Mastering Shootout: The Mighty Blimp II - A Six Version Throwdown

Which one reigns supreme? Give me your thoughts below.
#ledzeppelin #robertludwighotmix #pressingcomparison

[@edwardgonczy3170]

Here's my story and I'm sticking to it. I'm 68. I was a nut in 1969 and had a "Robert Ludwig" pressing that I played the crap out of. I also had a relatively inexpensive stereo (KLH Model 11 suitcase portable) and was stoned most of the year. In college I straightened up but my taste in music never really changed all that much. As a graduation present I was given $400 and I was also working part time at a food joint "Beefy King" (one of the happiest times of my life). I treated myself to a much better stereo and found the Ludwig sometimes difficult to track with a much better turntable not to mention the wear and tear it had suffered over the years. I also began to learn a lot more about "audio" and how this particular LP had been cut on the "hot" side. So after getting a good job I started to replace some of the LP's I had owned and "misused" First I got a German Pressing (around $8) that I know is the remastered copy done to correct some of the problems inherent in the original. Folks, it's German mint vinyl and no, it doesn't sound quite as good - but there is no noise....NONE. Me like. Then a friend who is no longer a friend fell for the "perfect sound" forever crap and sold me his MOFI pressing of same for $3 (sold me his entire record collection in fact). Let's put it this way, he played his LP's once, committed to tape and when he sold me his collection said the words: "if I never hear another clip and pop in my life, I will be a happy man." 6 years later he wanted it all back. As The Band so famously put it: "no" was all I said. I hear things on the MOFI pressing I never heard before but there are a lot of other factors here such as a superior audio system. Would I pay $750 for a VG Robert Ludwig? Not on your life. I would buy a guitar with that kind of money (I now play - did not when I was a "stoner"). So I have two absolutely mint copies that are now part of a vast collection of mint vinyl that I adore. I have no need for another copy. As to the differences in this demonstration - they are there but largely meaningless in terms of the better pressings because what you might lose in one area you get in another. The MOFI is now getting ridiculously expensive so my advice? Buy a new or reasonably priced clean, clean, clean used respected copy and treat it well and treasure it. Life is short. $750 for a VG or less copy - give me a break.

[@BarakaPDub]

Yeah. I am not sure I would spend $750 on a copy but I have found two RLs and in both cases, I paid less than $25 because the individuals didn't know what it was. There not impossible to find at a reasonable price, you just have to hit antique stores and pawn shops. That said, the Germans do a great job at pressing records and I would probably be quite content with one of their pressings because at the end of the day, it's the music that matters, right?

[@johnjeffery6638]

Your life is a book.

[@danielcombs3207]

@@BarakaPDubI use to play my albums to death and ruined them. I switched to 8-track before switching back to vinyl. I bought a Korean LZll for next to nothing before buying it remastered on cd. Lucky for me I met a lady who has been kind enough to sell me some vinyl that belonged to her late husband. He was very particular about caring for his records so the records I have purchased from her is in really vg+ and vg++ condition. She gifted me some vinyl just before Christmas time and LZll with the gold record sticker was among the selection of albums. It isn’t RL but it sounds great to these old ears. Wonderful condition so it was a wonderful surprise.

[@bryanmorgan758]

Oh man I was surprised how good the 2014 reissue sounded in comparison, and considering it's the cheapest and most readily available i might have to pick that one up. Japanese sounded very thin next to everything else. BG cut also sounded great to my ears.

[@BarakaPDub]

Honestly, going into this I thought the 2014 was going to be blown away but I agree with you! This just goes to show that digital mastering is not the devil everyone makes it out to be...provided it's done right. I also found the Japanese version to be a disappointment! Thanks for playing along Bryan.

[@rossfitzpatrick6523]

Honestly surprised me since it came from digital source

[@jacobpotts2498]

The 2014 vs Bob Ludwig's master was very close and they both sounded really good

[@ChrisInNashville]

Yeah the Page/Davis 2014 up against the Ludwig is nearly impossible for me to know which is which unless I'm watching the screen. I think they did a great job on it.

[@trencher7]

Is the 2014 still the most recent if I buy now? Don’t want to get a possible inferior version.

[@RichardMedhurst]

Awesome comparison. Thanks for taking the time to make this! Ludwig got it right the first time.

[@BarakaPDub]

Thanks for the comment. I agree he did it the best.

[@MrMojoRisin1976]

I just wanted to thank you for making this video. I just saw it a few days ago, it's because of your comparison, I immediately went searching for the hot mix. An hour ago, I won an auction on eBay and it is on the way!

[@BarakaPDub]

Nice D 71. I hope you enjoy it. I've purchased couple of more pressings since then and still nothing beats an 'RL'.

[@deensf3201]

What a great idea for a round table on the subject, thanks for this original and captivating vid! Ludwig would be it for me if I'm hearing correctly, but I'd savor the time to be in the same as the tests were being committed to know that I wasn't dreaming the process and selection. Thank you.

[@BarakaPDub]

Thanks. Being in the room gives you a better impression but I find in most cases my aural memory is not that good. You really need to lock in on the specifics of a particular sound when doing an in room A/B test.

[@deensf3201]

BarakaPDub you're absolutely right, it's just me geeking to the potential of being present.

[@vicus1958]

Ludwig,,, gives me goosebumps. The Best. Now I need to review my copies... and I have a few and check em side by side. Thanks for your video. Great job.

[@BarakaPDub]

Hope you ended up with one. They're rare but not impossible to find.

[@jl.2552]

The comparison video was good - the comments (and opinions) were excellent! Thanks for initiating a fun conversation.

[@BarakaPDub]

Thank you so much for watching Jim and I am glad this one has stayed up for as long as it has. I wish I could do more of these.

[@IrishYoga]

Another great video Paul👍 Thanks so much for doing this!! Bob Ludwig mix for me with the Mofi a close second.

[@BarakaPDub]

No problem and I have been wanting to do this one for the longest time. If you read any internet forum on what is the best pressing of this...or that, there is a lot of people that are a bit biased. For this one, I wanted to put it all out there and let your ears decide. Thanks for chiming in on your preference. If I can, I might try and pull another one of these together in the future.

[@icysasakimusic]

for me ludwig and grundman is the best ones for sure!!!!

[@BarakaPDub]

That's what I thought as well. Thanks for chiming in Icy!

[@Kezleu]

Icy Sasaki lundwig and grosman mix albums of Frank Zappa records 🤗🤗🤗

[@billdang3953]

I also agree that the Ludwig takes the checkered flag. Also notice that the Ludwig is cut closer to the label compared to the others, a sign of higher cutting level, not as much limiting of dynamics or not as much bass rolloff. I don't know how much any of you out there are familiar with the general sonic character of the various lacquer cutters, but in my opinion, George Marino of Sterling Sound would have been a good choice to do latter day reissues of the classic Led Zeppelin albums, I have found that his lacquer cuts have a rawness and impact that is in keeping with the music on the Led Zeppelin albums.

[@MrRom92DAW]

I've known the RL cut was tops for long enough that I've never bothered with any other ones, however it's really neat to finally hear how striking the difference actually is and hear what I'd have been missing out on without it! Very blessed to have a NM copy. What are your thoughts on LZIII? I haven't don't any comparisons either but I feel that BG's mastering style is well suited to the album, especially the "acoustic" side 2. So I chose the 200gm classic and stuck with it

[@BarakaPDub]

BG never disappoints me and I would follow that man to hell and back even though he made slightly different choices than Bob on Zeppelin II. I should do something similar with LZ III but in all honesty, I think I prefer the Grundman on the third album. If you have any of the Classic Records on Zeppelin, hang on to them, they are all good. Thanks for chiming in MrRom!

[@ConglomerationCat]

There's just something about the Ludwig pressing.... not only do you hear it, you FEEL it. It goes straight to the senses.... the depth and bottom end really hit strongly without losing the highs. Just a fantastic balance that never sounds outdated. No wonder it's highly sought out after.

