Walmart & Target Vinyl - 3 Things That Must Stop Immediately! The Mystery Around Mobile Fidelity

[@jnorten]

I’m a mixing and mastering engineer professionally. There is so much psychology and marketing involved in this. The Mastering Engineer is a much more crucial element that the original source being digital or analog.

[@MelindaMurphy]

Thank you for the expert information. I just wish they had been more forthcoming with their process. I'm still a Mobile Fidelity fan. Take care.

[@darinb.3273]

I've done some work with my own collection of music I only have 3 types at my disposal CD, cassette, and some older and newer released vinyl. I can see in my software editing program if music has been a hard limited. Looking at the peaks in the wave form there is a distinct difference. If it is a true peak it will look like point, if it is a hard limited processed peak it will appear chopped off instead of a smooth rise and fall of the peak. Think of it like a mountain peak that the top was sawed off. This is positive proof the recording has been a victim of the loudness war, bricked walled or hard limited. Vinyl will reflect this in its wave form as well which means the source was digital. Digital recordings CANNOT go over 0 (zero) db. If it does it will sound like static or beeps or pops depending on the frequency. It is extremely noticeable. So this brick walling keeps the louder music within the 0 db limit. If the audio is hard limited TOO MUCH it will distort the sound. Just what I've noticed doing my own experiments. Hope this helps explain a little more concerning loudness of a good portion of today's physical music media.

[@jnorten]

@@darinb.3273 There are Analog Brick Wall Limiters too. Compression and limiting and brick wall limiting are more stylistic choices. You are correct and unfortunately a lot of vinyl is being made from the same mastered digital files that are severely brick wall limited as is the norm for digital release (streaming and Cd), then transferred and tweaked for vinyl. It's just not great to use those for vinyl, it's not what the medium responds best too. For what it's worth whenever clients of mine get vinyl made, I always take off the final brick wall limiter before submitting.

[@darinb.3273]

@@jnorten Hey John I'm by no means an expert in what I wrote just reading about it and of course my own observations and experiments. I've heard of compressors and expanders. There is equipment that will take drums compressing those to fit with in the range of recording equipment. Not just a simple volume decrease. I'm not sure what drum compressors do, I just know it takes the high peak down while not loosening the essence of the drum particularly the big bass drums.

[@Threemicsrecords]

I would say, a good mix is even more important than mastering.

[@demcai122]

So glad I subscribed. You are trusted. You are real and not pretentious and not in an audiophile bubble in any way. After all, record collecting is an enjoyable and personal hobby and records are meant to be played and listened to with the heart and memories and emotions the music elicits.

[@MelindaMurphy]

Awww! Thank you so much! I appreciate your kind words. ♥️🤗

[@michaelivan9066]

I bought the Dire Straits album on the recommendation of my local record shop. My dealer told me that recording will let you know how good your system can sound. He wasn’t lying.

[@MelindaMurphy]

It's fantastic. ♥️

[@jn3750]

which LP?

[@michaelivan9066]

@@jn3750 MoFi Dire Strsits Brothers in Arms

[@jn3750]

@@michaelivan9066 I have the Sacd version and it sounds the best in my collection

[@Sthunderrocker]

It's not about the quality of the pressings, it's about the grift. If it's cut from digital, there was no reason to limit the pressings. They hid that to justify the scarcity, the $125 price point, and the profits.

[@bvanpelt8]

You know, I never thought about that. You're absolutely correct. Like the diamond cartels. I feel foolish for not having thought of this angle.

[@MelindaMurphy]

I agree. I feel very misled. 🤔

[@Mooseman327]

Yes, indeed. Plus, it's a less expensive process dealing with digital than analog, in general. There is no justification for a $125 digital LP. None whatsoever. This is scamming for dollars. A digital LP should cost slightly more than a SACD. Not several times more.

[@bondgabebond4907]

The problem Sthunderroker is that people are stupid to pay $125 for a vinyl disk. You pay, they charge, you pay again, they charge again. You, the consumers are driving the price. Stop buying vinyl, stop with this nonsense of nostalgia for something that is 19th century technology. While you all are gritting your teeth over this issue, I'm getting a lot of CDs of albums I bought 50 years ago, and they are cheap (pricewise). Those albums are showing their age and it ain't pretty. That Jeff Beck record she showed, I have an original pressing of the same thing and it cost me around $3.77.

[@Sthunderrocker]

@@bondgabebond4907 I'm with you on not paying $125. But cds? You do you.

[@TheHSIHP]

My take on this is a bit different. We just found out that "audiophiles" can't actually tell the difference between digital and analog just by listening. Me included.

[@MelindaMurphy]

Haha! We'll see what Mobile Fidelity says about it. If there is a digital step in their releases then they fooled me big time.

[@jeffl915]

I can tell you that my ears can hear a difference between digital and analog. When you have listened to enough cd music and vinyl, it is not that difficult to pick out the cd. Both formats have characteristics that are exclusive to the way they were recorded. I will admit that I would have a tougher time hearing the difference with music that I am not familiar with.

[@sirtainlee8725]

Jay, it's a wise man who knows himself.

[@simonemurray1345]

I think people are looking at this wrong. The possible digital is the onesteps. I HIGHLY doubt the strictly limited ones are digital. Stuff like truth, David crosby, vanilla fudge, etc. They only make 5000-3000 copies which would only need 1 or 2 lacquers so why even cut it to digital? It makes no sense. They'd have to run it once for digital and once or twice for the lacquers so why sacrifice your reputation? Also the David Crosby supervinyl has noticeable analog artifacts like tape hiss, same with truth. If they were adding a digital step itd make 0 sense to keep that since it's easily removeable with digital. It makes no sense to be the case with these releases. It only makes sense for the onesteps. Analogue productions has no problem making 20-25k of are you experienced or KOB and those are AAA. They probably make even more of their doors titles. It doesn't make sense for those to be AAA from the masters but regular mofi releases not to be. Only the onesteps are sketchy since it requires so any lacquers. However they could have discovered a process to make lacquers from lacquers. Like run it once or twice then duplicate said lacquers 50x. If lacquers can make a convert that makes 1000 records why can't they use that convert to make 40 more lacquers? I think the big issue is if there is digital is the lying here's how they describe gain 2 analog and onesteps. If there is digital theyre open to lawsuits.... "First and foremost, we only utilize first generation original master recordings as source material for our releases. Our lacquers are then plated in a specialized process that protects transients in the musical signal" "The exclusive nature of these very limited pressings guarantees that every UD1S pressing serves as an immaculate replica of the lacquer sourced directly from the original master tape" There's no beating around the bush with those statements. If there's a digital copy being utilized then they outwardly lied and false advertised. However I don't see this being the case. The only things that'd make sense being digital is the high copy onesteps. But even then the more I think about it I feel they discovered a way to duplicate 50 lacquers from 1. If they can make records be identical to the lacquer why can't they just duplicate the lacquers? With that said I don't trust ingroove Mike. He's been extremely combative with other VC members. He's so toxic he still hates michael ludwig for questioning if he's in it for the money as a retailer, when Mike made the same claim about fremer except in a much more hostile way. He had his fans eviscerate fremer. He must be slightly autistic or something because he's really mean and even in nice interviews like with mazzy he's hardly present. He tries to be the smartest guy in the room and gives no one respect. He still detests both michaels a year later for disagreeing with him. I honestly don't think he has legit sources, he's merely a retailer, he doesnt intimately know the vinyl process nor does he have the connections of someone like michael fremer. He has a huge habit of stealing revelations from smaller VC members and passes them off as his own, and he didn't want to credit 45rpmaudiophile(ludwig) for questioning it first and so he stated he knew they were digital all along. Which is bullshit because he was just talking up thriller with no question of the copies and told people to buy it quick. Infact he was just defending mofi the other week making a video ridiculing ludwig and he was defending mofi and their jackets. I get seem splits all the time which means he gets a ton. Yet he defended mofi and acted like its ridiculous for wanting better quality from them for such a high price. Yet he ripped up ERC for the same exact thing. He defended mofi since he carries them and its a quick buck for him. Hes only in it for his store as seen by announcing shit like online auctions and only critquing companies he doesnt carry. He only said something because he just wanted to get ahead of the controversy and act like he was breaking the news and when called out, he didn't even credit michael ludwig and fremer for questioning it first and even said "he assumed it all along but doesn't speculate" as he speculated. He did so to attract more fans and thus more business. Dudes a retailer and he's very disingenuous. He was just recommending everyone to buy thriller, talked it up, then says he knew all along a week later? Wtf? He told everyone theyre all analog while supposedly questioning it himself. He said it's cuz he doesn't speculate but he always does and was in that very video! He's so bad he's banned from record stores for going to their stores buying records and marking them up for his store for crazy prices. His used prices are like the highest on discogs. His only concern is viewers to buy his stuff. He's not in it for the passion. He's just acting transparent so people trust him as he fleeces them. So he's worse than mofi since if he was legit he'd have said something long ago. Which is why he's the worst person to break this story but he's a massive retailer which is why he was invited. He doesn't know the process intimately he's a fan like any of us. If mofi told him to lie for 5x the alotment or not get stock anymore he'd lie. He's insanely toxic to people like fremer and michael ludwig(the nicest guy around). He bashed ludwig in the very video he stole from him and wouldnt credit him or fremer for breaking it. He just smugly said he knew all along. So I doubt his "sources" and I doubt anything is actually digital, maybe the high numbered onesteps. Theres no way he has legit sources that fremer does not. But strictly limited titles like iron butterfly, truth, crosby, vanilla fudge, train, are all definitely AAA since there's tape artifacts that they would have removed if digital and it makes 0 sense to cut the tape to digital file if you're only making a couple lacquers for 3000-5000 records. I think he jumped the gun by saying they're all digital. It makes no sense for non onesteps, especially the limited ones.

