know it pains you and I feel for you. Keep up the good work, carry on and enjoy the music that you clearly love.
Michael thank you for your videos, about this issue and mainly your good values and ethics, something that is underrated more and more these days, unfortunately. I agree with your change of direction in your channel as much as possible. Go for it!
Other important topic that was mentioned by viewers of your channel, was the difficulty and higher cost, for known reasons, to get the lps from Analogue Production, Craft, and other main audiophile US labels.
Don’t you think that in Europe we should have also this kind of labels? I think it would be great and a comercial success. How can it be done? By who?
Looking forward to hear your insights:)
Greetings from Azores islands
Best regards
José
Unfortunately AP and others are so busy with the US market alone, that they don't even bother to worry about Europe. See previous video and you will get the point.
@@ivanroman7291 hello Ivan , totally agree:) that’s why I raised the issue of European AAA labels.
we have so many great audiophile hi fi or hi end brands , Gryphon for instance collects reel tapes. Could be a joint venture between them and private investors. Or a passionate audiophile entrepreneur…we need this!!
We have an incredible variety of music genres, labels, with incredible rich catalogues , ECM for instance, ( that would be mind blowing 🤩) among others.
Thank you:)
Greetings from Azores
Best
José
Appreciate your integrity Michael. As unfortunate and sad this story is, I really do hope that Mofi survive and learn this valuable lesson because they clearly have been a great label for reissues and the vast majority of their catalogue sounds excellent, whether it’s digitally sourced or not. They’re going to have to ask the record buying public for forgiveness but, if we can move on from this, everyone should benefit - lower prices, larger runs, less fomo, and what we all want, great sounding records.
Very well formulated.
MoFi lesson.
That is thanks to Michael.
❤️Heike
Michael, i applaud and admire that you have expanded on MoFi-gate.
I feel the same as you in that apologies are/were in order. Something tells me that-like all big companies-not only do they not feel as they should apologize, but-much worse-are more likely considering what legal action they can/will undertake against you and every YT’er who Music Matters feels is discrediting MoFi.
Sometimes it’s a sad world we live in.
There are equally good lawyers who can argue that deceptive practices existed, so I don't think they want to invite a court fight into their world. A jury will tend to be sensitive to 'the little guy' consumers.
The betrayal of people like you is probably the worst part of this whole thing. The pain in your voice is plainly apparent.
I really believe this was all totally deliberate. This was no accident or misunderstanding. Music direct has the integrity of a used car salesman on the worst car lot in town.
They have broken the bond of trust and that can’t be repaired in my mind.
All around the world super expensive and major collections have been hugely impacted by this scandal.
But to make it even worse are the super inflated prices and the completely fake limited pressings these things are just disgusting.
They don’t deserve to survive this in my view. What they have done is unforgivable. Has zero to do with sound quailty. It has to do with corporate greed and unscrupulous businesses. Music Direct is certainly completely guilty of those two charges. There can be no defense for it. For those going on UA-cam saying it doesn’t matter I say honesty and the truth Always matter! Always!!
What happened?
@@sammencia7945 it started to rain. Get your sled.
@@sammencia7945 watch Michael's recent videos, including the 2 with Michael Fremer as guest.
Imagine if ppl go this worked up over politicians lying to us about REAL Issues. Cry me a river....Y'all paid hundreds of dollars for a bunch classic rock albums you could have gotten for 20 bucks or less! Y'all fell for branding and snake oil and you got no one but yourselves to blame for treating this company like a religion. It's humbling and embarrassing just move on...
Are you serious? “The pain in your voice?” Cmon
They proved that digital sounds as good as analog and people can't tell
Sort of...they proved that people want to believe they can tell the difference without actually comparing analog vs digital. If audiophiles bothered to do A/B comparisons more rather than just assuming something is all analog, then they very well might be able to notice the difference. People are mad at themselves for thinking they have amazing ears and being fooled.
no they didnt, i have been bashing mfsl for years, when i talked about how bad their kind of blue 45rpm was everyone told me i was nuts when i said how bad their forever changes was i got more of the same, santana abraxas, marvin gaye whats going on , steve wonders catalog, the list goes on and on, they suck the life out of your favorite records, and when compared to a original press or even early reissue's they always come up short, Mfsl has always been a joke
@@spittindatruthaboutrecords9421 you snobs all sound the same... waaah waaah 🤣
They lied.
They will make a bug burger TASTE like a beef burger. Does that mean they can sell it as a BEEF burger and at the same price?
Honesty.
Integrity.
Are we allowing these to be taken from us?
@@anotherbrickinthewall1700I never saw anything on a mofi record stating the source.. so how did they lie to you snobs?
