Final Thoughts On the MoFi Debacle + The Severe Changes for this Channel

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

[@Michael45RPM]

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

[@wallace49]

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?

[@tturner12341]

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.

[@christopherward5065]

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!

[@rongreen1538]

Too little too late.

[@tturner12341]

@@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.

[@rongreen1538]

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.

[@krupboom]

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!

[@tturner12341]

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.

[@MichaelDooleyProject]

This guy is right. Don’t stress over someone else’s dishonesty. Keep on doing your thing. We will keep tuning in!

[@talrmn33]

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

[@markusschulzbro]

Dear Michael, You started this channel in 2020 as a fun hobby, and now you become most influential channel about vinyl on KZbin. Thank you for everything you doing for us! 🙏 Love ❤️ peace ✌️ and prosperity to everyone around the globe 🌎

[@stonefree67]

The vinyl community survives without MOFI,but MOFI doesn´t survive without the vinyl community!!

[@jondubb35]

100%. Not only do we survive, the vinyl community will thrive!!! Great things ahead!

[@jamesdavid7782]

MoFi has already survived during a time where there was no "vinyl community."

[@stonefree67]

@@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!

[@joebloggs8636]

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.

[@markusberzborn6346]

Yes, but not always with LPs. They stopped releasing LPs in the heyday if the CD craze and then resumed production in 1994.

[@jimbennett2795]

Remember MOFI, because of the digital connection could have easily made more copys but they kept the numbers down to drive up the price.

[@seand67]

Right

[@brewt1mer]

A very good point

[@markusberzborn6346]

This is complete nonsense.

[@fidelios_frequency]

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.

[@saxonjulin7482]

Not necessarily true. Many times the numbers have to do with the licence

[@6AM_YT]

If you're able to source the original pressings to compare them to the reissues, that will be a huge service to the community!

[@aaronbatista4756]

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.

[@laurencewhite4809]

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.

[@miguelbarrio]

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!

[@revelry1969]

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

[@thomaslytle5519]

@@laurencewhite4809 I heard the digital Lonnnnggg before this ever happened. That’s why I only have one Mofi record. Learned my lesson

[@alejandromcruzado]

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.🥰

[@stonefree67]

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!

[@tturner12341]

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.

[@gregoryhausinger9072]

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!

[@colinhathaway9493]

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 KZbin. Nice one Michael. Keep up the good work

[@stereo8893]

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.

[@audiophileman7047]

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.

[@stereo8893]

@@audiophileman7047 Thank you audiophile man!

[@markusberzborn6346]

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.

[@stereo8893]

@@markusberzborn6346 Thank you Markus.

[@audiophileman7047]

@@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.

[@barrystagg5479]

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.

[@pureeffectmusic]

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.

[@TheBluRayCritic]

I’m not surprised MoFi hasn’t apologized. After all, its the “one step” they skip in transparency.

[@michaelfromcanada4743]

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.

[@Nephilim-81]

Absolutely. Comparisons are terrific and you have the pleasure of doing so very well. :)

[@bradhurlburt2227]

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!

[@aaronbatista4756]

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.

[@AI_Surfer]

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.

[@danrosewarne6986]

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.

[@nacarp2000]

These records are the only way I can play super hirez 4xDSD (DSD256) files anyway, so think of it that way, half-full!

[@TheHSIHP]

Yet, you never noticed there was a digital step and have no problem with the sound.

[@danrosewarne6986]

@@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.

[@nr120]

MoFi still makes some of the best sounding records, that won't change, I'll still be buying ones that I like!!

[@williamweiss6128]

Glad I'm old enough to have a few that they made in the 70's. Never got all the ones I wanted.

[@modalextension9109]

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.

[@Mcapt04]

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!!

[@carlosdanger6129]

They proved that digital sounds as good as analog and people can't tell

[@voccsaycee30]

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.

[@spittindatruthaboutrecords9421]

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

[@carlosdanger6129]

@@spittindatruthaboutrecords9421 you snobs all sound the same... waaah waaah 🤣

[@anotherbrickinthewall1700]

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?

[@carlosdanger6129]

@@anotherbrickinthewall1700I never saw anything on a mofi record stating the source.. so how did they lie to you snobs?

[@ababab28]

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.

[@continentalgin]

Yes, true, well said.

[@robertt7238]

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.

[@ababab28]

@@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.

[@tturner12341]

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.

[@robertt7238]

@@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.

[@91pastor]

Well stated Michael, no need to apologise to your viewers! Once bitten, twice shy as we say over here! The only good thing to come out of this in my view is that the Mo-Fi LPs that people paid big money still sound great, nothing can change that! I would hate to think that Mobile Fidelity would fade away. There are a lot of lessons to be learned by all the vinyl reissue companies.