[@SPAZZOID100]

@@MelindaMurphy No label would let an actual 1st generation master tape out of their possession for a 3rd party to mangle. My guess is digital files are ALWAYS what is sent out. (For decades)

[@MichaelNoland-TheBottomLine]

Fabulous video here, Melinda! Very focused, and well thought out! Yowsir!

[@MelindaMurphy]

Thank you so much! 🤗♥️

[@twitterjesus]

Your a gem..Thanks for a honest well informed opinion and your passion for music and the artist who created it..

[@MelindaMurphy]

Awww! Thank you so much! I really appreciate it. 🤗♥️

[@tobymummert3035]

I bought Creed Greatest Hits @ Walmart for a Walmart exclusive and I'm absolutely pleased with it. It was around $19.99. Double album. And yes it was digital sourced because it was music that was recorded in the 90s for CDs in the first place so obviously it's going to be digital sourced.

[@hbhamilton3410]

All I really want is transparency from MoFi. Their records sound fantastic and I’ll continue to buy them even if they’re digitally sourced. As long as it’s done correctly, I have no reason to stop buying them.

[@MelindaMurphy]

I'm going to continue to buy them as well. 😀 Honesty is always the best policy. Thank you and take care.

[@audiooddities9982]

I've got that Sabbath! When I saw it, I couldn't believe I'd found one, lol About the MoFi thing, we're getting to a point where it's all going to be digital sourced because those old masters will eventually break down. I don't know how long those tapes last, but they do have a shelf life. Not to mention that huge fire that happend in 08 that destroyed a huge amount of Universal's masters. People tend to forget that oxygen is a toxic gas that literally destroys things. We're heading for an all digital future just due to the circumstances of our planet and its atmosphere, whether we like it or not.

[@MelindaMurphy]

Well said! Thank you.

[@joelsislak5334]

I have my original Sold Our Souls on vinyl. Its just a greatest hits album. I rarely get them. Master Of Reality is the pimp. Hell their first 4 are all you need with Scuzzy on vocal. The first two with Dio are all you need form that era.

[@vinylkajo]

Concerning MOFI for me is and was very important the soundquality based on a pure analogue recording. If in the process is a digital step, I can´t accept it. We pay in Germany up to 190$ (package, customs, VAT, FEDEX- or DHL service) for a 125$ record. That´s a lot of money.

[@MelindaMurphy]

I agree that people outside of the US pay way too much for Mobile Fidelity records. They need to be honest with us about their sourcing so we can make an educated decision. Thank you and take care.

[@jimstamatic]

Ha, I also just bought that Target Bee Gees for my wife to go with the Greatest she already had. You are 100% right about needing both. As for MoFi, they just need to be clear about "the ingredients of their products," since it matters to customers. That said, it's the sound that matters in the end. Thanks for the entertaining and informative video!

[@MelindaMurphy]

I agree! Honesty is the best policy. ♥️🤗

[@trueaudiofiles8453]

Hey Melinda, The controversy started about a year ago as many insiders in the industry were talking about this in social media groups even with the Original Master Recordings titles and One Steps. It blew up when Mike did his video. Love your stuff Melinda, take care.

[@MelindaMurphy]

Thank you! Take care!

[@dkerswill151]

That was a PERFECT analogy (about the chocolate cake) !!!!! Love your page, buddy!! 🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@MelindaMurphy]

Haha! Their albums are still fantastic but I was surprised at the time. Thank you and take care.

[@billymuellerTikTok]

I got a copy of Madman Across the Water (1981 reissue) for 99 cents last year. Elton John is a lot more than the greatest hits. it's a very impressive and overwhelming catalog. I remember seeing him live several years ago and he had a new album (Peachtree Road - his 27th album!!) that nobody in the audience even knew about and he played 7 songs from it in the middle of the set and it was boring but then he played the hits later on. Elton John once said that Billy Joel needs to make more albums. Billy responded that Elton should make less albums.

[@MelindaMurphy]

Haha! The Billy/Elton exchange is funny.😃 I do need more Elton John albums in the collection. Thank you and take care.

[@anthonyhfe6450]

There's nothing like the Elton John of the '70s. So many cool and diverse songs, from country to movies, to ballads, to relationships, to classical, and good 'ole rock ' n roll. I saw him live at Madison Square Garden - An evening with Elton John. He played that piano for 3 hours straight and I didn't hear one wrong note !! Just amazing. As a child I was gifted Elton John's Greatest Hits cassette. I played it often on my blue 🔵 Panasonic cassette player. But that was only the beginning. Great to meet other Elton fans, even though there are millions !!! Elton John, Elton John album, Blue Moves and Good Bye Yellow Brick Road, Caribou, Don't shoot me I'm only the Piano Player, The Fox, and Madman are among my favorites.

[@kentchalus7128]

Absolutely love your channel. You provide great information for the VC. I love your sincerity and honesty. I would like to add I think I have bought my last Walmart record. I recently purchased the Van Halen self titled album and found it clicks 3 times on Jamie's Crying. After the fact I found out that this is a known defect on this Wal Mart exclusive title. I only played it once and attempted to return it. They told me I could only exchange it for the same title because it was opened due to copyright concerns. I explained this issue is all over the internet and is present on every copy. they said that was their policy and that was all they could do and said maybe you will get lucky with the next one. So I exchanged it and of course the same issue on the same track at exactly the same place in the track. So for me it is not worth the risk of purchasing from Wal Mart if I cannot return a defective product and be made whole either through a refund, credit or exchange of another title.

[@MelindaMurphy]

How frustrating. They have a defective product and won't refund your money? That's crazy. 😡.I will stay away from the Walmart VH releases. Thank you and best wishes.

[@JohnM-cf3ql]

Hi Melinda I've been a mofi enthusiast since the mid 80's (Their gold discs). When I invested a few thousand dollars into my turntable, cartridge , and phono pre-amp, I was skeptical that records could sound as good as cd's or sacd's and really doubtful they could sound better. It brought tears to my eyes to hear music sound better at times hearing it on vinyl. I only care about the final product and hearing the music as close to how the artist intended. I won't feel betrayed if I find there is a digital link in Mofi's chain. Digital and all analogue mean nothing if the source material, the mastering and engineering is sub par. That's what makes music great, (that and the artist). I'm glad to hear people who are thinking logically. Mofi has always been about the sound. Most of their releases are fantastic. However they achieve that goal is worth my money, and I won't be cancelling my Van Halen and Michael Jackson 1 Steps. I thought they achieved the impossible when the Eagles S/T 1 Step sounded as good as my first pressings minus the sound of vinyl wear. I always enjoy your channel, and I also enjoy the "Mike's" channels as well.

[@MelindaMurphy]

I agree. Mobile Fidelity does a great job and I'm not cancelling my orders. Thank you and take care.

[@wnerko7484]

Few thousand dollars? Lol.wow.!!when i want to hear it clearly.i put it on my cd player.i used to buy them because they were cheaper than cds.and it was a fun little novelty of listening to a high maintenance throwback source.plus i bought albums i owned on cassette for the record sleeves.i still do that but now that everyones buying it up.i grab it because it wont be there if i dont.i bought my reciever head at goodwill and my cd unit there too.$ 50 morantz turntable and it sounds great.even my generic 80s turntable sounds the same as the morantz.but my cd sounds better.i dont have to throw money into it if i want to hear it clearly.im a musician and it sounds the same to me.the cd is louder.it sounds different on my 1970s all in one magnavox.sounds like a hi-fi cassette tape

[@stiffrichard2816]

It's because it's all vibrations vibrating the needle, your speakers, your eardrums and your brain.