[@BarakaPDub]

The nice thing is that they're out there. There a many an antique dealer that don't know what they have. Whenever I encounter a copy in the used bins, I got to take a look. Thanks for watching!

[@ConglomerationCat]

Yeah, I can imagine... I do the same thing. That's awesome! Take good care.

[@MegaThrillKiller]

I get it about the Ludwig pressing. But, to me with my system. The Bass Drum and Bass Guitar of the 2014 pressing have those instruments as more distinct and separate sounds. Whereas with the Ludwig they are more of a "Blended"? sound which gives it that "Ump-hf". Which I'm sure sounded impressive on home stereos back then.

[@briantreml6746]

Got to agree with Abbey 72. You do need a nuts on correct turntable alighnment if you wany Whole Lotta Love to play all the way through, however the base and drums you really fo feel on the ludwig mix.

[@CarstenPeterOlsen]

Hi Paul .. Thank you for doing this.. I love stuff like this. Here's my list: 1. Bob Ludwig 2. Bernie Grundman 3. John Davis 4. Stan Ricker (Mofi) 5. Japanese Issue 6. Atlantic Re-Eq'ed I do think the top 3 on my list is pretty close... So knowing that. I could live with getting the 2014 reissue, because the top 2 are probably impossible to get for reasonable money :) I have a German copy from 81-82.. I don't know how that is compared to the ones you have. But I think the 2014 reissue is probably a lot better. I think I might get the 2014 remaster on CD one day. I'd love to see you do more of these comparison videos :) I think this video will get a lot of views in the years to come. Great work! Happy new year, buddy.

[@BarakaPDub]

Hello Carsten and Happy New Year! Getting caught up on comments after being out of town for several days. Your rankings match what I thought and I think the 2014 version is a steal. I would be perfectly content with it if I was starting my collection from scratch. The Classic, Mofi, & RL do fetch high dollar nowadays but I was lucky and only paid a fraction of what they are going for on the internet. The RL I found in the used bins and paid under $10 for it. The shop that sold it to me didn't know what they had. For the past year or so, if I see a Zeppelin II in the used bins, I automatically look for the RL in the deadwax.

[@79mercedes]

I agree with your top 3 to me the top 3 were extremely close and really not worth splitting hairs over plus the John Davis re-master is affordable. Very enjoyable comparison please do more of these.

[@CoreysChannel]

That was a blast! Thanks for putting that all together including the 'cleanse the palate' takes between. This will certainly spark discussion lol. First, your copy of Ludwig hot mix looks fantastic. Bernie's mix sounded very very good as well as the 2014 mix wow. To me the Ludwig sounded the best considering bass, mids, highs and attack. The Bernie seemed to have more highs but not as full mids and lows as the Ludwig. The first Atlantic and MoFi sounded the 'worst' but jeeze so close. I'm trying not to be Ludwig loyal to the point of fault either. There are other great engineers but to me again, Ludwig. How bad has the youtube compression ruined this anyway? Happy New Year Paul

[@BarakaPDub]

Thanks Corey and it sure has generated a lot of discussion. I haven't had this many view counts on a single video in only a few days so I suspect people are going back to it just to see how others are commenting. This has been a fun experiment and sometimes my aural memory is pretty poor so putting this together to compare and contrast has been fun. I was surprised at my own response. I was thinking the 2014 would have been near the bottom but after listening, boy was I wrong. I do agree with you on the Ludwig and Bernie mixes. If I had to do it over again, I would put in the WAV file plots as these were pretty revealing in of themselves. They show that each engineer was making different choices on the final output. Happy New Year Corey.

[@DarreLP535]

The problem I have with multiple pressings is that more often than not, though I can hear a difference, I can't make up my mind which I prefer. So end up keeping them all. That said, there are definitely some strong differences here. Thanks for doing the video!

[@BarakaPDub]

Thanks for participating and I fell into the same trap with this particular album. There are a few other albums in which I fell into the same trap and I couldn't part with any of the copies. If I can, I might do another compare like this but I might pick a different band to do it with ;)

[@snerp]

Thank god, I just ordered the entire Led Zeppelin - Jimmy Page remastered library (yet to arrive). Then over the last week, I've watched several self-appointed, audiophile professionals shatting on these remasters, saying they were un-listenable garbage. Now that I've heard your comparison (at least for Led Zep II) I feel much better...a sigh of relief! John Davis did a great job when compared to the Bob Ludwig version, sounds the closest, at least to my old ears.

[@BarakaPDub]

Rest assured, I think John Davis did the catalog quite well and I don't think you have anything to fear. When it comes to these compares, trust your own ears and go with what you like Thanks for giving this one a watch!

[@PieterKleij]

The über audiophile even claimed that John Bonham would roll over in his grave if he heard the Jimmy Page ones. Pathetic.

[@79mercedes]

@@BarakaPDub Yes indeed trust your own ears as you're the one that's listening to it on your system! My motto is no matter what source the record has come from: "If it sounds good - it is good!" I know some people will NOT listen to any vinyl pressed and re-issued from a digital source which I think is well "digital prejudice". Digital has improved by leaps and bounds over the last 50 years - just give it a chance I think you'll be pleasantly surprised! 😉

[@MelindaMurphy]

I know this is an older video but I just found a copy of the RL pressing today at a record store and was just wanting to learn more about it. Now that this video has been on here for a while, can you tell me what you really think? Btw, I think the RL gets my vote and I have three copies that are represented here. I don't have the 2014 reissue. Thanks for making this video.

[@BarakaPDub]

Hello Melinda and thanks for digging through my old catalog of videos. I've gathered a couple more pressings of this album since putting this video and to my ears, my mind has not changed, nothing beats the Robert Ludwig cut. I've compared it against a UK original pressing and still the Ludwig comes out on top. If you've found one, cherish it. As an aside, Bob cut a lot of classic rock albums and in my opinion, if you see RL in the deadwax then you know you're getting on of the best cuts of a given album.

[@MelindaMurphy]

@@BarakaPDub I'm listening to my RL version right now as I read your comment. Lol. I can't believe I found one. This is my favorite Led Zeppelin album and to have this version is such a treat for me. Thanks again for this video. It was very interesting.

[@freeconvention]

I have the 2014 pressing and I am happy that you have made a great comparison , because I thought my copy might be totally inferior to the RL mix after reading other you tube posts .I can enjoy mine even more now. My dear late friend had the plum label which would have been very nice but it wasn't to be. Thanks again

[@BarakaPDub]

Thanks for watching Bill. The 2014 pressing really isn't that bad at all and it was the only one I had access it to, I would be quite content with it.

[@freeconvention]

@@BarakaPDub good to know I can enjoy it even more now !

[@Slammintone]

Okay so below I gave my thoughts on the RL and Mofi. Having totally upgraded my system I bought the newer 2014 LZII pressing and I’m very glad I did. Firstly it’s a great pressing on top quality vinyl. Secondly it sounds killer even though they did edit out the last strains of Ramble On but, whooo cares when the disc sounds this good?! It seems that on this record, as on LZI and LZIII there may have been some enhancements done to add depth and separation because that’s what I am hearing anyhow. Subtle but tasteful enhancements. Really surprised how much my new phono stage reveals these improvements. Sounds better by far than any CD version to even though I know this album was cut using digital files.

[@BarakaPDub]

Hello Rick. Thanks for the great comment. The 2014 - 2018 drops done by Davis have really been good and I am not hesitant to recommend them to folks that want a good Zeppelin pressing. While I am not a vinyl purist, I would gladly take the vinyl over the digital for Zeppelin.

