Remixed BEATLES Revolver, not 100% sure about this one...

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

There's an Audiophiliac/Steve Guttenberg imposter scamming my viewers, There’s no FREE gifts. DON’T respond! I don't do giveaways or ask for money (except for my Patreon).

[@leonrammler731]

why didnt you tell me earlier? i lost a lot!!!!!!!!!!!! HOW COUL YOU LET THAT HAPPEN?

[@greg1030]

Speaking of Revolver and all prior Beatles albums, PLEASE tell me which speaker (s) and which amp (s) makes those recordings sound their best to your ears. But only for the CD versions; been long done with vinyl.

[@maxhirsch7035]

Glad to hear of the love for MMT. A lot of Beatles fans and music critics seem to think little of the album, regarding it simply as a soundtrack project- but as a standalone album, half the songs are stone-cold classics IMO, and the other half are strong as well. And yes, it's more consistently psychedelic than Sgt Peppers.

[@Jimmy1982Playlists]

Absolutely in agreement... _Magical Mystery Tour_ is magnificent!

[@stitchgrimly6167]

The next remix should be a 12-disc MMT/YS super duper deluxe with all the leftover sessions from Nov '66 through Feb '68. Complete with Carnival of Light and restored Blu-ray of both films complete with outtakes, deleted scenes and bloopers, and all the recorded footage from the All You Need Is Love shoot, plus whatever other crazy shit is out there (maybe include the film from the Day In The Life orchestral session?). Alternate versions of Baby You're A Rich Man, It's All Too Much, Hey Bulldog, Blue Jay Way and All Together Now would be awesome too. AND we need the full version of Flying! Not to mention all the home demo recordings from the era, which are my favourite thing about these releases. You know those solo John demos of Strawberry Fields, Yellow Submarine & She Said She Said et al? Imagine that but for All You Need Is Love, Rich Man or Walrus? Holy shit.

[@RUfromthe40s]

i really heard the reverse ,always refering to rubber sould and revolver as their second coming in music style, how they got a more evolved way of playing

[@RUfromthe40s]

@@Jimmy1982Playlists i remenber being in London and founding a litle book with maybe 3 singles and photos and cartoons as being the O.S.T of magical mystery tour, now there is a album in cd , i sold it for a lot of money in the 90´s ,this because i wouldn´t sell it but a big fan of the Beatles increased is offer so many times that i said yes

[@craigphillips6308]

This new remix has only given me a deeper appreciation for George Martins original mono mix. It is flawless ( and the bass isn’t mixed to loud).

[@sebastianbattaglia6330]

The bass was their secret weapon in Revolver..in TAXMAN is brillant or She said she said

[@RUfromthe40s]

@@sebastianbattaglia6330 i think the same of it because i heard a cd and some parts of the music get a lower volume than the mono version, when i started to have a receiver from pioneer was still in mono and with two speakers the sound in my room was like it came from everywhere , the speakers one could look at them but the sound seemed more surrounding, either than the Abbey road i only started to listen to the Beatles in stereo when the red and blue doble Lp´s came out and at the time seemed not that good but today it sounds better than any cd ,the revolver album was re-re-re-re-released with a new "improved" sound but the Lp always sounded perfect to me i even bought later the stereo version because it´s for me one of their best albums

[@Bootlegger1892]

Yep, it’s certainly the star of the show

[@jeffstuart6420]

Another very comprehensive, enjoyable and informative presentation, as usual. Very well done. Your Beatles reviews are always top notch-i.e. bitchin', cherry, etc. Revolver has always been one of my top 3 favs. Thank you (56 YEARS-😳 Has it really been that long? Blink of an eye.) Keep on, keepin' on, amigo.

[@davidadamW]

What a coherent analysis. Well done Steve.

[@rhorto01]

The original stereo mixes were afterthoughts with little input from the band. The mono mixes were the focus at the time. As a result I have less issue with hearing a new mix following more current standards for stereo mixes. I also have zero issue with the use of high quality hi-res digital masters. There is an 11 LP box set of the Alan Parsons Project albums done with half speed mastering coming out in November, all of which will use high-res digital masters, and I'm betting will sound amazing. Thanks for the review! It feels like the 28th will never get here!