[@frederickbartel2837]

"aftertaste of betrayal" lulz 10:09 Mike, Mike and Mike Informative and interesting--thanks!

[@MelindaMurphy]

Haha! Thank you so much!

[@dgross2009]

As a closet BeeGees fan, especially their pre-disco stuff, I have lots of old pressings I've gathered from used record stores. Most are in great shape. I have a live record that is really good.

[@MelindaMurphy]

They were such a great band and terrific song writers. I'm glad that they have been getting the respect they deserve. Take care.

[@ballsyrocker]

I got to see Bee Gees live (all three) at the St. Paul Riverfest on the Mississippi in Minnesota back in 1988 or1989(?). I They were great and I feel lucky to have seen them live at close quarters. I stood 4 feet from the stage outdoors and they were not far away. I listened to their early work as it came out on LPs in the 60s. I am73 now and enjoying the music of yesteryear since today's music is a joke.Peace.

[@dgross2009]

@@ballsyrocker Nice. I have a live album, does that count?

[@tobymummert3035]

I really enjoyed this video Melinda. Keep these great videos coming! Thanks!

[@merv5488]

Melinda thanks for your video I tohave been watching all of the controversy surrounding MoFi. I have been collecting vinyl records for over 40 years and have several MoFi. Personally I don’t really care if there is a digital step in the one step process or for that matter in all of the other original master recording albums. The fact still remains that most of my MoFi vinyl albums remain some of my most favorite, best sounding albums to listen to. This will not in any way effect my purchasing of MoFi albums or sacd’s. I do however hope mobile fidelity will be upfront and honest with us with the process that their releases are sourced from. Thanks. Love your channel.

[@MelindaMurphy]

I'm with you. Mobile Fidelity has pressed so many fantastic sounding records. I will continue to buy them as long as they keep pressing incredible sounding titles. I do wish they would release a statement and end this speculation. Thank you and take care.

[@Claudes416]

I can’t help but crack up when you lose it on a critique…”What is this and what are we supposed to do with it?!” This is exactly what I would say. It’s this authenticity and realness that makes you fun to watch 😀

[@MelindaMurphy]

Awww! Thank you so much! I just say what's on my mind. Everything about that is so wrong. Lol. Take care.

[@MaverickGrabber71]

Hehe yeah that was funny and pretty much my reaction. They did it with Purple Rain too, and I've seen that record at Target and Cracker Barrel, and passed it up because of that awful sleeve! 🤮🤬 (Cries in sad that my wife got rid of all of the records that she owned when we were dating (I'm sure it was a mutual decision). Purple Rain and Sports are the two I **really** wish I still had. They were perfect!)

[@WillowRedDog]

I agree there are plenty of digitally sourced albums that sound fantastic when done right. Music On Vinyl, for instance, produces many of them. As long as Mobile Fidelity is being upfront about their sourcing, I have no issue with them. As for some of your concerns with Target/Walmart - it’s not that the plastic seal was too tight. Those dings, bends and creases come from in-proper shipping and handling. If you see the way some stores stock their shelves, this would be no surprise. The people working there just don’t know, or care, about proper handling, and they aren’t getting paid enough to do so, either. The same goes for their shipping, especially with Target. Part of that is the way they are being shipped, and part of it is the mailing system, whether it be the USPS, Fed Ex or UPS. Usually when I’ve ordered something online from Target, the album(s) have come in a standard album shipping mailer. Others, however, have come in those oversized boxes you speak of, where sometimes they’ve arrived miraculously undamaged, and others I’ve had to return for a replacement. This also brings up another point, where how they get shipped also depends on where (which warehouse location) they are sent out of. Depending on which it is, and it appears to be random, determines what kind of packaging they ship in, depending on what materials they have to use to do so. I’ve never had the oversized box issue with Walmart, but a friend who lives in another part of the country says he often gets damaged records he has to return. This can sometimes be a similar issue with Amazon and how they send stuff out. Lastly, about color choices that are used. Sometimes with these store exclusives it seems kind of random with the what they might use, and I think that whenever possible, they often try to go with one’s that makes some kind of sense with the album cover artwork, or something that relates to the title. Other times, though, if think they’re kind of stuck, as what might have seemed like a more obvious choice has already been used. Case in point that Black Sabbath album. There was already a Red colored pressing from 2018 that was part of a Rhino Roctober release, so of course, they then have to pick something else. It’s not always perfect, but I get it. What bothers me, though, is when they advertise for a certain color, and then it ends up being something else. It could be that it’s a different shade of the color, or translucent versus opaque, or as just happened recently with Walmart and one of their Red Hot Chili Peppers exclusives, something different altogether. Their exclusive version of Californication was supposed to be on Orange (one LP) and Blue (other LP), which matches the cover colors and in fact is still listed that way on their website. However what it came out on was Yellow and Purple vinyl, which not only makes no sense, but is essentially false advertising. I’ve yet to hear why they changed it, either.

[@MelindaMurphy]

I'm glad that Target and Walmart are selling vinyl but they do need to work on the way they treat and handle vinyl. The way Target ships their records is outrageous. The colored versions of the RHCP being switched out is very strange. 🤔 Thank you and take care.

[@ghborden]

I watched this this morning but couldn't comment because I was at work :) Now we know. It doesn't change anything for me, but I know why some are angry. I just did a vid about it. I enjoyed yours. Always do.

[@MelindaMurphy]

I'll check out your video. I want to see what your thoughts are. I'm disappointed but still a fan of Mobile Fidelity. Their records sound amazing. Thank you and take care.

[@ghborden]

@@MelindaMurphy I just bought the mofi Beatles box. No joke. Blow out price. (Kind of). First time I have come across it in the wild for at least two decades.

[@machrider2333]

The “digital” that everyone is having kittens over is DSD. It utilizes “pulse density modulation” and is NOT what most people are familiar with. This method of capture is so completely superior to old analogue tapes. It is used to basically ‘pause’ master tape aging. It captures absolutely EVERYTHING the master tape has stored in an extremely analogue like yet still digital method. The captured audio can now be stored in a way where it won’t degrade. This is a win for everyone involved. We don’t have time machines and can NEVER hear what old analogue master tapes sounded like when they were new. Best thing we can do is preserve their fidelity RIGHT NOW. DSD let’s us do that in a way that preserves every aspect of the master tapes with ZERO compromises. The record companies will allow access to the first generation master tapes only if 1 tape run is made. Why not make that run count and capture an absolutely perfect DSD recording and then make whatever you want from that? Who the heck wants a second gen analogue tape made from an analogue master when you can have the MASTER itself? DSD BABY!

[@MelindaMurphy]

I love hearing you articulate this opinion. You make an excellent point. I have been very pleased with nearly everything Mobile Fidelity has been putting out. I can't argue with what my ears hear and this way the music is preserved forever. Thank you and take care.

[@fredvelasquez4011]

Sir you are truly excellent at explaining this process. I concur whole heartily

[@ksteiger]

As someone who has been an audio engineer for a half century I agree 100%.

[@dracodrago]

You do understand that DSD is in no way whatsoever superior to standard LPCM? You will not be able to hear any difference. You can't even hear the difference between 44.1/48kHz and 88.2/96/176.4/192/384kHz. ABX it. Instead, you're ditching an industry-standard format that has been used for over fifty years for a format which is equivalent to 176.4kHz LPCM (yes, 77% of your bandwidth is used for inaudible frequencies) which is entirely uneditable in the digital domain and apparently cannot be converted to and from LPCM.

[@machrider2333]

@@dracodrago Just listen on a very resolving sound system. There IS something special about using DSD for capture that PCM just cannot match. However, once it is captured, you CAN go to PCM for editing and back to DSD for publishing to SACD or whatever. People do this all the time. You CANNOT tell the difference between the live microphone feed from the studio and a DSD recording of that feed. However, you absolutely can tell the difference between that same live microphone feed and a PCM recording. Until you hear what I am talking about, it is very difficult to make a COMPLETELY informed decision. (very understandable) Most modern DSD studios use 4X the sample rate of SACD for the capture. (DSD256). That is very computationally expensive when recording 32 channels or more at once.

[@ribby18]

Hi Melinda! My in-laws had an old copy of Madman Across the Water that they gave me that has a beautiful gatefold jacket with a booklet inside. Like you, I couldn't resist that gorgeous new vinyl from walmart, so I did what you suggested. I threw it in a high quality sleeve and just put it in with my old copy. I kept the insert that the Walmart coffee came with since it talks about the color vinyl, but it is all in one package. I don't know what they were thinking with that plastic sleeve. I had a really hard time getting the record out, it was stuck to the plastic like you couldn't believe!

[@MelindaMurphy]

The plastic sleeve is dreadful. 😳 I'm glad you have an older album cover for it. Thank you and take care.