[@imannonymous7707]

Ahh those were the days tho.....I remember discovering this and the following 5 or 6 albums after it.. best days of my life

[@BarakaPDub]

I had to circle back from album IV but it didn't take me that long ;) Maybe about a week or two ;)

[@James-hb6ee]

Interesting comparison. I thought the RL, Classic, MoFi and Pallas were all close. Hard to pick a fav from listening over headphones. I just recently purchased a sealed Classic and I love it, very dynamic and open sounding on my Martin Logan electrostatic speakers. My other copies I picked up used from record fairs, they are all only just fair. I may also have an RL, dunno, I walked several miles when i was in Jr. high to buy Zep II not long after it came out, but I'm afraid my GE Mustang record player trashed it long ago. It is prob in a box somewhere. :( Saw them in Houston in 1970 at the Hofheinz Pavilion. Fantastic show!

[@BarakaPDub]

Ahh if you got a classic, you'r pretty much set in my opinion. If you do end up having an RL hang onto it. Extremely jealous of your live experience. I was way to young to catch them before Bonham passed in '80. I did get to see both Page/Plant tours but the experience will never be matched by seeing the full band in their prime.

[@TheAgeOfAnalog]

Did you do a similar comparison between several pressings, including and RL, of AC/DC's Back in Black? There used to be one on KZbin but I can't find it now.

[@BarakaPDub]

AC/DC is tricky as most of, if not all of their music is blocked on KZbin. I did manage to acquire an original RL Black In Black a couple years back and I think it far exceeds any of the reissues.

[@giulioluzzardi7632]

Hello, I listened to the various versions. I did'nt know there were so many variations. The drums are cleaner and generally the tone if the Ludwig is best...but it was the first and contemporary so it also has all the vibes of that period incorporated.

[@BarakaPDub]

Yes. There are many and this album is hotly debated on many online forums. To me, nothing can beat a Ludwig!.

[@BilboFromTG]

Close call between Ludwig, Mofi and BG, but they all stand out from the others. This was fun, more shootouts, please.😎👍

[@BarakaPDub]

Thanks. I do have several more planned for the future and hope to maybe have another one out in a couple of weeks.

[@MsKalachakra]

You know I'm happy to own Led Zeppelin II and all the Zeppelin collection on vinyl, when I completed the collection that was it for me, was a relief cause then I could buy another artists collections. This video is a new level of nerdiness lol, but its adorable, fun to watch.

[@BarakaPDub]

Thanks. Believe me, there are people that are more obsessive over this than me. For me it's just been fun to see peoples' responses to this one.

[@michaelbarbera1616]

Robert Ludwig hands down, flat frequency hugely dynamic and cut as deep as possible without turning the puck into a slinky to cram all the extended bandwidth as humanly possible. He always does right by the music.

[@BarakaPDub]

Fantastic comment Michael! I have yet to find a RL cut that is terrible. I don't think it's possible with the man.

[@FlipSideCT]

Lol, senor splicer......now that took some time, bless you for your efforts, great! Listened with headphones, Ludwig, slight edge. But all were great, and nothing an equalizer can't do to enhance. Cheers, steve

[@BarakaPDub]

Hello Steve. This video was a labor of love and it was blocked on my first upload attempt about a month ago. The original had samples that were a bit longer in duration but I pared them down a bit. Even with having them in a shorter duration, I think there is enough for everyone to see that each engineer mad different choices on the EQ'ing. Have a Happy New Year my friend!

[@TheDavcormier]

Wow, really interesting! I'm quite surprised to say this but the one that gets closer do the RL is the 2014 reissue. The MOFI and Japanese sound a tin and lack some bass. The Classic pressing sounds different from the RL but I would be ok with it. It sounds maybe clearer than the RL. But all in all, I prefer the RL. Thanks!

[@BarakaPDub]

Glad you found the information useful. I am trying to put some of these out there when I can to help guide folks. At least folks can listen with their own ears to find out what they may like.

[@SupraWes]

Thanks for the comparison. I think the RL still wins! The Classic, 2014 reissue, and MOFI are very close and pretty good. The Japanese is proof that Japanese pressings aren't always the darlings collectors make them out to be. And of course the Atlantic remix is bad. I would be curious to hear how a vintage German pressing would stack up.

[@thomosburn8740]

the Classic sounds metallic when it and the RL are compared directly thru the same cart. I'm not saying that the Classic is bad at all, merely that it suffers in comparison. I wish I liked the MFSL more than I do, because it's the one decent pressing I currently own.

[@festersuncle6298]

"1992" Japan Analog Series release was nicely done. Bernie and Robert Ludwig are equal. Mofi when properly cared for is quiet and smooth. Page's version kicks digital add too.

[@utub1473]

The vintage germans ARE RL cuts though... at least the early ones were.

[@galus14436]

@@utub1473 my understanding is that on the esrly German pressings, side 1 is cut from RL. I have one, and the RL is there in the dead wax, and it does sound very good and hot. Btw: side 2 sounds pretty good too

[@thomascars1]

The Atlantic remix is a crime against music, easily the worst sounding record I’ve ever, and will ever, owned.

[@79mercedes]

Hi: Great comparison! For me the BG is my favourite followed by the RL and JD which seem pretty much neck and neck. Let me add that the BG to my ears is my very slight favourite of the 3 I've mentioned. I could easily live with any one of them but as I only have the JD version I'm a happy camper and can't see dropping a lot of cash for a BG or RL mix. Keep up the good videos - much appreciated!

[@BarakaPDub]

Thank you 79mercedes. There is no right or wrong here and the BG is really, really good. I am hopeful Acoustic Sounds will be using the Classic Records plates to do some deluxe reissues...provided the band will let it happen. Outside of that the JD is really good for what it is.

[@79mercedes]

P.S. After doing the comparison again with phones the JD mastering sounds very very close to the RL mastering. When I close my eyes I find it very hard if not impossible to tell when the RL source LP is switched with the 2014 JD remaster.🤔

[@MitchellK33]

Man, there's just something about the RL in the guttural tones of the guitar and the overall sound of the drums that win me over. The MoFi is nice, too, followed by 2014 John Davis and then BG. All of the latter cuts have great qualities about them but to my ears when you blend all the sounds together RL's cut has the perfect blend. There's something about it that just screams "THIS IS WHAT ZEPPELIN IS SUPPOSED TO SOUND LIKE". For my money, I'd want the RL, MFSL, and 2014 in my collection. Awesome stuff here, man, and thanks for doing this. I had a great time comparing!

[@BarakaPDub]

Thanks for commenting. You're opinion is definitely unique and there is nothing wrong with that but I do concur the RL copy set the bar. The music really needs to scream at you!

[@NeedleDropRules]

What a fantastic video. Thanks for sharing this comparison. It really helps determining what to look for! The Atlantic and Japanese pressings were just dreadful compared to the others. Lifeless and flat. The MOFI and 2014 pressings were very close to the Ludwig version, almost to the point of making it hard to decide which was the best. I think the Ludwig is still the best, but these two were excellent. Just a great example of how mastering can make or break a record!

[@helmutdiggy6874]

Great work Paul , you just sold a bunch of zep 2s I bet ! I think the re equed might be my least favorite sounded a little veiled and all the others are pretty down close to my ears. Ludwigs seem to sound thick and bright at the same time while some of the others seem bright and my defined and less thick. I think I could settle for that mofi but honestly that all sound great just in the little bit that I've heard. Nice work , I'm on a hunt for a Ludwig , I'll find one .

[@BarakaPDub]

The Ludwigs turn up from time to time. If I remember correctly, I think I found my in a Half Price Books for under $10. They didn't know what they had. For the past year or so, if I have encountered a Zeppelin II album in the used bins, I have looked to see if it's an RL. If I find one again cheaply, it's yours.

[@YoupunkAP]

That was excellent to do that !! Thank you I had that LP and never knew about it until this year I recorded it on to a cassette back then and sold it like an ass … I never knew it , but I really like ( prefer ) the Bob Ludwig mix I am so pissed about that I knew it because of remembering the black Atlantic emblem . And how loud it sounded when I played it .. Thank you so much for helping me turn that stone in my mind !! Too old now !

[@BarakaPDub]

You never know, you might encounter the 'RL' press again. There are still a lot out there and whenever I see a Zeppelin II, I look for it. I have found a couple in antique stores because there are a lot of antique dealers that never bother to research what they really have. Thanks for watching YoupunkAP.