[@tturner12341]

For someone like me who already has a lot of these MoFi reissues on their original release vinyl…I never had the need to buy anything by them. So, I think Michael should focus on new releases. Which every artist is releasing their music on vinyl these days. He shouldn’t beat himself up over this. It’s not his fault.

[@olavhegnar6777]

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 ;)

[@novisnick6928]

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!

[@mem.1968]

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…

[@Daniel-hk3ru]

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

[@spell931]

JOHN COLTRANE - BLUE TRAIN (BLUE NOTE TONE POET SERIES) is live for pre-order

[@Michael45RPM]

link please

[@casperdowlen625]

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.

[@musicsurgeon]

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 !

[@irasthei2014]

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!!

[@paulaidenmusic]

Oh I just want to add I have been a fan of your videos for a long time and never miss one….. I own 2 “original master recording” mofi records and zero one steps.

[@tiredoftheentitled9009]

Hi Michael. I am not an audiophile, I listen to all vinyl digitally sourced or otherwise. However, I feel your pain as a committed audiophile. The window for MOFI has passed. Pick yourself up my friend and keep your channel focused on those vinyl production companies who haven’t cheated guys like yourself

[@ronjetten6535]

Bench mark is the word you were looking for. Thank you for all you do for the vinyl community!

[@AudioExplorer]

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. 😃✌️🙏

[@Imagination_lives]

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!

[@chrisl50276]

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

[@DorianPaige00]

When your hobby is tougher than work and your home life, you reach burn out! The only saving grace is that you still have what you bought; it wasn't like you lost your records in a flood or fire.

[@musiclassica]

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.

[@continentalgin]

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.

[@hubtunes9607]

Follow your heart and do what you feel is right. Its your channel. I will still be buying MoFis as Im always looking for the best sounding record due to hearing loss. I am not and can never be an audiophile. Although i am disappointed in the company and am not crazy about paying One Step money. I was not planning on buying any of the upcoming titles anyway. Keep up the great videos. 🎶☮️🎶

[@FogAndLime]

i love your music talk daily on this channel-----i've hated this whole MoFi nonsense. I've never bought a MoFi release and never will! HERE FOR THE MUSIC talk not the morbid details of business strategies and scams.

[@sumn21112]

I 2nd this!! :-)

[@VagueRANT100]

well said bunky!!

[@Marginwalker1972]

Not a single MOFI record in my collection but I'm a big fan of this channel!

[@FogAndLime]

@@Marginwalker1972 SAME!

[@martinjn2920]

@@Marginwalker1972 +1 on this, have had some great suggestions on music to listen to from Michael and my listening experience has widened as a result. And that is what matters.

[@vinylrulesok8470]

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.

[@rastheike4329]

Very well formulated. MoFi lesson. That is thanks to Michael. ❤️Heike

[@simonmattock2880]

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

[@andyj2120]

Cancelled my pre orders. I have purchased over 60 new Mofi since I started with vinyl in 2020. My $$funds will now go to Chad. I have purchased over 120 AP since 2020 and they are the best I own.

[@mpw116]

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.

[@edwinfabre1]

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.

[@jikenj]

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!!

[@rachelsghost]

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. ❤

[@joshuatree6500]

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.

[@ghborden]

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.

[@jamesboyle8828]

Disaster? How?

[@ghborden]

@@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.

[@stevecassidy7789]

You are probably aware by now but Music Direct's Jim Davis has finally posted a message on the MOFI website and social media regarding the use of digital, transparency going forward, etc.

[@Brio-ko8lf]

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!!

[@davidlg0478]

Great video Michael . You are totally correct. The lack of an apology shows the poisonous corporate culture that exists in MOFI. They also need to drop their prices substantially if they want to sell any of the Thriller and other records. I agree their market share will drop, no doubt about it. Pre Orders are already being cancelled. You are a person of integrity so be happy with that. I live in Europe and all these records are very expensive. However I have had very good experience with Analogue Productions when buying from them. I hope Chad gets additional business out of this debacle. Thanks.

[@christopherward5065]

You are doing a great job as a reviewer for the collectors’ market. I don’t know much about MoFi apart from what I have learnt in recent days. Their methods will split opinion and objectivity will be present on both sides of the argument. The possibility is that operating with DXD allows facilities that purely analogue transcriptions cannot. Similarly, the sound directly from the tape might have qualities that the DXD forgoes. I think that the issue here is about product naming and processes used in production. It should be okay to say which remastered reissues work well and which ones don’t. Listening to the MoFi team, they feel that they are producing premium products and putting a lot of time and effort into it. Tapes are a fragile and perishable medium and sometimes there are limitations imposed on using them. The music, performances, production and mastering can be preserved and improved on and often the tools will be digital. We love our vinyl and some of us pay well over the odds for special pressings. Perhaps you could do an interview with MoFi and get a visit to their facilities. There’s more than one way to see this and there needs to be a rapprochement. Stay well!