[@l.salisbury1253]

15:15 - Check out the Wal-Mart Exclusive of Ozzy's second solo LP "Diary of A Madman". I was very pleased with the job they did on that. (BEAUTIFUL vinyl too!)

[@MelindaMurphy]

Thank you for the suggestion. ♥️

[@AI_Surfer]

My opinion on MFSL: I don't mind if they use analog, digital, or a combination of both, as long as the sound quality it there that's all that matters to me. I only ask that in the future they be 100% transparent with us. In regards to the Target and Walmart releases: I don't buy them because I'm expecting great sound (although many of them sound no worse than their black vinyl counterparts), I buy them because I love collecting the colored vinyl variants. It's what I call the 'Stamp' collecting aspect of this hobby comes into play. Thank you Melinda for covering the Target and Walmart colored pressings. I greatly enjoyed it.

[@MelindaMurphy]

I love this comment. I agree with all of it completely. 🤩 Thank you!

[@ginovairo6487]

Hi Melinda. When Michael Ludwig (45 rpm audiophile) interviewed Michael Fremer this weekend, MF revealed that a reliable source at MoFi told him that MoFi UD1S are made using an analogue tape production copy to cut the large number of lacquers required to press 40,000 of these one step records. I suspect Mike Esposito will confirm this on his visit to MoFi. I’m keen to hear MoFi’s response and to The Ingroove report. I do think this issue has been blown out of proportion (most records from the golden age were produced from production tapes while the original master tapes were stored safely in the vaults). All of us have been speculating and making assumptions without having the facts at hand. MoFi did fuel the flames through their lack of transparency though. I agree with Mike Esposito that the record companies need to be transparent and label the record covers with exactly how the records were produced. A bit like the DDD, ADD etc labels they used in the past for CDs.

[@MelindaMurphy]

I will still buy MoFi's but I wish they had been more honest with us. Thank you and take care.

[@thesurfacespins]

Yes, "the aftertaste of betrayal" LOL. I agree! Thanks for the video.

[@MelindaMurphy]

Haha! Thank you! 🤗

[@LifelongMusicJunkie]

Finally! Someone brave enough to point out whether we should buy ANY MJ album version based on those numerous allegations. Personally I do not like to even hear an MJ song these days, nor can I watch any Cosby Show reruns.

[@vuzkoth]

Michale Jackson is innocent. Do your research.

[@jameshogg11]

I know Melinda was being polite but "inappropriate behaviour" is putting it VERY mildly when you read the actual allegations! Sold all my MJ stuff, can't bear to listen to him now. I had enough of his merch and music to pay for my new Rega turntable so it was a win-win for me.

[@jameshogg11]

@@vuzkoth you know this for a fact do you? You were in the room with him and the boys when these things happened? No, thought not.

[@janicehopkins4432]

@@vuzkoth I have always thought that it is possible that he was innocent. He was strange, probably as a result of a stressful upbringing and exposure to who knows what or who. He may not have been sexual with the kids. Don't know. If he was, that is probably why he needed diprovan/propofol to sleep. Diprivan turns a person's thoughts completely off, unlike usual anxiolytic meds for sleep. He may have had a tortured mind and could not sleep without amnestic med like diprovan for sleep. I felt bad for him.

[@LifelongMusicJunkie]

@@vuzkoth I said allegations were enough for me pal, no research required, as I never said guilty or not

[@rachelsghost]

Chance over at Concert Buddie was talking about quality control issues with Walmart. He had the Van Halen studio box set but there were some problems he encountered. You did a very good job of describing the Mofi controversy as well, Melinda. Up here we don't have access to the excellent Target and Walmart prices on vinyl so that leaves us feeling a bit envious... quality control hassles notwithstanding. 🙂

[@MelindaMurphy]

I did watch Chance's video this morning. He has a very good channel. I'm watching your live stream as I write this. ♥️ Very fun. I love hearing everyone's opinion over this MoFi controversy. Thank you!

[@timvanderkolk1388]

I was thrilled to get a copy of Brothers in Arms when it came back in stock recently. You are right! It sounds so freaking good! If Mofi continues to make awesome sounding stuff, I'll probably keep buying. I had the same shipping experience from Target. Fortunately, the records were not damaged. Walmart knows how to do it correctly and I really like their exclusive releases.

[@MelindaMurphy]

I will keep buying from MoFi as long as they continue to do such great work. I would appreciate some honesty though. Walmart does a much better job shipping their records than Target does. Thank you and take care.

[@ZZ24AS]

Have the original first pressing,wouldn't ever buy this new "180gr brick." And it' s near mint condition,because all my vinyl looks like it just left the shop,and they' re at least 35-40 years old.😎

[@slow71971]

@@MelindaMurphy Do you have a facebook account?

[@purplehazeffc]

Brothers in Arms was completely recorded digitally. So all copies of that Album regardless of format. Came from a digital master.

[@TJRtheOriginal]

Wow! Thanks for this video. Believe it or not, I got the VMP version of "Madman" because (at the time) the vinyl version you got was sold out. The pre release artwork clearly showed that this wasn't packaged in a cardboard sleeve. But until you showed it in your video, that aspect of its package really hadn't dawned on me. My eyes bugged out when you showed your copy and then it dawned on me!

[@MelindaMurphy]

You made the right decision. I wish I had bought that version as well. Thank you and take care.

[@firecatfly]

As having been in the professional recording business since 1977--touring, recording live concerts and the such--it always seemed unrealistic that MOFI would have exclusively used direct from master sources. Tape from the 80's -as an example- was primarily Ampex 456--a readily available back masked master recording tape that held up quite well in less than ideal conditions. However, as good as the tape was, it did not hold up to the rigours of time and poor environmental storage. Now in many instances tape from that period requires a heating process that has to carefully controlled by experts (now known as "baking") and not done by some tinkerer in their kitchen. MOFI has NOT bluffed or tricked or lied to anyone. They delivered a direct from master recording that has probably gone through a digital purification process to preserve the original analogue sound that end the end sounds incredible and as is about as close to perfection as you're ever going to get. That's just the reality of the process.

[@JimmyV1530]

Funny they haven't commented as of yet ?? They are just hurting their image for remaining silent...

[@firecatfly]

@@JimmyV1530 Hi Jim--you're right although I'm certain that there is a corporate copy-writer in the mix that is going through multiple rewrites so as to appease everyone involved up and down the corporate chain. But the longer they wait the more their image suffers.

[@agomodern]

@@firecatfly If they come back saying that they are all digital, why would their image suffer? How do we know it's not just a ploy to get more people in the game?

[@firecatfly]

@@agomodern Good point. You know I have an associate that only collects vinyl records prior to 1975. She says that is the true analogue vinyl experience.

[@agomodern]

@@firecatfly Oops. Meant to say the opposite. If they come back and say they are all analog, why would they suffer? lol

[@DougMcDave]

From what I read, they wore out the master of Bing Crosby's, "I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas." He recorded it again, in 1947.

[@MelindaMurphy]

I can see that. What a classic song. ♥️

[@BigCraig]

I agree with your opinion of the Madman Across the Water LP. As soon as I saw the plastic cover I hit the brakes on purchasing it. The front graphics they came up with would have been fine on an OBI strip, but not putting the album in a full cover is a major let down.

[@MelindaMurphy]

I agree. The plastic cover is just wrong. 😳

[@bobdarlington4634]

Greetings from England Melinda and thank you for summing up the current controversy re Mofi so succinctly and neatly. Obviously, as you point out, there have been a lot videos coming out over the past few days highlighting what is a possibly going on re analogue and digital to vinyl processes. They are from youtube sites and people that I respect and usually tune in to, however some of the videos last well over an hour and I simply don't have the time to spend watching them all. Your video will do just fine, thank you, and as you say, hopefully we'll have some definitive answers soon.

[@MelindaMurphy]

Thank you so much! I appreciate the kind words. Hopefully, Mobile Fidelity will make a statement soon. Take care.

[@bensellers7151]

I've never heard a better version of Brothers In Arms than the 2021 Rhino "Start Your Ear Off Right" LP release. Absolutely outstanding! I got it for a great price. So if anyone out there doesn't want to pay a MOFI price, this is an amazing alternative.

[@morellsmn]

Hey Ben, I will echo that sentiment with regard to the releases of Communique and the self-titled album that year as well. Rhino did a great job!

[@MelindaMurphy]

Thank you for sharing that. 🤗 Good to know!

[@robertdevoy3119]

I have many Rhino pressings. My experience is that Rhino makes lousy, noisy pressings and I will not buy anything that I know has been pressed by them. They may sound good sonically with louder music but if the music is soft the sound of the stylus tracing the groove can be very evident. They may be heavy pressings, but they are far from quiet, and they often have visual blemishes pressed into the vinyl, so they don't look pristine. This could be a problem years later when you may want to sell the record but can't rate it as highly as you would like.