[@YoupunkAP]

Thank you !! I will definitely look again !!

[@davidbayer5378]

I never realized until the 2014 remasters how much I was used to the second EQ version commonly released in the US. The 2014 mixes had much more high end and slighly less low end. Now I realize that the 2014 mixes are quite faithful to the original RL mix.

[@BarakaPDub]

I swear by the new remasters. They are really good for what they are and anyone new getting into the hobby, they're the ones I recommend for younger people getting into Zeppelin.

[@terribleinfant7446]

This is great, thanks for doing it.

[@BarakaPDub]

Thank you. I hope the information is useful.

[@terribleinfant7446]

Most definitely! Was great being able to hear all of these side-by-side.

[@burgmail]

To my ears (and cheap system on which I'm playing this through, as my sweetest setup is back home), only the MoFi truly approached the Ludwig Hot Mix, and at that seemed to be missing... reverb? Seems the echo on the Heartbreaker guitar seemed to disappear on Stan's cut. As for all the others... yes, the Atlantic re-eq sounds like it's being played in a box, and most of the others are noticeably missing (pardon my limited jargon vocabulary) that lo-mid roundness that gives several elements of the mix a proper "seat" (presence? body? Perhaps you know what I mean by that word). That said, I would _LOVE_ to hear the original UK cut, as many à first UK pressing has knocked me off my feet due to soundstage, life-likeness and... air? overhead room? open environment? (I really don't know how to describe these things correctly, do I...) Thanks for posting this!

[@BarakaPDub]

And thank you for watching and commenting ;) So there are very few albums that I now go for multiple pressings and this is the exception and I will only go for a UK pressing at this point. If I ever manage to acquire one, I guarantee I will be recutting this video.

[@thomascars1]

Thank you so much for uploading this! Noticed a good amount of differences amongst all pressings. The RL cut comes off a bit bass heavy, while BG’s cut sounds more clear and in a way, sounds like a live band just because of how clear Bonzo’s snare sounds. However, it is a bit brighter, but I do like it that way. Definitely going to seek that reissue now! John Davis did a great job on his cut. The 2014 is a great example of a digitally sourced record sounding fantastic, and it stays faithful to the RL cut (which is probably why the 2014 cover replicated the US cover and not the UK cover like the rest of the 2014 reissues). Stan’s MFSL cut isn’t bad, in fact I like the drums from his cut. However, it’s much too bass heavy for me. As for the Japanese and US ‘69-75 pressings, god awful. The Japanese just sounds completely shitty, but the US EQ’ed cut is by far and away the worst I’ll ever hear LZ II. My Rankings Are: 1. 1969 Robert Ludwig Cut 2. 2000/2005 Classic Records Bernie Grundman Cut 3. 2014 John Davis Cut 4. MFSL Stan Ricker Cut 5. 1976 Japanese Pressing 6. 1969-1974 Atlantic EQ’ed Pressing

[@BarakaPDub]

Love your rankings Alex as they pretty much match my own thoughts. This comparison really highlights why I don't care for Japanese pressings. They're cool and all but I haven't found one that can beat an OG or well done reissue. Maybe it is that '69 to '75 period like you state.

[@capdec9398]

Great video! The Classic Records and Mobile Fidelity pressings came very close to sounding as good as the Ludwig pressing. If I would have to choose in order from best sounding to least I would say : Ludwig - Classic Records - Mobile Fidelity - Palas - Atlantic

[@BarakaPDub]

For me this was difficult when I started editing the video together and I found three of these to be so close to one another with marginal differences. I find my aural memory is pretty poor unless the difference is huge so splicing these together is always revealing. Thanks for chiming in with your preferences. If I can swing it, I might do another one in the future.

[@markkopernicky3489]

Greetings my friend...another fantastic video...and one that discusses a topic close to my heart. pressing variations. Being an engineer who does mixing and mastering. .I love hearing different engineers approaches on mastering an album. With that said I've always believed that there is never a truly "better" version. ..it's what ever version appeals to your ear and how you enjoy listening to your music. one only needs to look at a person's individual eq settings on their stereo to get an idea. So...for me..it's honestly prefer ed the MOFI version ...that to ME sounded the best..followed by the Bob Ludwig.. interesting to note that I found the Bernie Grundman remaster very close to Bob's. Anyways another brilliant video...keep up the great work.

[@BarakaPDub]

Hello Mark! Very well stated and I agree with you line that, 'there is never a truly "better" version. It gets down to what you prefer and this is why some of the internet forums bug me. This is something I have wanted to do for a very long time just to see how people would respond and the results are all over the place. The one thing that we can say definitively is that Atlantic botched it with their re'equalized version ;) It does go to show that you can really screw things up if you don't know what you're during. I hope to do another one of these in the future but this one wasn't without its challenges. KZbin blocked my first run of this a month ago so I had to par the samples down a bit which was unfortunate. I was hoping to get everyone a little bit more but I think even with the samples being what they are, the point gets across.

[@cbugsrecords1502]

Thank you for this video; it was very helpful. I have a copy of this. On one side it has SS after the RL. This seems to be something that people are talking about when they sell one on Ebay. Can you tell me what that means and if it adds value Thank you.

[@BarakaPDub]

Hello CBug and good question. The SS stands for Sterling Sound where Bob Ludwig worked back in '69 when the Laquers were cut. I don't think it will add any additional value at all. Bob likely cut multiple lacquers for the initial run and these were sent to multiple plants (and Germany) for plating. It's hard to say why he didn't cut SS on all of the lacquers. The good one to find if you can get it is the Monarch Pressing of the album. Monarch was one of the better pressing plants Atlantic used and you will see the code 'MO' on the record label and in the deadwax matrix.

[@cbugsrecords1502]

Thank you!

[@spinningreek2247]

This was a great way to do the comparison and thanks for doing it. Grundman's sounds like it's the closest to Ludwig but what the hell do I know? I am listening out of computer speakers.

[@BarakaPDub]

I am glad you could pick up the difference in tiny speakers. I love both Grundman and Ludwig's sound the best but that's just my opinion. At the end of the day, high end gear can only do so much to improve the sound and I think a well mastered album can sound great on just about any set up.

[@christiaanzeelenberg1907]

Great comparison, with such great differences. I have a European (German) 1974 pressing (ST-A - 691671 28 0654 319 S1 PF 823C 32). @BarakaPDub Does this one belong to the re-EQ'd Atlantic family of pressings?

[@BarakaPDub]

The matrix numbers make me suspect that Germany may have been spared of the bad cut in 1974. I do know that the 'RL' plates or stampers made it to Germany in '69 so it's possible to find an RL cut over there.

[@mmmbbq]

I never had this on vinyl until a few years ago when I got the remaster from 2014. It sounded pretty good, no complaints really. Then last year I got lucky and found an RL at a record shop while on vacation for $10. It was labeled VG, but after a good cleaning, it's definitely a solid VG+. Anyway, hearing it for the first time just blew me away! It's so alive in a way only analog can be. Sidenote, I also got the 2014 reissue of III. It is pretty good, but again, seemed to be missing something. Since III is my favorite, I decided to splurge on the Classics ed. All I can say is WOW! Wouldn't mind getting more Classics eds, but dang, big $$$$.

[@BarakaPDub]

$10??!!? Damn, that's a steal. I haven't been finding too many of the RL's lately. As for the Classics, I hear you completely. I jumped on board early...before the prices started to sky rocket.

[@wednesday567]

aside from the record, are the covers on the reissue the same as the earlier ones? did they manage to keep the same cover art , colors etc or do they feel like copies

[@BarakaPDub]

In all cases, the reissues have done a fine job of replicating the original covers. Especially, on Houses of the Holy with the OBI strip and III with the spinning wheel. I would say the Classic Records are the best because they use a thick cardboard or Stoughton jacket.