[@salimadam104]

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.

[@baronsaturday951]

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 !

[@robmurray3914]

Would be cool where you can compare new vs another older pressings. Doesn’t have to be every reissue. Not your fault this happened! Don’t beat yourself up ! Keep up the great work.

[@shapeshifterboogie9853]

A sad story, but the beginning of something new and bright.

[@花形満-e3q]

It is quite a brief that a gentle and honest man like you has a sad feeling. I'll be happy as long as you keep smiling on upcoming videos same as before.

[@StuntrockConfusion]

You already know my opinion about this : finally!

[@Michael45RPM]

Pah!

[@JasonRoxas]

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!”

[@rastheike4329]

Many very good comments that agree with Michael. ❤️Heike Opinoin and judgment clearly speak for Michael here. :-)

[@michaellourie4252]

Agreed Michael. Being able to compare to originals will give more "flesh" to your reviews on the basis of sound quality. I did comment earlier, but would like to add that I have always been selective with my MFSL purchases, as some are much better sounding than others. I enjoy the Stevie Ray Vaughn and the Muddy Waters AP 45RPM versions as my top copies, but on the other hand there are lots of MFSL titles and One Steps that are superior sounding to others, as Mike E. and others have pointed out. Music Direct has totally dropped the Public Relations ball into the well. What are they thinking? They should be proactive, not the opposite!

[@GustavoTrillo]

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 🙏🏼💪🎶🙌

[@stevewaring7177]

I've been aware of MOFI recordings but I'm not in a position to to have afforded them. I have tried some half speed masters and have been really impressed with them (in my world!). I've been invested in HiFi equipment for the last 30 years spending money only when I could justify the improvement being offered. However, I promised myself that I wouldn't forget that this thing is all about the music and never to lose sight of that. If a recording is satisfying and perceived to be worth the investment then does it really matter that there might have been some slieght of hand? If it was a great recording last week, is it not still a great recording this week? Obviously there are more serious implications when you look at this purely from a collector's position but, as I keep reminding myself - Don't forget that it's all about the music! Not sure if that helps but I enjoy your channel so I hope you continue with it - Good luck either way!

[@SamuelRivera_DAMN]

Love the new idea, Michael. Comparing to original pressings will be a huge benefit to the channel. Thank you for your amazing videos!

[@MarkChapeau]

I would LOVE to see you compare original pressings to reissues. But keep doing what you enjoy, love your channel

[@highfell1]

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

[@kensileo8793]

Michael You don’t need to change anything, MOFI does. You just tell it like it is. We love your reviews, comments and interviews. I know you invested a lot into MOFIs and it hurts. They need music lovers like you to give reviews so we can maiour own decisions on whether to buy or not.

[@TheLarsonmanor]

I'm done with Mofi, I've canceled all my orders. There's no excuse for what they did, I'm still pissed off.

[@juanluiszarzuela314]

Thank you Michael for being the first to open a question about the production of Mofi. Others have immediately jumped on the bandwagon. This is the first great crisis of quality vinyl. Mofi with misleading advertising and full of half-truths has fooled everyone so far. This is a point and aside, perhaps it was also necessary.

[@seand67]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the recent debacle. Keep up the great work

[@joetaylor7952]

Many thanks for bringing this issue to a head. Frankly, if it turns out that audiophile pressings are the result of some occasional digital tweaking, fine. But if you lead people on with the assumption that you are beginning with an analogue tape when you aren't, well, there are consequences. You did the right thing.

[@puttyputty123]

You have been doing a good job with your reviews, Michael. No need to change it really. It was fairly obvious that MOFI was being passed by other companies with quality several times, as you alluded to several times, we just didn't think it was because they took short cuts with digital.

[@sjakovics]

Kudos for you and all KZbinrs savvy enough to not fall for what I refer to the "MOFI Noble Pursuit" repair strategy. As if they used a digital source to bring us a better record at the potential cost of their reputation! As a Marketing professional I am interested in your take as to this approach. A simple, "mea culpa" might have sufficed to me but they didn't and as you have said, that window has just about closed by now. The Mobile Fidelity fan FB page (not associated with MOFI) is essentially preventing people from using their page to try to hold MOFI accountable. It is almost cult-like there. I'm watching all KZbinrs now to see who steps into holding MOFI accountable and who is shilling for MOFI. Let's not forget in this whole debacle folks. MOFI is a digital record company. That's a pretty big deal.