[@VinylPro]

MOST TRUSTED INFLUENCER ON THE KZbin ! ALL IS FAIR AND CLEAR !

[@MelindaMurphy]

Wow! Thank you so much!

[@tturner12341]

I have to be honest with you. I won’t pay $125.00 for a record. Maybe a boxset but, not a single LP.

[@Texacate]

I'm with you Terry. No matter how good it sounds, $125 per title won't bring me 5x the joy of the $25 version I can buy locally.

[@tturner12341]

@@Texacate I buy a lot of music every month. I can’t afford their prices. Plus…I don’t like a lot of the music they release. How many versions of Thriller do I need? I usually play about $25 to $30 dollars for new releases. I bought Lizzo Special for $24.99 I think. I’m waiting on it right now. In this heat it might be a ashtray. Lol.

[@tikilord66]

Maybe for a very nice original of something I really want but not a remix, remastered, rewhatever I am sort of getting tired of these companies milking everything.

[@tturner12341]

@@tikilord66 especially for people like me who have been buying records for decades and decades.

[@MelindaMurphy]

I completely understand. I only buy the One Steps that are special to me.

[@BlueSky...]

I feel bad for folks like yourself Melinda that are such huge MoFi fans. Just grateful that Mike E. at the In Groove has done the vinyl community such a huge service for speaking out about this and flying out to meet with the engineers.

[@MelindaMurphy]

I'm very disappointed about the deception but I still like the records. I hope they can recover from this. I think it would be a good idea for them to address this situation further. A lot of people want an apology. Thank you and take care.

[@DarrellS54]

alot of those records that are Wal Mart and Target exclusives are being made in an automated plant in the Czech Republic that churns them out at rapid speed and the quality control is pretty slim at times. But I've seen super tight shrink wrapping on albums in record stores too. The record companies need to be more mindful of the bad packaging.

[@MelindaMurphy]

I agree. The pressing plants need to take pride in what they do. Thank you and take care.

[@recordgalaxy]

They are made from all over, my Queen the game silver vinyl was made in Canada

[@DarrellS54]

@@recordgalaxy That is true.

[@michaellourie4252]

Love your video. Great Job!!

[@MelindaMurphy]

Thank you so much!

[@vintagevinylvets1187]

We’ve never bought a MoFi record, new or used for that matter. Just could not justify the expense. As far as an “audiophile” pressing goes, we’ve never been disappointed with any record by Analog Productions-period. In our view, best bang for buck. Great video Melinda!🎧🙏🏻

[@MelindaMurphy]

I agree. Analog Productions is terrific. Thank you.

[@NehemiahRyan]

"It had the aftertaste of betrayal" Going to start using that line! 🤣🤣

[@MelindaMurphy]

Haha! Thank you! 🤗♥️

[@johnpatterson4272]

It was a big deal in the 80s and early 90s to purchase (and then listen) to one of your favourite albums which had been 'digitally remastered'. It was presented as an attractive 'reselling' feature (at a higher price) for older/heritage band catalogues that were completely 'analog' in their hay-day. It was sold as a much better sounding (ie: clearer, fuller, richer) tone and listening experience. Something supposedly missed in the original analog process. Fast forward to the 21st century and now those same heritage bands are selling their entire back-catalogues, copyrights, trademarks, master tapes and brands to corporations which (allegedly) offer big money over the 'very' long term to the artists estates. The 'digitalization' of these artists entire musical histories is part of a larger move towards 'streaming' ONLY formats. In essence the record buyer will no longer be able to own a tangible product in the future. It is expected fans and aficionados of popular music will simply pay a regular monthly streaming fee to temporarily enjoy the music they love. Good chocolate cake analogy.

[@MelindaMurphy]

I wasn't all that impressed when CD's first came out but the digital step that Mobile Fidelity has been using certainly fooled me. I think their record sound amazing. They finally issued an apology today. I hope people will take it to heart and move forward. I hope Mobile Fidelity recovers from this with a few lessons learned. Thank you and take care.

[@darinb.3273]

@@MelindaMurphy Hey Melinda, It wasn't even a problem until you found out as you stated in video that just shows the quality of digital sound. The main component in the whole process is the mixing/mastering engineer. A cold could affect his work, same as when you have a cold your hearing gets all messed up. No two engineers master EXACTLY the same way. Equipment differences can also effect how the final master sound presents itself. Studio speakers used in the mixing can affect the adjustments the engineer makes. It would blow your mind what engineers do to the raw recordings (that is) before they are processed. Here's a link to shows how a mastering engineer does to "fix" the raw sound. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nHi2hXh4rN2GmNE Enjoy.

[@franklinhankel6168]

I have not purchased a vinyl record since 1988, having been very pleased for the most part with CDs. I owned several of the early MF "Original Master Recording" lps and I was always under the impression that the high quality sound was a result of cutting at 1/2 speed, of course there was no digital transfer technology in those days, so that was not even an issue. I have come to believe that the mastering is the most important part of the process. When recordings are compressed, or dinked around with, they sound terrible. That, I think, accounts for a lot of the controversy. If you are a collector, I can understand all this fuss, but otherwise, if you are truly into pure sound accuracy, digital is better. There. I said it. Now everyone who loves vinyl will hate me. It's all personal to me, if you like it, that's what you go with. If a company is using digital sources and saying that they are original, that's not good, you should know exactly what you're getting when you're spending 10 times what the original record cost.

[@MelindaMurphy]

I completely respect the opinion and knowledge that you obviously have. I'm surprised there has been so much fighting here in the vinyl community. Some are in the digital camp and some are into pure analog. I'm just into getting a great sounding record. I think we all can agree that Mobile Fidelity should have at least let us know about the changes they had made in their process. In the end, I am still happy with the sound of their records. Thank you and I hope you're having a very good day. 🤗♥️

[@lindsaywebb1904]

Sad but true. Cutting vinyl from digital masters with the proper provenance will always best a pressing sourced from an ageing production tape all other things being equal.

[@mikeg2491]

@@lindsaywebb1904 i know a guy at the flea market with thousands of records and he says a lot of new vinyls sound great so don’t be afraid of buying them, the main reason to buy vinyl to me is for its analog character that will sound different just by virtue of its medium alone. Two duplicate 1s and 0s pressed onto an album and a CD will sound different.

[@lindsaywebb1904]

@@mikeg2491 I think we agree. A vinyl will have the sonic characteristic of vinyl. The difference in sound between a recording delivered on a vinyl and whatever digital format is only due to that characteristic, and not due to the transfer process from the recording - either digital or tape or some hybrid.

[@oldestgamer]

@@lindsaywebb1904 Nope, as long as the master is used and a good mastering engineer, the analog will sound better than the digital file from the same master.

[@ELPCOTILLION-SD1970]

That's Twice Today Hearing About Chocolate Cake...Now I Want Some...

[@MelindaMurphy]

Haha! Me too!

[@Vinylly_Found]

I am glad I never jumped on the mofi wagon. I would rather spend the big bucks on rare records. Are you sure its not just a placebo affect with those? Your story is an example of that. I am not an audiophile so its beyond me. Elton John Tumbleweed Connection is my favorite and for sure worth picking up. Thanks for the video. Cheers!

[@MsKalachakra]

Same here, I like punk so I don't care about audiophiles, spending money on rarities and keeping all my original classic rock vinyl. That banner on top of mofi vinyl scares me

[@zackamania6534]

Actually their records sound great. You miss out on some gems. Just cuz “Mike of the in groove” hasn’t confirmed his acquiring of the ancient knowledge and wisdom upon you/ you can still enjoy good sounding music. It’s not a cult.

[@gratefuldawgs2738]

Theirs a lot of placebo goin on.

[@MelindaMurphy]

The Mobile Fidelity records sound fantastic. I can definitely tell the difference in MoFi pressings. 🥰 Thank you and take care.

[@MsKalachakra]

@@MelindaMurphy I don't buy any Mofi but I don't like that company offering one thing and selling another altogether. You can't go wrong with transparency. It's not about what version sounds better it's about getting something unique even if digital sounds better.

[@whataboutrob442]

Digital sounds so good when done right anyways.

[@MelindaMurphy]

I agree. 🤗 Have a great week!

[@Apostrophe65]

The right choice isn't Mike. The right choice it the Better Business Bureau. Mike is only going to see what MOFI want's him to see. They're never going to show him how they mislead the consumer. The Mingus release was the one that made me wonder because from what I've been told the masters burned in a lot fire along with thousands of other masters in 2008.

[@xentakis]

The problem with that is the BBB doesn’t care, certainly not enough to inspect the facilities. Neither does the FTC.