[@z11111]

the John Davis 2014 reissue comes somewhat close to the Bob Ludwig cut but lacks the same clarity. I was particularly disappointed by the harshness of the MFSL cut, as well! The Bernie Grundman cut is a close second for me and I really love the midrange content in that one but wow, believe the hype about the Bob Ludwig cut for sure...

[@BarakaPDub]

Thanks for commenting on your thoughts Zach. I have come across seven more copies since I have made this video but they were all second presses. I hope to come across more Ludwig's cheaply to pass on to friends.

[@jamesbarron8307]

Just starting my Zeppelin collection. Stumbled on a Classic Records 200gr Quiex SV-P pressing during a dig for a few bucks. Would obviously love a RL II, but my budget for LP’s does not go into the three figure range yet. I’m keen on a nice early copy of Houses of the Holy, and see there are versions with his mix. Is it worth the time to get one of those, or was Mr Ludwig traumatized by his admonishment for his mix of II and likely toned it down by this point?

[@BarakaPDub]

If you got a Classic copy for a few bucks then you got a bargain! They go for hundreds now. Heck you might even be able to trade it for a Ludwig. In some cases, they're going for the same price. Are you getting that much more out of an RL to shell out three figures...its debatable.

[@jamesbarron8307]

BarakaPDub Yea, it’s a great copy, dead quiet. I would trade it for a RL II in a heartbeat, just don’t know where a large trading community is. Only aware of Discogs. Got the same era 2005 Classic 200gr mono version of The Who’s debut in this dig, and it’s still sealed. Good thing Classic Records is one of the companies that seals LP’s in loose bags to prevent warping. I think I’ll keep it that way for trade value as well, since there are LP’s I’m much more interested in owning. Any thoughts on my previous inquiry about the RL mastering of Houses of the Holy? Worth going after vs pressings of same vintage?

[@repsych]

Thanks for the video; it inspired me to identify my LZ LPs.

[@BarakaPDub]

Hopefully, you wound up with an Robert Ludwig press ;)

[@repsych]

@@BarakaPDub Yes, they are all first edition masters according to the catalog numbers.The LZ1s are from WEA /HMV New Zealand, LZ2 is EMI NZ, 3 is Polydor England and Zofo I cannot tell.

[@kurtzcol]

wow ,right off i think the atlantic eq,japans were the worst ones but the other three sounded very similar and anyone of the other three would be good ones to own ,great shoot out keep em coming

[@BarakaPDub]

I would like to do more shootouts like these in the future but I need to be careful. My first attempt at getting this guy up last month was a no go so I had to par the samples down a bit which was unfortunate. I suspect this to be very subjective based on everyone's different taste but I agree, to my ears, three of these were very close to one another.

[@eduardocarvalho2554]

2014 Reissue. The sound is incredible!

[@BarakaPDub]

Yep. I was really surprised on how well it performed. The 2014 & 2015 reissues are really not a bad deal.

[@Paneeks1960]

Is there a more talked about pressing other than this album? Superb choice. I would have loved to have loaned you my UK pressing for another comparison. I actually only have a few different copies myself including the 200 gram. But you seem to have all the basis covered per usual. I do have a nice WLP but I do not know who mastered it because I never checked it out. Also a not so perfect Canadian red label. Time to sit back and enjoy. Happy New Year to you Paul. Way to go fellow Blimp brother~ Rob/Boston

[@BarakaPDub]

I am always tempted to go back for more different pressings but I look at what I have and I am not sure I can pick up any more. Eventually, I would like to get an original UK press but there are other things I would like to get at this time. Doctor Deadwax swore by the Canadian Red Label. I recall him thinking it was superior to the RL and someday I would like to compare and contrast those two. It's speculation on my part but I think when the record was first put out, the master resided here initially since most of the album was recorded in the U.S. while the band was on the road. I could be wrong though. As always Rob, thanks for watching and commenting. Being a fellow Zeppelin fan, I am delighted you caught this one.

[@eddielombardi9455]

If you do find a red label canadian pressing look for the one with TG in the deadwax. The other version is S1/S2 with no TG. They sound different. It's the TG deadwax version that fans of this pressing rave about. It does sound great. The RL edges it in my opinion. But it's a worthy contender.

[@Paneeks1960]

Thanks a million Eddie. I really appreciate this info. It is all new to me. You would think that being a collector of the Blimp for over forty years now that I would know this stuff. But honestly I am always learning something new. But thanks. I will try to remember to let you know if I ever come across a copy~ Rob

[@burgmail]

I've had my hands on two Canadian red labels, one I bought for a friend and one for myself. My friend's sounded like a second or third generation tape, but had a boldness and open sound that left me _really_ impressed. Mine (bought after hearing my friend's), not so much (though my red label III was closer, though). All of these were quite crackly, but you could still hear the sound quality between the pops. Canadian mastering back in the late '60s/early '70s seemed to have a different flavour all of its own, not necessary faithful to what the instruments would sound like in real life (perhaps a special combo of EQ and General compression?), but more prone to amplifying reverb: at times, I'm somewhat nostalgic for it. Now I'm curious if my friend's copy has TG in the dead wax... thanks for the tip!

[@christophertrinidad8964]

Fantastic video. I am amazed you have acquired so many copies of this record. I prefer the 'hot mix'. What does 'hot mix' mean? Also why is the record clamp on some records and not others? Are some warped?

[@BarakaPDub]

So my interpretation of Hot is basically boosting the levels without any additional equalization or compression. Be careful as it can be confused with the loudness wars which basically cuts the dynamic range and Ludwig never did this. For the record clamp, I do use it with warped records but I also use it to more thoroughly bond the LP to the surface of the platter. Hope this helps explain things.

[@christophertrinidad8964]

Thanks Paul. Keep up the spectacular videos!

[@Paneeks1960]

My favorite is and always will be the Ludwig. A mint copy Bob Ludwig is the crème de la crème of MB II. The clarity is amazing. I read a while back that some of the early RL pressings were skipping on a lot of turntables. So a lot of people returned them. Did you ever ready about this Paul? ~ Rob

[@BarakaPDub]

I sure did read about the skipping. I remember first reading about it in a Zeppelin book but I can't remember which one for the life of me. For my TOTD on Ludwig, I felt it important to include the clip with him actually retelling the story. I am glad that he got the chance to do Houses of the Holy ;)

[@wertor666]

RL hot mix and 2014 reissue are very similar. Both I like the most. Great comparison.

[@BarakaPDub]

Thank you. I think the guys buying the new reissue are actually getting a good deal. Most of what you find in the used bins should be avoided here in the states because most are not the RL cut.

[@StarvinArtistSue]

Hello, this is the first time I've ever watched a comparison video like this. I just joined a Led Zep tribute band as the vocalist (we have only had a couple jams so far), but in singing certain Zep songs from KZbin, the tempo seems off/fast, so I discussed this with my drummer and he said that I have to listen to the original LPs because many tracks are originally at a slower tempo. Therefore, I just bought all the LPs on eBay so I could do this tempo test and I ran into your video while researching TTs and cart/stylus'. Now you've got me thinking WHICH pressings I bought (I haven't received them yet). These LPs don't have any barcodes on the cover backs, but I wonder, is the deadwax the only way to tell who the mixing engineer was, or is there some other way? (I am a total novice when it comes to this issue). Thanks in advance! ~Sue

[@BarakaPDub]

No problem Sue and very cool to hear about the tribute band ;) I love Led Zeppelin tribute bands and I have a small collection of Zeppelin tribute band CDs. Anyway, the deadwax is best way but there are other things you can look at like the label. It really varies from album to album too and people have different opinions as to which one is best. One of the best tools to use is Discogs for determining when and who might of did your pressing. If you look up Zeppelin on Discogs you can look at all of variations and pressing years for any LP in their catalog. If you curious, I just did a video called 'Tales of the Deadwax #22' for mastering engineer George Peckham. George did the original cut of Led Zeppelin IV and I do a sound compare of his cut with another pressing. kzbin.info/www/bejne/p2KZZqxuhrp2ZrM Hope this helps a little. Honestly though, outside of this bad Zeppelin II recut example, any of the other albums should sound reasonably good if they were pressed in the seventies.