The value is your opinion on how each record sounds, yes of course it’s good to know if if sounds better but lots of vinyl fans will never own the original, it’s still so important to do videos on new releases for this reason. Keep up the good work
Agree with you on everything, Michael. I can feel the sadness and the hurt in you but at the end, this story will be positive for the vinyl community and your channel ! I think it's a great opportunity ! Now, for their credibility, the companies will give us the truth and the transparency ! We need your great analysis, your valued opinion, your amazing glasses,..... I always wait for your next video with impatience and excitement. Thank you for all these moments of happiness and passion that you offer us. the future is ours !
Michael, I love your channel - you have made me fall back in love with vinyl. I love your new idea / no need to stress over this - keep on spinning & enjoying your music collection as you share your thoughts with us.
Hi Michael. I wrote to you last weekend and referred you to your Marvin Gaye, What’s Going On comparison. I was highlighting that you had identified there were differences between the albums. You rightly concluded KG’s mastered album sounded much better. You could have gone further to explore why there was such a difference, but honestly, who would have thought MOFI would have done that; deceiving their customers and destroying their brand at the same time. The fact your reviews were in favour of the other releases demonstrates you have good ears!!
Michael, it makes me sad to see you so clearly sad about this. I watched a couple of older videos last night and you had such an emotional attachment to some of those records. It is so unfortunate and like you said, a disaster. But we know that you will find a way forward. You are on a quest for quality and an example of class and quality with your channel. We look forward to watching you and we appreciate what you do. I personally can’t wait to see how you go forward.
Disaster? How?
@@jamesboyle8828 Michael had used that word to describe the situation in his video. I took it to mean: a) all of the people who have lost faith (and money) in the product and the company b) and the public relations disaster that it is in general.
I think regardless of a particular perspective, it is a disaster on many levels and agree with his assessment.
Keep up the good work Michael remember as George said All Things Must Pass even this MOFI bs. Take care Graham.
Hi Michael, now it is my time to drop some thoughts here. First and foremost, I appreciate your honest approach on everything you do. Kudos. Now, regarding the video. You're absolutely right. They lost their timing, hard to fix that now (if there's a fix). I'll keep my records, like them, but rethinking from now on, not because of the source necessarily, but because of a company attitude. Sad. That being said, as a scientist, a person with analytical mind and experience, you have made the right decision regarding the channel. These comparisons will be more valid, however, this does not invalidate what you've done so far. Life is a journey, we have all been learning not only from this situation but from our experience with music and gear as well through the years. I have tons of audiophile reissues and a good amount of original records, including the Blue Note heavy hitters. As a great example, I'd say that Page One sounds originally very different from the Classic series, for example. However, both are fantastic. Blue Train SRX is perfection, but there's an extra something you'll only hear in the OG, like when you mentioned the feeling in your Miles Davis ERC video. That extra thing. So comparing reissues with editions as far back as possible is a great idea, and will enrich the videos even more. I'd like you to check us at the "Jazz Bums" channel as well, where we are approaching some early releases, and discussing jazz only. You are doing a great service to a lot of people. Let's see what the "zeitgeist" will be in the record business will be. Change? I hope so. But regarding MoFi at this point, I care about honesty and care. First. Quality is a great thing, but not the number one. bis später
Just keep being you. It's what keeps people watching. You come across as being genuine. Cheers.
Well spoken, and I 100% agree with you on the MoFi issue. That they still have not come out with a statement is absolutely ridiculous, and incredibly arrogant and rude. Not buying more MoFi in the near future.
Also, I really like your ideas about the future of the channel! Will still watch all your videos ;)
Definitely one of the hardest times for vinyl community and audiophiles collectors Emotional video for every music lover . Music and collectors will survive but the damage was massive. Stay safe and positive 🙏🏼💪🎶🙌
Your channel is one of the very best, Michael.
Don’t stop anything
Your channel is amazing and you can only control what you do!!
So you do you!! You focus on what you do not what they do!!
I love the thought of original pressings
There are other audiophile companies doing it right!!!
Boy I bet Chad will benefit here big time!!
That sounds good to me, Michael. I'm looking forward to the new concept, and I'm sure that not always reissues with a "high quality" price tag will get a recommendation. All the best...
A spot on response to this situation. I had gotten to same place you had, no need to "go back" to find releases as so many reissues are coming forward - is this a setback? I don't know, surely some layer of trust has been removed. Props to you on the extra level of effort. And you can just keep doing that thing you're doing, it's great.
I am not a vinyl guy, especially not a religious believer in any format.
MoFi is another proof that good sound is less related to the format but the mastering.
MoFi shows that the analog and digital cults are meaningless, we can't tell them apart. Would we react the same if someone adds an anlog step in a digital mastering?
Let's focus back on the joy of good music.