[@MelindaMurphy]

I think Mike has enough knowledge to be able to know what to look for. I doubt that the BBB would have a clue. Lol. Hopefully, Mobile Fidelity will make a statement soon. Thank you and take care.

[@neilbruce4201]

Fascinating stuff. On holiday in States and bought couple of albums in Target. Will be interested to see how they look when I get them home to the UK. Not impressed with how vinyl is displayed by Target in-store. Very haphazard and you have to go up and down the fixture trying to see what individual albums cost, which isn't ideal.

[@MelindaMurphy]

I agree that they do not display their records very well. I don't have any complaints about their records though. I hope yours are great and you enjoy them. Happy travels. Take care.

[@zackamania6534]

This has become so tedious and ridiculous. I think this whole “analog” thing is silly. The fact that people are waiting on some guy to visit a record company’s office and emerge with the “ancient wisdom” is so goofy. MFSL records are and always have been COLLECTIBLES. I started buying them in 2012 just cause they were cool and had neat ephemera. This was before they went sky high in price. This has nothing to do with this particular video maker’s channel, her comments or her individual videos. These record channels show up in your feed and this has been a topic on all of them.

[@agomodern]

All sounds silly to me as well.

[@MelindaMurphy]

I understand that not everybody cares about this. I am curious to hear from Mobile Fidelity. I probably won't quit buying their records but I do think I have a right to know what I'm buying. Thank you and take care.

[@zackamania6534]

@@MelindaMurphy I totally get it. I buy them cuz they are cool and the old ones from the 70s and 80s have the cool inserts. I was able to get most of the older ones before 2017, so I didn’t pay these prices. Now, the newer stuff is very expensive. So it has to be good. But this whole thing where people are waiting on what “Mike says” is silly. ✊🏼💙

[@jamesthomastomanders]

I have some experience buying from Target and I have received most of them in regular record shipping boxes, and a few in big boxes, it’s my belief that that ones in the big boxes pulled directly from stores instead of distribution centers and could explain the bends, not the way it was wrapped, like you said they don’t have their own pressing plant so wrapping and cleanliness shouldn’t be different than any records you buy from other retailers including independent records stores, the only difference is exclusive colors and hype stickers

[@MelindaMurphy]

I'm glad you have had a better experience. Putting a record in a bag is crazy. Lol. Thank you and have a great weekend.

[@FrankieLovesElvis]

Hi Melinda, I’m curious about the “Van Halen” pre-orders. When will these be available ?? Is there a site where I can look at these ?? I’m assuming there the original 6 pack r with Diamond…Thanks and Take care.

[@Sckott01]

Hi, not Melinda, but MusicDirect has all titles for preorder. Note, there is no solid date they will start producing or shipping them out, they're in the middle of setting up a dedicated pressing plant.

[@FrankieLovesElvis]

@@Sckott01 Thanks so much Scott. Appreciate the time you took out to reply.

[@dawnpatrol700]

There's a guy on KZbin that opens his box set on video and shows everything

[@FrankieLovesElvis]

What about this label called, VPI ??? They have been producing these very limited copies of re-imagined Elvis Presley records and pressed on coloured vinyl. I’m not Down on colored vinyl and these very stale digital sources they claim are better than Sony/FTD or Legacy.

[@josephfrager9325]

@@dawnpatrol700 yes I saw the video. I don’t remember if it was him or someone else saying the Van Halen box set isn’t worth it unless you wanna collect the laminated backstage passes that come with each album

[@Jeffnham]

I recently picked up the Queen WalMart ANATO also! Black Sabbath was played at too many parties! But my issue with WalMart, is at the stores, the titles are all scattered willy nilly thru the bins. They are not organized! Also, they are packed in the bins so tight you have to be careful not to bend or break them when searching thru the bins! I've never bought anything from Target, so no opinion on that.

[@MelindaMurphy]

I agree that Walmart and Target need a better way to display the records for sale at their stores. The Walmart racks are too narrow and the records are packed way too tight. Thank you.

[@kgeo753]

Recently, I also received a record from Target that was shipped in a box big enough to fit a beach ball. It was of course damaged. They gave me a full refund and let me keep the record but I’d rather have paid for it and had it shipped properly. I’ve seen others voicing the same complaint about Target.

[@MelindaMurphy]

Maybe I should have called and complained.🤔 Lol. I'm glad you got a refund. I hope they learn to properly package their records soon. It's sad to see all of these damaged records. Thank you and take care.

[@l.t.w8985]

I get a lot of free records from Target now because of the mistakes. Not just what you're talking about but actual defects in the 180 g brand new vinyl. The latest was Alan Parsons new album and I was absolutely surprised but that was Walmart. They have nothing to do with the pressing but it's the point of the whole thing and didn't have to send it back and I got my money back. If we do that more and more and we get to keep the records and get a refund because it's not up to what it is supposed to be then maybe record labels will take notice. I don't know because Frontiers is the worst and I have emailed them and they don't care. I've taken photos. I sent Dennis. DeYoung Volume 2 back last year and got my money back. It was warped and sounded terrible and there was no reason for me to even keep it so I did return it to the store Target

[@kerrymongan2202]

I think I am lucky at 78yrs old (still playing the drums) to be able to buy LPs again like the old days.

[@MelindaMurphy]

Very cool! Playing the drums probably keeps you in shape and healthy. 😀

[@johnmills2134]

I think as vinyl continues to make its deserved comeback there will be more voices out there to critique the whole evolving landscape and keep things in check. It will be interesting to hear a follow up on the MJ pressing issue.

[@MelindaMurphy]

I sure hope they do a great job with Thriller. Their reputation is on the line. Thank you and take care.

[@twofromthetrunk9932]

I always believed that you should buy the best sounding Al bum you can afford. As always enjoyed your take on things.

[@MelindaMurphy]

I agree completely! Thank you so much!

[@CuyaAlberto]

What a great post, Melinda. And, indeed, this is a blow to all the snobby people who looked down their noses at those who collect digital source vinyl, assuming that these expensive vinyls are only from analog sources. But what's worse is that MoFI apparently sold their records at exorbitant prices for many years, just to admit nowadays that their sources are also digital. And about the discs released by Target and Walmart, I can say that there are differences. I admit that I love the Target records because many of them are pressed in Germany and sound really great. I haven't had the same luck with the Walmart ones, which are pressed in Canada or Czech Republic.

[@MelindaMurphy]

I have had good luck with Walmart and mostly good luck with Target. Mobile Fidelity has issued an apology so hopefully we can all move forward now. Thank you and take care.

[@jeremymiller3800]

What I do with picture disc's that are in thick plastic is I take a mobile fidelity inner sleeve and cut it to fit the inside of the cover they give you. Elton John album.

[@MelindaMurphy]

I did that too. I didn't want to leave my record in that terrible plastic. Thank you and take care.

[@harleymilo1]

Hi Melinda, I respect everyone’s opinion on the Mobile Fidelity sourcing of their pressings. I do think that they should be transparent on the source of their records. Your opinion to me is right on. With that being said so many are up in arms about it they have to ask themselves does the record sound great and if they say yes who cares where they source the recording. Love your channel and your stories. Your always spot on! I’m also a huge Van Halen fan and always looking for anything from them. Keep up the get

[@MelindaMurphy]

Thank you for the kind compliment. I will continue to buy Mobile Fidelity records but I wish they had been more transparent. Can Halen rocks!!!! Take care.

[@elvisway1]

Buy some empty vinyl jackets from Amazon and put Madman in it. I know you've probably heard this before but just thought I would put my two cents in! Keep up the great videos! Correction, those jackets are not available any more. Get plain jackets from Amazon and take one to Hobby Lobby and they will cut the hole to the size you need!

[@MelindaMurphy]

Thank you for the suggestion. I may have to do that. 🤗 Have a great day.

[@garyc39]

I love money for nothing the way the music slowly rises to a crescendo and Mark Knopflers great guitar riff comes in.Greatest guitar player ever in my opinion.

[@MelindaMurphy]

I agree. It was my favorite song when it came out. ♥️

[@tableseven8133]

As for the show album package. Get a good paperboard sleeve from either another record you don't care about or a plain one if they exist, or make one and then attach the carrier of the E J record to the outside with out the plastic. One thing I agree on is the good vinyl if done right sounds great, but a 7.5 or 3.75 IPS reel to reel would be even better, however there is a huge problem with both.The wear on the tape and vinyl and possible scratches on the vinyl too, as well as getting tape near a magnet source and erasing it.. I'd buy a great analog copy first, and then copy it to a CD with careful wav computer recorder, being sure not to overload the recording, then burn it to a CD and keep the file on a computer hard drive.

[@MelindaMurphy]

Thank you for the suggestions. That is a great way to preserve music. Take care.