[@StarvinArtistSue]

Hi Paul, glad you dig the Zep tribute bands..it's a blast singing songs from my all-time favorite band. I've got a little audio clip video on my channel if you haven't already checked it out...we don't have the same guitarist anymore..our new guy is amazing..he even uses a bow and a theremin! I was using the very clear and crisp Sennheiser microphone at the time, but I'm back to using a Shure 58 which is a bit more rockin...and at the end of the video, you'll hear me doing the "palmonica" a term that I coined for the fake harmonica sound that I make using my voice into my palm (since I still haven't learned the harp)...heh..heh. Thank you very much for the information; I've learned so much in just a day from checking out the Discogs website! Also, I appreciate the Deadwax #22 video...very informative! Actually, I wanted to ask a question in regards to the deadwax etchings on the Zep IV Specialty Records pressing. Is it possible to have the Pecko Duck/Porky deadwax etchings on a Specialty Records pressing? I thought I remember you saying that the Pecko Duck/Porky cut was a Monarch pressing? Cheers, Sue

[@BarakaPDub]

Hello Sue. It sure is possible. Atlantic used close to a dozen different plants and most of the early pressings, regardless of plant should be a Porky cut. I am checking out your channel for sure!

[@StarvinArtistSue]

Thanks so much..great information!

[@Lavagemstomacal]

Would be interesting a led zeppelin 3 comparassion. I have the us first edition, sometimes sound like someone is sufocating the speakers with a pillow.

[@BarakaPDub]

I'll definitely consider it down the road and I'll have to dig out one of my originals again to listen for some compression. For that one, I am trying to acquire a Japanese press. Zeppelin is one of those bands I compulsively collect.

[@jimmym5262]

Speaking of the mofi you have here In fact I bought my first mofi an listened to it a couple times already. Sounds pretty good. Really good packaging, but boy are they pricey. I'll have to show it in a video sometime since it's a jazz album.

[@BarakaPDub]

Hey Jimmy, just got back into town after several days with the extended family and I have to get caught up on some video watching. I saw briefly that you put up your third video which is on my list to watch. I do agree that the Mofi's are pricey but for the most of them, the little bit of extra expense is worth it.

[@fotoram]

The Ludwig sounds fantastic with the Davis 2014 pretty darn close! I agree that the Japanese pressing is very flat and lifeless. I wasn't that impressed with the MOFI though. I thought it sounded a tiny bit muddy. I have a Monarch and I love the the sound. It's no Ludwig, but it's a very clean copy and I only paid $15 for it so I'm happy!

[@BarakaPDub]

Monarch was the best plant that Atlantic used so if you have a Monarch, it's definitely a step a head of the rest. At $15, you got yourself a steal. The used copies I am seeing nowadays are going for over $20. Thanks for watching fotoram.

[@takeiteasy6154]

Bob, followed by Stan, Stan seem have put slight reverb on the hight hats on second track, Bob's mix sounded like more tight without artificial airyness?

[@BarakaPDub]

Thanks Takeit Easy for commenting. I find your choices interesting as there is no right or wrong here. Stan's style was really distinctive and if you like his work, it's pretty much going to be that way consistently with all his Mobile Fidelity work.

[@user-sw4qd2up2s]

I just bought the 2014 reissue, used but NM for $20. Have not listened to it because I'm between stereos. Reviews I've seen were mixed. But for $20 it's probably better than al the OG copies I've ever had which had some minor hiss and pops. I don't know what presses I ever had, but at least this one won't have pops and hiss. It just bothers me it's a digital source. Thoughts?

[@BarakaPDub]

Don't let the digital scare you at all. Digital can sound great and it's all in how it's mastered which is key. Most people have caught this video have commented on how good they think the 2014 sounds. It really does surprise a lot of people.

[@MrLovell1971]

Paul Ludwig mix truly win and a serious benchmark I would say Mofi and Classic is a very close second very cool comparison I was after the Classic Records and Bob Ludwig for ever and I lucky found Mofi press in Milwaukee for a killer price of $40 I've been happy with it so far I still search for that Ludwig though one day a nice minty copy will come my way thanks for the comparison video we need more of these done on KZbin. lovellandrew

[@BarakaPDub]

I still promise to keep my eyes out on an RL for you. Again, every once in a Blue Moon, I stumble upon a copy in the used bins (i.e. Half Price Books) and they don't know what they got. $40 for the Mofi is a steal. I managed to score my before the renewed interest in vinyl took off so I got it at a decent price as well. Thanks for chiming in with your thoughts. I do agree that RL is the best.

[@MrLovell1971]

Thanks Paul I appreciate you are keeping an I out 👊👍🎸.lovellandrew

[@Stetho96]

I know a KZbin video is probably not the best source for comparing audio quality but there is a very noticeable difference with the Atlantic and Japanese versions compared to the rest. As far as the RL, Mofi, classic records and new reissue they all sound very close to my ear at least on this video. Probably really need to listen to in person to properly judge but based on this video I don’t see the need to go out and spend $300+ on an RL or Classic Records pressing. I am curious though since you have them all which is your go to copy?

[@BarakaPDub]

Good question. My go to copy has always been the RL but I agree about the expense. I lucked out with my RL because I snagged it before the vinyl boom hit into high gear and I got it for a whopping $20, if memory serves me correctly. Honestly, the new reissue is really the best bang for the buck if you ask me. I felt it was really close on the heels of the Classic and RL versions.

[@zegrebbarkew8257]

As a matter of curiosity, did you adjust your VTA to compensate for the different thicknesses of the pressings? If you set your VTA based on a 180g pressing, a 200g pressing would sound bottom heavy and a thinner record, like the Japanese pressing would sound thin...

[@BarakaPDub]

Rega' Tonearm designs don't allow for VTA adjustments on the fly. This just gives a ballpark approximation. The Stan Ricker Mofi pressing is from Japan and to my ears it was far better than the '76 reissue but this is just my opinion.

[@zegrebbarkew8257]

I appreciate your answer and the effort you've put into this: thanks for sharing:). My old SAEC 407 arm doesn't allow for VTA adjustment on the fly either so I've set the VTA for 200g records and use A4 shims between platter and mat to compensate for 180g, 150g and the occasional Dynaflex hiding in my collection. In my experience incorrectly set VTA, particularly with finer line styli, has a similar effect to a shelving EQ. Tracking force needs to be adjusted slightly as well to "lock in" the correct stylus to groove angle but the fiddling is well worth it especially in reproducing spatial detail. I can't make a decision on the tonal balance of a record until I can set my table for the most stable stereo image...

[@bretttaylor1669]

I have the Atlantic, RL and the 2014. When I pull one out to listen it’s the 2014! It’s my fave...

[@BarakaPDub]

I honestly think I would be content with my 2014 copy if I didn't know any better.

[@bretttaylor1669]

BarakaPDub the 2014 Zep III is the best of that series to my ears... cannot be bested. Unfortunately it’s popular to dump on the reissues.

[@BarakaPDub]

Outside Houses, which has a pressing flaw on The Ocean, I have to agree that they're all really well done. Here's hoping How The West Was Won turns out great...along with the RSD 45 single with the unreleased mixes.

[@gregharvey98]

The 2014 and the Bob lug wig and a 200 g versions they were the best sounding Ones

[@BarakaPDub]

Thanks Greg. It just goes to show that not all represses are really that bad.

[@markymo32]

Any thoughts about doing a comparison video like this for all the Pink Floyd Dark Side Of The Moon vinyl releases ?

[@markymo32]

You already did it ! Sweet

[@BarakaPDub]

Yep. Thanks for catching it.

[@HelioSilvaMusica]

Any thoughts you can share regarding new versions remastered by Jimmy Page?

[@Bacardicus]

The key comparison in regards to the MFSL pressing is the beginning of "Bring It On Home." The bass is very muted on that cut on the MF pressing, supposedly due to the source tape (not a master, btw) being heat damaged from sitting in a hot car!