I think this situation will bring more transparency to a lot of processes, and labels. That said, I think that the idea of having a comparison when possible, and also THE VALUE, of different pressings... it makes sense. It keeps the manufacturers honest. I think most have been, but the more people compare to other pressings and the value of what those pressings are, that I think is the future.
Michael - first of all, thank you so much for everything you have done to bring all this out into the open. If you hadn’t raised this, we’d still be paying $100+ essentially for DSD files….
I went from disappointment in Mofi, to anger - for these reasons:
1. The initial deception and misleading information about their cutting source.
2. A lack of apology or even a statement.
3. The lack of a response to an email I sent them over a week ago, enquiring about the Thriller 1 step as a customer.
4. The lack of response again to a 2nd email requesting a full refund. Poor, POOR business strategy and customer service.
It’s now coming across as arrogant.
Poor, poor company - will never ever buy from them again.
These records are the only way I can play super hirez 4xDSD (DSD256) files anyway, so think of it that way, half-full!
Yet, you never noticed there was a digital step and have no problem with the sound.
@@TheHSIHP Thriller would have been my first Mofi - so can’t comment on the sound. Just can’t pay $100+ for a DSD file masquerading as an analogue transfer. Lower the price, and I’ll buy it.
Thank you Michael. I think the comparison between the reissue and the OP is one of the most valuable services you can offer and I'll be very curious to learn the outcomes. You think about what you offer to your viewers and not just what gets you "likes." Just a thought - maybe there are record collectors in your area who would be willing to let you borrow original pressings sometimes so you don't have to get them yourself (unless you want them)? Anyway, thanks again!
You have my support 100%. You probably knew with your marketing company experience that these things often unfairly have sharp edges for all concerned, but you went ahead with raising it because you knew it was the right thing to do. So really well done for that. Your videos are excellent and I look forward to more in the future.
Having a reference makes total sense, and it would add a lot of value to your reviews. I believe the word you were looking for was 'yard stick', by the way. :) Keep up the good work!
Your comparison idea is fantastic. I hope it won't be too expensive to get original pressings. I will be glad if you ever comment on MoFi again because I will appreciate your perspective on whatever happens. I want to know the rest of the story.
"I don't know if it's all analog, but it sounds really, really cool." Well done, Sir! Honest to a tee.
Michael
Glad to hear you are coming to this conclusion.
I applaud your new focus to include originals, have a rounder perspective and I think you will be very pleasantly surprised
I apologize that I have been a little hard on you in this regard here and on the Steve Hoffman public forums for not hearing an original and being a little too enamored with a lesser modern re-release. A lot of that comes with experience and time.
Many of us have lived the remaster game long ago, have avoided a lot of the MoFi shiny objects etc.
We have developed long standing associations with Analog Productions, Classic Records, many Classical and Jazz labels etc and bought original UK, US, German, Japan, etc copies from specific releases / labels when they came out all those years ago, or were all the rage when the vinyl community started resurrecting in the early 2000s. And you could find a lot of these records inexpensively.
Sorting the gems from those that don’t measure up is important and I for one look forward to your input
It will be an expensive endeavor (but you are spending a lot right now). I suggest testing the waters here and there with what you have already. I think in a lot of cases you will be quite a bit happier in the end sound wise for a lot of releases. We all enjoy it when a Neil Young, Joni Mitchell or Beatles Mono box far exceeds expectations or is on equal standing with an original. Not to mention getting all the new frills in box set packages and perhaps bonus cuts etc.
I have UK and US original Roxy Music lps - can’t wait to hear your comments.
You might start with just one or two, test the waters
I haven’t went to either of those new remasters pressing campaigns
I will say the cd boxset flat transfers were just phenomenal sounding
I will be seeing Roxy with (St Vincent!) - twice in September on their US 50th Anniversary tour
David Bowie is an artist you seem to really love and his UK original first pressings are stunning but now a bit expensive. Pick a few titles to explore. Those box stes of his 70s material are lifeless in comparison
All the best, your enthusiasm is contagious and we so appreciate your love of music, particularly when it sounds particularly engaging and moves you.
I’m with you 100%
This could give the vinyl community some direction
I was writing a lengthy comment but deleted it in error! In short, a great job and it is greater appreciated. You have my total support and fear not about your channel. In fact, I think it will grow. The industry must apologize and adjust their pricing. Unfortunately, they are acting disgracefully. It is pure greed. THANK YOU😺
Good, rational, response Michael. Agree that their timeline for an apology has expired. If, as Michael Esposito said, they would post on their website about the source of every release over last weekend then they’ve broken their promise to him as well. No sense of honour or remorse.
Michael you have great integrity. Mofi didn't play straight. Yours was the first voice I heard questioning what was occurring and asking the right questions. The vinyl community is grateful to you. ❤
Thanks for your commitment Michael !! Will continue to follow u from France.