[@Imagination_lives]

Totally agree with all you said, Scott. I'm not okay with Mofi's response of "yes this digital, but it's the best quality digital there is." And like you, I am watching all KZbinrs to see who holds Mofi accountable and who is shilling for them. The ones holding Mofi accountable are getting thumbs up and my future viewership, the shills are getting thumbs down and no more views. I've been very discouraged and kind of shocked to see that the majority are shills, but I am encouraged by those who are not. Like you said, this is a big deal.

[@KS-yy2fu]

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.

[@bertbecker7532]

Thank you for treating this with such thought and respect.

[@richardriley4415]

You are my go to on this topic. Please continue. I trust your ears and your equipment.

[@squallywally]

I hope this serves as a lesson to the other record companies……be honest in what you do for your customers and you will be rewarded with their patronage.

[@bumpdunlop]

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.

[@juanluiszarzuela314]

Michael featured in a Washington Post press article regarding the Mofi scandal....good job!..😊

[@jazzydog5635]

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.

[@Jazzeum]

I have very few MoFi in my collection and what I have I enjoy. Will I stop buying MoFi? Not if they have something I like. As with many issues, this issue gets overblown. They made mistakes - who hasn’t (he who is without sin, etc.) - but they have now apologized and will be taking steps to making things clear, which is something we all should be pleased with. Time to move on.

[@vincentbernard7504]

Thanks for your commitment Michael !! Will continue to follow u from France.

[@JimmyV1530]

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.

[@jasonsmith2032]

Hi - I suggest you look and find a fellow collector in Duesseldorf who already has a great collection of original pressings so you can compare. That would be a fun series of videos.

[@BigSky1]

Michael I have 1st pressings of every Beatle album. It is going to cost you a pretty penny as we say in the UK to buy decent copies of 1st pressings to compare. It really is not necessary. Are you a rich man? How far does one take all this. My advice to you is enjoy the music and don’t get hung up on chasing perfection. It does not exist and you will be forever disappointed .

[@jimmccloskey4254]

When needing an original pressing, in lieu of buying, have a program where you get copies from other KZbin channel audio folks or from your viewers. Loan - listen - send back - get all involved

[@DarkSideOfThePepper]

Why change anything (for what you may already own)? If you do a comparison why not state what you know like "This is a MOFI copy it does have a DSD step in the process" and compare it to Original or reissue by another label or what have you. As long as you do your due diligence on the 'facts' of the record I think that is all anyone would want or expect. You are a great channel to watch and listen to and I feel Music Direct is really weighing everything they may be seeing for the last week. I believe they have tried some social media pushback through other sources to see if any backlash tones down & within another week I think you're going to see some kind of response because I dont think their pushback is working. You're a cool dude Michael and I hope you are not distressing about this. Take care man

[@continentalgin]

You are right. If there is any pushback going on, it is definitely not working.

[@DarkSideOfThePepper]

@@continentalgin Social Media where you cant see video and some 'supporting' channels are being used for pushback but I agree it is not slowing this out of control train

[@continentalgin]

@@DarkSideOfThePepper They can pushback all they want, but the mass cancellation of orders will tell them something.

[@DarkSideOfThePepper]

@@continentalgin Exactly that's why I believe another week will be the tell-tale for them

[@admiralhipowa7158]

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.

[@michaeldalton1477]

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.

[@sue7621]

I agree with you! I trust and value your opinion keep up the wonderful work Michael 🤗🥰🙌👏👏👏😘♥️🙏🌍

[@ralex3697]

Michael you are a truly honest forthright individual, you’re channel is spectacular and I will never stop watching

[@brentcunliffe745]

I didn’t watch your channel for MOFI reviews. I don’t and have never bought them. I watch it for your enthusiasm and the info on new releases and your positiveness. I think I’m right in saying the VC love you and your channel. Stay well and keep on collecting.

[@deadquietvinyl]

People may probably understand music should be purchased like a concert ticket. Front row for an expensive price because they really want to see the artist as closest as possible, without thinking too much if the ticket may cost more later on for collectors. These high prices on second-hand markets can easily find themselves in this situation MoFi created. Music is not virtual currency and should not be treated like this. Music is art and if someone purchases something shouldn’t think much how much of their investment would return upon selling the record… And is not the same art as a painting. 😎

[@audioguy67]

I cancelled my orders last night.. why because I can have dsd files to play on high quality dac and I don't like an idea to buy digital records unless original master is digital

[@leonardfreeman7218]

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.