[@BarakaPDub]

Interesting. I haven't heard that story before. So the MF was a brand new mix?

[@Bacardicus]

I don't believe the MFSL record is a new mix, but it's supposedly not cut from the original stereo 2 track master.

[@MikeGervasi]

In my own tests of non audiophile pressings I found it to be RL/GP/Page in best to "worst" (the Page reissue sounds great...just not as good as the prior 2)

[@BarakaPDub]

Thanks Mike for chiming in with your thoughts. I was really surprised how well the Page on did but I agree it's not quite as good.

[@jameschavez6400]

The Duffy seems to be you can hear Jones fingers strike the strings&perhaps the pickup louder in some albums

[@BarakaPDub]

That's one of the keys for me is being able to hear Jones more in the mix.

[@jameshogg11]

The Grundman and the MoFi were probably my favourites, but the margins are so small! None of this "night and day" stuff you always hear audiophiles saying ☺ This video has given me confidence to go and get the 2014s. 👍

[@BarakaPDub]

The 2014s are really outstanding for what they are and I can't recommend them enough. Many people were shocked by the quality of all of them.

[@The90sGamingGuy]

I would have to say the Bob Ludwig mix is hands down the best. The very best two are Bob Ludwig and Bernie Grundman versions. Glad i got my hands on a Bob Ludwig original of Zep II. Great comparison video!

[@BarakaPDub]

Thanks and to my ears, I concur with your assessment.

[@DanandJoeMusic]

Wow the difference is astonishing among some of these! I like the RL best, followed by 2014, then Classic Records, then MFSL, Japanese, and lastly the pathetic Atlantic recut. Thanks for posting this, very cool.

[@BarakaPDub]

Thanks Walt and I like you listing ;) I am actually happy that the point is getting across that sometimes there is more to an original than meets the eye. I want to steer people away from the Atlantic recut!

[@heliotropezzz333]

I do have an original UK purple label version. I bought it in the UK when it came out. It means I don't have to fret about versions (I think).

[@BarakaPDub]

I am tempted to do a sequel to this one as I acquired a few other presses of this one since doing it. The UK Purple being one of them. The UK versions are the ones the band signed off on so they have to sound good.

[@heliotropezzz333]

@@BarakaPDub That would be interesting and it's a relief to know that the band signed them off. I thought the sound was impressive the first time I heard it but I've nothing to compare it to, unless to these videos.

[@PrimeMover93]

I just found a Ludwig copy and my god it’s amazing!

[@BarakaPDub]

It is a little bit of bliss, isn't it?!!

[@dixielandfarm]

Stan Richter I think sounds the closest, but to be fair, I am listening only to ONE channel at the worst resolution at work. The Bernie sounded okay, too (very close 2nd)! I think the 2014 sounded okay on the first cut, but there was a bump on the 2nd cut.

[@BarakaPDub]

Hello Kris! Even with one channel your thoughts were very close to my own. I was really surprised by the 2014 cut and it just goes to show that digital mastering is not the devil everyone makes it out to be. I honestly thought the 2014 cut would have been near the bottom in the rankings.

[@NOOne-im5vg]

For me, the Ludwig version sounds more natural. The thing I was most drawn to looking at, is the difference in the groove patterns from one pressing to another. Obviously this difference will explain the changes in sound from record to record.

[@BarakaPDub]

Yeah. There's a lot of play in the cut but the more spaced out the grooves, the better the dynamics. You have to be careful though because you could be impacting the sound on the last track. Regardless, I trust Ludwig and I've never encountered a bad Ludwig cut.

[@oatmealsnickers]

The Grundman pressing had just a little bit more of the elements I love from a Zeppelin record, and I’m talking just a slight preference over the Ludwig press.

[@BarakaPDub]

The Grundman is fantastic and I am bummed that they are not really more out there for the masses. His run on the catalog was fantastic. Bob's cut of the album just barely edges it out for me.

[@theoldmet]

Actually, the best feature of the Ludwig is the midrange. I liked the Davis 2nd best, comes closest to Ludwig mid-wise with possibly a little more detail and separation. One of the others in there (think it was Ricker) was too exaggerated at either frequency end, with a mid-suckout.

[@BarakaPDub]

Thanks theoldmet. On the Ricker, I am wondering if the VTA affected the sound. The early Mofi records seem to be between 90 to 110 grams. Whenever I get a turntable with an adjustable VTA, I want to play around with the early Mofi's. With my current set up, all the 80's Mofi records don't sound the great.

[@sam8911sk]

Your bench mark and the Classic records were the best. The Mofi and 2014 next but were a little thin vs the best for me using my sennheiser HD 600. 2014 did not have the snap of the top 3.

[@BarakaPDub]

Thanks for giving your thoughts on this and the Sennheisers would definitely show more clarity in what's coming from the stream. I love the RL and the Classic for different reasons but they were my top two.

[@TheFRiNgEguitars]

This is fun! I had a clean RL copy that sold for $350.00 nearly two years ago. I imagine it has gone up in value since then. It appears there is life after RL.. Bernie Grundman's mastering (#3) sounds very close, and perhaps a bit cleaner.. possibly that so many RL copies have sustained at least a little groove wear, so the later pressings have the edge in that department. I did notice this pressing is pitched up ever so slightly, which has the music sounding just a little "rushed" but so slight that you wouldn't notice if I had not mentioned it. (I'm a pitch OCD musician) Next is the Mofi, (#2) and typical the mid is scooped a little, but really does nice things to the overall presentation of Zeppelin. If anyone prefers greater clarity on the top end, then the mofi should be considered, just sounds cleaner over my monitors than all the rest in this demo. I like also #5, John Davis, great bass extension and accurate hi hat sound, pitch accurate with the RL pressing... I think my favorite. Not so good is the rather muffled Atlantic Re-Eq (#1), and the awful sounding Japanese pressing ( #4, terrible mids and no bass) Back in the 80's, I demo'd my RL pressing to a few friends, before I knew it was special. I did notice how dynamic it was, and front to back imaging (depth)... especially the interlude part of "Whole Lotta Love". It was sold to pay off a debt, typical we must sacrifice something loved. (vs an unloved item nobody wants)

[@BarakaPDub]

Sorry you had to part with your RL but I understand as I have been through that one before. Glad you could pick up the pitch. I honestly think if your a musician and you can key in on certain parameters then you're best to judge here. Your input is really good and consistent in that most folks found the Japanese press to be bad and every agreed the Atlantic Re-Eq was downright awful!

[@jefferyjones8399]

I might end up getting a 2014 copy of the album.

[@BarakaPDub]

It's really a steal for what it is and I recommend it. The others are going to be far more pricey in VG+ to NM condition.

[@DevinDIABLOGriffin]

The RL is definitely better than the rest of them, though the Davis remaster comes very close. It's just missing the RL's low-bass impact. I already have the 2014 remaster on CD, though I may have to pick it up on vinyl at some point. I should also get a George Piros pressing someday.

[@BarakaPDub]

The Davis remaster is actually better than what I thought it would be. I would consider it an essential if you don't want to dig endlessly for an RL or have the funds to spend on the Classic Reissue. Thanks for commenting Devin!

[@highcadence901]

So , since the last time I posted on this topic , I’ve gone on quite a run as far as acquiring these RLs , I’ve decided to buy all RLs from the different pressing plants . What I’ve found after some months of hunting these is this They are out there , a lot of Presswell versions I’ve acquired 3 of them eBay are full of these CTH is next a lot of these as well as the cheap Down grade version You’ll find a few Monarchs pop up frequently but will sell fast as I believe the monarch double RL SS is the holy grail out all these versions . The SP special pressing versions are scarce but will pop up on eBay once in awhile. You see one rl version , buy it . The Columbia Pitman I believe is the scarcest of all the versions , it’s a very interesting one at that , has very little etching on the deadwax, took me months to find one $84 dollars G+ I was quick to buy it on discogs . Sound wise the monarch is at the top , Presswell, CP, CTH RL SS / LH SS , SP . Happy hunting

[@BarakaPDub]

Thanks for the great comment highcadence901. I only have two copies of the RLs. I am blessed to have a Monarch press and I would have to look but I think my other one is n SP. Monarch had the best consistency for all the plants Atlantic used and if I buy Atlantic records, I always try and seek out the Monarchs first.