[@johnc9958]

I'd happily take the unlimited, uncompressed hirez digital master used for LP cutting. No need for the intervening LP stage unless it's true AAA IMO.

[@Lukronius]

I find it hard to believe that certain Alan Parsons Project albums can even benefit much from new technology. They are often so close to perfection that I would be astonished if new versions are really imperceptibly different from the original, or the new mixes actually make things worse. I look forward to finding out I’m wrong, though. That would be truly incredible!

[@rhorto01]

@@Lukronius I agree. The originals were so well done it would be odd if there could even be a big improvement. I don't think there will be any new mixes, but sometimes it is hard to tell. On the Ammonia Avenue anniversary box set it certainly does sound like a new mix on the song "One Good Reason" off of the 45RPM LP, but I can't find anything confirming that.

[@jtmichaelson]

These remixes are the absolute greatest things since I first discovered the Beatles in 1977 at the age of 9 years old. And from my understanding, these remixes are what John Lennon wanted back when he heard the original stereo mixes, hating them so much and wanting them to be remixed. At least, for you, these are not the definitive versions and those remasters will always be available. But these are amazing in every way

[@seansrecords]

definitely ... the original stereo is so quirky ... but still really listenable ... plus you cannot listen to tomorrow never knows in anything other than stereo IMO

[@neilfisher7999]

Thanks Steve! Like you, the Beatles really were the first band that got me interested in music then later into hifi gear. My older brother is a huge Beatles fan, and as a child I would play his 45's on the old console stereo and sing along. Later on as a teen I got into hifi equipment and have pretty much ever since had a system. Looking forward to this new mix to see how it compares to the original.

[@WheeledandWellArmed]

"REVOLVER" was my first CD. The Army PX didn't have a great CD selection in 1987 but this one.

[@tonykazz2779]

223K , hmm, you might be the most important Audiophile in Circulation ! Congradulations, Tony in Florida

[@AudiophileGuy1066]

Excellent historical review of what is surely one of the most iconic groups to ever play a note. I'm not usually to high on remixes and my remastered copy of Revolver is still in the shrink wrap. lol. Your video reminds me that I need to get into it. Great vid, thanks for posting.

[@billirby2541]

Steve, as a fellow substantially mature individual as well as an old school HiFi nut, I love your work!

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Thanks Bill!

[@rolandbogush2594]

Thanks for such a thought provoking review, Steve. Although I have yet to receive the new version, I share your hesitancy, because in my experience (and I grew up in the 1960s listening to the Beatles in real time, as it were), the Beatles never sounded like Giles Martin makes them sound. I used to hear the Beatles in mono on a Dansette record player (the Crossley of the era) and the sound had a sort of raw, exciting, immediacy to it. I am sure what Giles Martin has produced brings out many nuances and subtleties that were completely lost by the recording technology of the 1960s and as you say, in every way the latest version is 'better', but my question is, 'is it authentic?' Of course, I am looking forward to hearing it!

[@RUfromthe40s]

i have a similar opinion and had the luck of having since i was 12 a pioneer receiver in mono ,with two speakers and the turntable had a very good sound already with diamond tip stylus and i always took care of my records ,normally i avoided to listen to my new Lp´s recording them to a high-end grundig reel to reel deck, this thinking that later i would have a more modern system and wanting to preserve my vinil records, today the sound just perfect, i compared with a friend of mine my 74 turntable with original cartridge ,the pc-30 from pioneer and it sounded the same as a project turntable that costed 1.000€ or around it with 2m ortofon red and using the same amplifier and speakers the sound was for my surprise so close that we couldn´t say wich was better ,more like the same sound for my surprise

[@davidschecter5247]

I love the remixes. The stereo allows you to hear the songs as a "whole" better than the previous versions, whose separation called attention to individual instruments due to the spacing. I'm glad we still have the originals, but these new versions make the album sound really fresh to me. And I love the bonus tracks more than on any other Beatles release. As far as MAGICAL MYSTERY TOUR is concerned, I consider it every bit as classic as ABBEY ROAD, REVOLVER, RUBBER SOUL, THE WHITE ALBUM, PEPPER, etc. Really enjoyed your video! Time to subscribe to you!