[@themaven4054]

It’s not just Walmart that packaged Elton Johns Madman that way. Elton’s own store webpage has it packaged that way as do other online retailers.

[@MelindaMurphy]

Sorry Walmart! This is Elton's fault. 🤗

[@ralfwalter3923]

I really love that even when you have something negative to share you make sure there are positives. People like you tempt me from being a VC lurker and starting some more conversation (I'm camera shy lol). Thank you!

[@MelindaMurphy]

Thank you so much. In the end, this is a hobby that's supposed to be fun. I don't take any of it too seriously. Take care.

[@timholt9948]

So it's nice to know this just in case I do. Thanks Melinda.

[@MelindaMurphy]

Thank you!

[@timholt9948]

@@MelindaMurphy yo welcome

[@robertberger3967]

Money for Nothing: when that came out, I was working at an Appliance chain. I really related to it.

[@MelindaMurphy]

Haha! I bet! 😃

[@vikingbrace]

Like I’ve told you in the past, you are someone who’s opinion I respect and my first “Vinyl expert” I ever started watching. You’re always going to be my go to guy (woman) for vinyl expertise so I was curious about your take on this whole MoFi and one step controversy. Especially considering you buy a good amount of these. I love your chocolate cake analogy. I don’t have many Walmart albums but what I do have sounds fine. I buy mostly from record stores because I try to get used copies in good condition but obviously I buy new too. So many great reissues that it just makes sense buying them instead of trying to find an og in mint condition. Although occasionally I’ll find one of those 60’s era London label Stones in good shape and that will get me so excited to keep digging! Another great episode. Thanks for the information Melinda. Have a great week 😊

[@MelindaMurphy]

Thank you so much for being so kind to me. 🤗♥️ Those Rolling Stones records are usually trashed but every once in a while I too stumble on a clean copy. 🤩 That makes it all worth it. Have a great night.

[@chrismcgovern1647]

11:49 "Spicks and Specks" must have been the inspiration for "Cups and Cakes"

[@MelindaMurphy]

I really like that song. Massachusetts is great too. 🤗

[@nothingimportant4504]

Always insightful Melinda!

[@MelindaMurphy]

Thank you!

[@8068]

MOFI did use the original first-generation master tape(s) for limited runs of up to 25,000 pressings on their late 1970's through 1980's releases. This would only require five (5) sets of lacquer masters per side which would only put five (5) additional playbacks on each precious first-generation master tape (five playbacks of reel one for side 1 and five playbacks of reel two for side 2). MOFI insisted that JVC Japan (who was pressing all MOFI vinyl at the time) not create any 'mothers' (intermediate transfers of the lacquer master) but create the actual stampers from the lacquer master (which ultimately destroyed the lacquer master). Each stamper had a life expectancy of about 5,000 copies before it worn out. After all 25,000 copies were sold that was it - MOFI wouldn't press anymore. Now MOFI does what everyone else does which is transfer the first-generation tape to Direct Stream Digital (DSD 512). The DSD512 files are then used to drive the Neumann lathe that cuts the vinyl lacquer masters. The DSD files are also used to create the SACD master and CD 'Red Book' master. With a DSD file you can cut as many vinyl lacquer masters as you want without putting any additional stress on the precious first-generation master tape.

[@MelindaMurphy]

That's great information. I sure wish they would have shared that with the consumers. There wouldn't be near the backlash as there is right now. The vinyl they used back in the day was phenomenal. Thank you and take care.

[@DelmarToad]

Hey Melinda great video as always! Did you hear about that interview with Mobile Fidelity? It turns out the vinyl is mastered from DSD. I feel like Charleton Heston at the end of Soylent Green! They’re making our vinyl out of digital!!!!

[@MelindaMurphy]

Sadly, I did hear that. The records sound amazing but I wish they had been honest with us. Thank you and take care.

[@davidhawthorne1757]

Thank you for sorting out the fake news, it is high time to make recordings great again!

[@MelindaMurphy]

Thank you so much! 🤗♥️

[@SQDLVR]

Absolutely correct Melinda! Agree with you 100% One thing I hate about my Target, they will put the album out in the racks and then when you go to pay for it, they say oh it's not on our system and we're not suppose to sell it until such and such a date (release date).. How infuriating is that? Then why put it out when it's not for sale. Then when you go back on the date, it's not out and you have to ask for it and they have to get it in the back. No, not good at all. I put in a complaint at my Target. Also at our Walmart they put a whole lot of albums against each other crammed in the racks that when you look, the albums fall to the ground...ok off my soap box . Keep them videos comin' girl. I love them and find them informative. Yep support your local indie store!

[@MelindaMurphy]

I agree! Target and Walmart need to do better with their displays as well. How crazy!

[@muirart1]

keep going lady love your music knowledge best wishes from the uk

[@MelindaMurphy]

Thank you so much!

[@biffboffo]

I'm a giant music fan, but so relieved I'm not an audiophile. I'm so happy to be stuck in the past with my old school pressings (some of which are MoFi).

[@MelindaMurphy]

Another reason to buy original pressings. ♥️

[@martinrangel7979]

Can’t wait for the VH records to come out

[@MelindaMurphy]

I'm still excited for those as well.😍

[@theflipside-vinylcommunity]

I am also looking forward to the resolution

[@audiophileman7047]

Cheers Melinda, This MoFi quality production issue is probably the biggest deal since the resurgence of audiophile vinyl records. From the very first day I posted a comment to one of your videos, you saw the following word in my screen name: "Audiophile". I did not choose that word lightly. I have recordings of music dating back to the early 1900's (well over 100 years old) and to the present day. I've heard just about every music format you can imagine and have very fine hearing. I have never ever heard anything that sounded better than an analogue recording. Whether it's a cylinder recording from 100 years ago or an AP/QRP record cut from the original master tapes, the sound is natural, vibrant, fluid, and more present than any digital recording I've ever heard. It is important to remember that sound and especially music are naturally analogue. No, I will not accept a vinyl record that is made from digital elements unless it was first digitally recorded. What MoFi has done is suggest that you are getting something like an AP/QRP vinyl record when you're not. For pure audiophiles like me, I was cheated if they used digital elements, because I would have never bought the record if I had known it was digital. Thankfully, my last MoFi purchase was the Miles Kind of Blue 45 rpm box which may have digital elements. It never really sounded that good to me, so it must be digital. To be honest with you, I don't have a lot of confidence in what MoFi will show and tell Mike. They put him off for two weeks while they get ready to stage a visit for him. I really don't trust them, because this is all about the money to them. I've bought a few WalMart vinyl releases, but I'm really not a big fan of them, since they often don't have anything I'm looking for. Of all the records you showed, that Black Sabbath compilation is a winner. I remember buying that double album set used back in the analogue days for something like 50 cents. The records were about VG+, but the cover was more like VG. I still have it. As a kid, I specifically remember the vampire or ghoulish woman in the coffin on the inside of the gatefold. It's an excellent compilation and worth picking up even at a Walmart. 👍👍👍

[@MelindaMurphy]

I'm very disappointed with Mobile Fidelity. I still like their records but I wish they had been more honest. Thank goodness for Analog Productions. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Take care.

[@audiophileman7047]

@@MelindaMurphy Those thoughts were before Mike released his interview with MoFi today. I read comments. It's clear that MoFi deceived the vinyl records buying public. Not only that, people are angry that they were charged premium prices for what they thought were fully analogue and weren't worth what they were charged. People are dismayed that their newer MoFi records are falling in value. I wouldn't be surprised if there is a class action suit over this. What you received, Melinda were recordings that you could hear just as well with a Hi Res Digital File. Why not just buy the Hi Res Digital recordings and save your money? I'm hearing a lot of denial out there over this, and that really doesn't further the hobby.

[@jaytimgren9676]

Speaking of MJ, I suggest checking out Square One if you want to hear the counterpoints to Finding Neverland.

[@MelindaMurphy]

I definitely need to check it out. Thank you so much for the suggestion.

[@chuck5124]

19:03 Melinda, your video just popped up after I was listening to a couple songs on KZbin. Very good observations you make on vinyl/digital recordings. IMHO the engineer that does the mixing is critical. I remember getting numerous CD s from the big music clubs when vinyl fell out of favor to CDs. There were complete sections of music missing from the originals(muted drums or guitars etc). Ripping, compressing, and cranking out large quantities was a big problem. I will have to say that a good DAC, possibly a reclocker as well can enable folks to hear things from their old CDs they never heard before. I love both vinyl and CD formats. MFSL is some good stuff, but expensive.

[@MelindaMurphy]

I agree, the engineer is crucial. ♥️ It's still hard to believe that vinyl is back in such a big way. I still have CD's and enjoy them but I never stopped loving vinyl. Thank you and enjoy your weekend.