[@highcadence901]

It’s boils down to the lacquer, if it’s a solid thicker version like Presswell and monarch there is a difference in sound compared to the thinner lacquer versions like CTH

[@alvaroantoniocarbone7838]

With so many options, it becomes a personal taste and very particular. I liked the mf version, for listening with details of more definition.

[@BarakaPDub]

Thanks for putting your comments in Alvaro! I think you sum it up quite well. At the end of the day, everyone has their own personal taste and while three or four of these were very similar, none of them were absolutely identical. I could see that when I was editing the video and looking at the WAV files. You can see that each engineer made different decisions.

[@vinniet2828]

I think I have the Atlantic Remix because that's what y copy sounded like.... too bassy/muffled to the point of distortion. Now I would really like the 2014 Remastered.

[@BarakaPDub]

Grab the 2014 remaster and don't look back. It's a steel for what it can b had for.

[@mcintoshkid]

i got the RL hot mix,and the french 1.press..heartbreaker on RL hot mix is amazing , but the rest hmmm...i like my french pressing more

[@BarakaPDub]

Hmm. I have never thought about seeking out a French press of it. The early German presses used the RL stampers from America. I would be curious to know who cut the French press.

[@Rundberget]

A neat easter-egg on the German produced 2014 remaster is that they included the Livin Lovin Wreck error ;)

[@BarakaPDub]

I didn't know that at all. I am going to have to pay more attention. That's so cool they put that in.

[@DimitrisRethymno]

Hi can you please help me out here where can I find bob ludwigs reissue? Thanks

[@BarakaPDub]

Unfortunately, the Bob Ludwig issue has never been repressed since the album was first dropped. I was lucky enough to fund my in the used bins for under $10. If you hunt around enough, one will show up at a reasonable price.

[@DimitrisRethymno]

BarakaPDub thank you very much.

[@therealdonelaitis]

Dude. Why didn’t you include a comparison of the vocals on the RL cut?? The vocals are what make the RL really shine! I recommend a re-do.

[@BarakaPDub]

I've been contemplating doing a sequel as I've picked up a couple of other pressings of this album. I got a UK plum label original I would like to put in a head to head contest. If I do a sequel, I'll keep you're request in mind.

[@leeving4912]

Ludwig....all the way. Love my Monarch RL pressing

[@DownUnderVinyl]

Lee Ving have the same pressing. Sounds sooo good.

[@BarakaPDub]

Monarch RL...it doesn't get any better ;) Thanks for chiming in!

[@BOKOLIS76]

BarakaPDub Dear paul,what about the led zep 1st album? Which is the best pressing? There are soooo many out there!! Thank you!!!

[@BOKOLIS76]

Great video... Bob's still holding the number 1 place i think,really close is the 2014 master from John Davis and then is Bernie's Classic rec and MoFi's....the japanese press is not good at all....

[@BarakaPDub]

Thanks Bokolis76. Your top three have been consistent with everyone else. I was surprised by how the Japanese press performed.

[@whitey7998]

I thought all sounded very similar, with the exception of the Japanese press which was a bit ‘flat’ in comparison. The RL press is no doubt great and in my opinion would be the one to hunt down (along with everyone else!) Maybe the Classic Records press sounded a bit more open? The MOFI was almost identical to the RL. I was surprised how decent the 2014 was, as I had heard bad reviews of those pressings.

[@BarakaPDub]

Thanks Ian for watching and commenting. The versions that started to trickle out in 2014, which were overseen by Page, are really not to bad across the board. If I didn't have anything else, I would be quite content with those. It's just my opinion but most Japanese pressings are pretty disappointing. Since the Japanese prefer pressings from the country of origin, that really speaks volumes as to what they think of their own domestic releases.

[@sully1296]

Nice! So, RL was pretty clear winner IMHO. Was surprised how well the 2014 sounded. Classic Records was pretty good too. I have yet to come across an RL in the wild, even though millions were supposedly pressed.

[@BarakaPDub]

Your thoughts match my own. When I first went into this, I was thinking the 2014 would have been near the bottom of the heap. Boy was I ever wrong. It just goes to show that sometimes digital mastering is not the devil people make it out to be ;) The RLs do turn up, I acquired mine at a Half Price Books for under $10. Sometimes you can find eBay sellers that don't know what they have but it can be a huge gamble. Thanks for chiming in with your thoughts Tim and have a Happy New Year.

[@gregoryirwin263]

Picked up a near mint Ludwig pressing back in 94 for a whopping 6 dollars I'm very glad I kept it through the years it was the very first album I ever bought as a kid

[@BarakaPDub]

Nice! I wish I was buying vinyl in 90's. Getting the RL back then would be quite the score!

[@gregoryirwin263]

@@BarakaPDub I remember when I got the vinyl bug back in the early part of the 90s I went into warehouse music asking for records and the guy at the register telling me and I quote "you want records? Dusty old records? What do you want those for kid? Records are dead and never coming back CDs are the future" boy was that guy wrong lol

[@BOKOLIS76]

A question about the 2014 pressings by John Davis.. The only difference between european and the US pressings is that the US are from pallas and the eu are from optimal media?

[@BarakaPDub]

Good question and my first response is 'Weird.' I never looked at the EU pressings to see where they were pressed at and sure enough, you're right, they were done at Optimal. I find it so strange that WEA elected to do that. Maybe Pallas couldn't meet the demand for what was needed. I need to look at it some more but it doesn't appear that John Davis cut the lacquers that were used by Optimal. At least what I can see on the Optimal pressings for LZ 1, there is no JD in the deadwax.

[@BOKOLIS76]

BarakaPDub Thank you for your quick response! I am from Greece and because of this european pressings are more often to find. I searched at discogs and on the release credits there is JD name,but there is not any picture of the deadwax to confirm it www.discogs.com/Led-Zeppelin-Led-Zeppelin-II/release/5734489 Also i own a Pressence 2014 copy,so i am going to check it out for JD on the deadwax.

[@d_walsh]

that 2014 reissue sounded good. quite suprised

[@BarakaPDub]

I really don't think you can go wrong with it!.

[@jackkurosaki2994]

got an RL double-ss monarch in G+ to VG condition for 50$, only way somebody's getting is is quite literally over my dead body. sounds so damn good.

[@BarakaPDub]

Ha ha! That's the same way I feel about my RL. Over my dead body! Thanks for watching and commenting Jack.

[@MikeGervasi]

For Zep II in my tests it's RL, then GP, then Page.

[@BarakaPDub]

I need to grab my Piros copy and give it a comparison. Thanks for commenting Mike!

[@TheTigersfan20]

Agree

[@LA-zc9rg]

GP is great sounding - probably the 2nd best affordable and readily available option. Every moron with a beat to snot RL II thinks it’s worth $150

[@ryanb7649]

Look how narrow the deadwax is on the RL version.

[@BarakaPDub]

Bob definitely knew how to cut the album and you right about the deadwax. That's a good indicator of how dynamic it was cut.

[@jxke]

I have the ST-A91671-1B CTH version. I dont know which version mine is.

[@BarakaPDub]

If you're not seeing an RL in the deadwax, it's likely one that was recut by Atlantic. CTH - is Columbia Terre Haute which is one of several pressing plants Atlantic used at the time. The -1B means it could be from an early stamper but the pressing plants Atlantic used were not always consistent in their deadwax nomenclature. Here is an example of an early CTH pressing: www.discogs.com/Led-Zeppelin-Led-Zeppelin-II/release/3092359 Discogs takes a lot of hunting an pecking to find useful deadwax info.