[@chuck5124]

@@MelindaMurphy thank you for your reply. Just watched your top 25 albums. I have 65% of that list. But, Innocent Man is a great song. Great lyrics and soul in Billy’s voice. One nugget (among others) I’m going to look for is the ‘62 album from Bill Evans, ‘Waltz for Laura’. Like many of your subscribers, I share your passion for good music, well recorded, and played back on a system that does iit Justice! For such a vast and diverse form of art, I’m surprised more folks don’t seek to experience it in a purer form. I guess that’s part of the beauty of it as well. I was thinking of Who’s Next album just a couple days. My first concert in November ‘74, The Who in Memphis. You do a great job!

[@MelindaMurphy]

@@chuck5124 it's Waltz For Debbie. The Original Jazz Classics label is about to reissue it in July. You can preorder it on Amazon or from Craft Recordings. It should be a pretty solid copy. 😃 Take care.

[@chuck5124]

@@MelindaMurphy Many thanks for the heads-up on ‘Waltz’

[@josephfrager9325]

I have the Black Sabbath one on cd. Don’t know anything about mobile fidelity will have to study that topic. Not a huge fan of colored records but love the colors of the Elton John record

[@MelindaMurphy]

The Elton John record is very pretty. Thank you and take care.

[@thomasrobinson182]

Elton John's 'Don't Shoot Me...' is also an exceptional record.

[@MelindaMurphy]

I agree! I do have that one now. Thank you.

[@drummer083]

"Aftertaste of Betrayal". That would be a fantastic name for a band! 😂

[@MelindaMurphy]

Haha! It would be a very interesting name. 🤗

[@gbanger2575]

My partner and I have that black sabbath album on original pressing and it is indeed thrashed. My partner found it in a second hand shop about 25 years ago already thrashed but it was cheap. Another record I found that this rule applies to is The Cars greatest hits. Great video and great content. You bring up a lot of interesting points, here. Walmart versions are not easily accessible here in Australia because we don't have those stores here, and Target here do not stock vinyl. Importing them from the US is prohibitively expensive hence why we never see them here. Keep up the good work!

[@MelindaMurphy]

I am truly blessed to have the selections that I have here in the US. I wish you had easier access to them as well. I'm so glad to finally have a clean version of Black Sabbath. I have wanted that record for a long time. Thank you and take care.

[@philsalter8006]

It's Universal that put Madman in that horrible cover. It's sold like that in independent stores here in the UK too so not Wal-Mart's fault!! Love the channel

[@MelindaMurphy]

I'm sorry that I blamed Walmart. I thought it was one of their exclusives. Shame on Universal. I hope this trend ends soon. Thank you and take care.

[@seand67]

Great video. I feel bad for all of the people who paid a LOT of money for those Mobile Fidelity LPs. Now all of them have a huge question mark attached.

[@MelindaMurphy]

I have several of them and I will still enjoy listening to them. We will see what happens with the value. It will be interesting to see what happens. 😀

[@marichensmusic]

I 100% agree with you in regards to the Mobile Fidelity drama! They’re some of the best sounding records I own, if they lied about the source, that sucks. But at the end of the day the records sound great and that’s all I care about. I preordered the Thriller 1 step and SACD and I won’t be canceling it either! Targets packaging is horrendous! I’ve always gotten a record in a box way too big and they always come damaged! I will hardly ever buy from Target online. I usually always buy them in store! Yes! So glad you got A Night At The Opera! That pressing is gorgeous and the copy I have sounds fantastic! Jared has the Black Sabbath record, we have a hard time finding OG Black Sabbath albums too! They’re always beat up! Oh yay! Glad to see you picked up Madman Across The Water! When I went to clean my copy I had to get scissors to cut that plastic because it was sticking to the record! I ended up using a plain white jacket and using that insert, just put them together in an inner sleeve and so far so good!

[@MelindaMurphy]

It's frustrating that we don't have a proper cover for this beautiful Elton John record. 😯 The blue Queen album is gorgeous! I had to buy it. I'm disappointed with Mobile Fidelity but I'm still a customer. I will be curious to hear the Michael Jackson One Step. I can't wait to hear about your St Louis trip. 😀 Thank you and take care.

[@vinylrules4838]

Hi Melinda, Being an Elton John fan myself, Don't Shoot Me I'm only the Piano Player is a must own lp. That was my first introduction to Elton John. So many great songs on that lp. I loved going to my grandparents house as a child since my dad's youngest sister was in high school. We would go to the family room in the basement and she would play all these great lps and 45's. Wonderful memories! Keep up the great videos. 🙂

[@MelindaMurphy]

I forgot about that album. I love it too. ♥️ Someone Saved My Life Tonight is my favorite Elton song. Thank you and take care.

[@Louisejames23]

Great video Melinda, I collect Elton John vinyl & I bought the Madman coloured vinyl (direct from Universal/Elton John store) & it arrived with a split in the PVC sleeve down the right hand side so the vinyl poked out…. Pretty awful packaging for a “premium” product! Love that Queen vinyl but Walmart won’t ship to the UK ! 🤷‍♀️🤦‍♀️

[@MelindaMurphy]

The plastic has to go. What a terrible idea. Thank you and take care. 😀

[@66doodz]

I’ve upgraded my digital front end to the point that I listen to vinyl rarely. Now that I see guys with $100,000 thinking that they were listening to all analogue recordings when they weren’t, and didn’t know the difference, it makes me more likely to get rid of my vinyl collection.

[@MelindaMurphy]

I'm sorry to hear that. It's a shame that this whole MoFi thing happened. Their records do sound incredible but they do have a digital step in the process. They fooled me.🤗 You could potentially make a lot of money by selling your collection. Thank you and take care.

[@beatmet2355]

I have a Hard Days Night MFSL from 1987. It says at the bottom of the back cover says it was sourced from the original stereo master tape.

[@MelindaMurphy]

Back in that time, they were pure analog. 🤗

[@franciscoovalle4853]

I really enjoyed your video and I understand the concern about Walmart and Target... But one of my favorite albums I found at Walmart the live record edition of ACDC from like 1992 I've never seen it again and I don't even think it was $30..

[@MelindaMurphy]

Walmart and Target do put out very cool exclusives. I would love to see them make some adjustments to make the experience better for their customers. Thank you and take care.

[@ThatVinylChannel]

My Walmart Madman Across The Water like the one you have, the B-side was pressed off-center. Audible about 3/4 of the way in. I replaced it and the replacement had the same problem. Ugggh.

[@MelindaMurphy]

That's frustrating. 😕 I hope you find a good copy soon. Thank you and have a great weekend.

[@nicktherecordlover1969]

Hi Melinda! Hope you and your family had a Happy and safe Thanksgiving! Very good video. Always enjoy your commentaries. I have very few Mobile Fidelity LPs. I have "Sticky Fingers" by The Stones, "Magical Mystery Tour", and "Jazz Impressions of Black Orpheus" by The Vince Guaraldi Trio, and now that I just thought of it, "Sundown" by Gordon Lightfoot. They sound nice, and I'm glad on another video you did about Mobile Fidelity, you gave the "Magical Mystery Tour" one some praise as some don't care for it. I like it and I was lucky to get for around $30.00. What is your opinion on the Super Disk releases of early albums? I have "Who Are You" on Super Disk (not expensive at all), and it's like night and day between that and the stock copy. The clarity of the instruments and vocals is..well, if you can find one, let me know what you think. I won't spoil it for you. 😊Keep up the good work, and thank you for sharing your time, knowledge, and kindness.

[@MelindaMurphy]

The MoFi version of Magical Mystery Tour is not as bad as other people say. It sounds decent to me. ♥️ I now have a German version that I do think is better but that doesn't mean that the MoFi is bad at all. I don't think I own any Super Disk records. I would be curious to hear one. Thank you for the suggestion. Take care. 🤗

[@beatlejeb]

Hi Melinda. Overall, I’m a fan of MFSL; however, this isn’t the first time their products were met with controversy. I had purchased the MFSL "Original Master Recordings" box set of Beatles albums when it was first released in the early 1980’s. If you closely examine the photos of the EMI tape box labels that appear on the inner sleeves, it becomes painfully obvious that the EMI sub-master was used for some of the albums rather than the original master tapes. And of course, their Magical Mystery Tour album is a complete disaster since they used Capitol’s fake stereo tapes rather than tracking down the true stereo masters from EMI. For the most part, I like the way they sound but Andrew from Parlogram Auctions was not so kind in his review.

[@MelindaMurphy]

I like the Mobile Fidelity Revolver very much. I think it sounds great. I wish Mobile Fidelity had been more honest but I will continue to buy their records. I think they sound really good - especially in recent years. Thank you and take care