[@RUfromthe40s]

the conversion to stereo killed the soul on Beatles music a four track recording making sound lower in volume some part of the songs

[@judmcc]

Remember, at the time, almost everyone playing Beatle records were teenagers playing it on a low-quality mono record player, or hearing it on AM radio. The mixing and EQ was done with that in mind.

[@garyalexander5686]

Ringo's drumming on "Rain" is amazing. Way back when it took me a few listens to appreciate what he was doing.

[@RUfromthe40s]

one of the main diferencies i notice from the Lp´s to cds is the drums sounding fake, there are rythms that are complex not dificult to play but well composed in their simplicity and one can`t notice them on the cds released , they should release a total analog recording of the beatles albums ,this to give one oportunity of younger generations to listen how really the beatles sounded

[@steves1422]

I'm 68 years old. I was 12 when Revolver was released. It was the 1st LP I ever bought. I bought The Doors 1st album along with it. In the four minutes you explain in much better words that mine what I was trying to tell a friend about my initial feelings of the new release. I agree with all of your other points as well. Enjoyed your whole video.

[@CrazyCloudZen]

Just pre-ordered....thanks for the heads up, Steve! Audiophile and diehard Beatles fan here. I was incredibly impressed with the 2009 remasters.

[@jeffreeves1262]

Thank you Steve for a brilliant discussion of the music of my time the 1960’s-1970’s and will write when my new copy arrives

[@tonykazz2779]

Integrity and resonance show up in subscription numbers. I thought that you and Tyll were men of high integrity when I met you at RMAF 2011. I admired JA's integrity since his days at HFN&RR Having a. wide range of things to say and the ability to say them are the leading qualities, I think. You always do nice work. Thank you for being there for us. Tony in Florida

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

thanks Tony!

[@vicbertfartingclack4559]

I love the Giles Martin remix projects. I’ve embraced everyone of them happily. But Revolver is my favourite album of all time and thus, favourite Beatles album. The way you described your first listen reaction was the same as mine. It will take a bit of getting used to. Lot of new sonic discoveries in this, but it sounds like a different, thinner Revolver so far - not “my” Revolver - at least not yet. I feel that most with the new mix of She Said She Said.

[@strathman7501]

Agree strongly about She Said She Said, which somehow lacks the edge and energy of the original. It feels blurred, almost slowed down - even though it isn't. Otherwise I think the remixes are successful.

[@Trv85]

It’s the one I was most looking forward to hearing and it’s the one I have the most problems with. The balance of guitars sounds off somehow. Others on the album are brilliant though.

[@tygertyger8597]

Great info on this new Revolver. I'm looking forward to get this new mix. btw: great to see Eraserhead in the background there. 👍

[@romankoschar9041]

Hey Steve, I think there is something to the idea of "how the artist intended", however the thing with that is that we don't ever really know. Because even if its the same mix, it doesn't sound the same on every system. And I'm sure they would approve of a way to get more details out of the music. Great video as always, love your channel :)

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

"They," Ringo and Paul did approve the new mix, they still control the sound of their music.

[@romankoschar9041]

​@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac Sorry for shortening the above comment to a nonsensical statement: I mentioned your point in a previous version of the comment, namely that the new mix was approved by the remaining 50% of The Beatles. Got me there Steve. The point I was trying to make is that even if the artist has control over a mix its not going to sound the same on every system, which to me raises the question what part of the sound we are taking control of if we as artists take control of a mix? I would argue that we take control of the sound signature. During reproduction that remains roughly the same, but also varies from system to system, in some cases extremely. Every system strays a bit from the truth, away from "As the artist intended". If we wanted to hear it how the band hears it we would have to replicate the monitoring section of their studio at home. The main thing is that we as listeners like what we hear. Let me close with a personal listening experience that illustrates this. I recently replaced my CD player with a Rega Planet 2000. I put on a recording that I did not particularly like -soundwise-. It was The Piper At The Gates Of Dawn by the Pink Floyd. As with many 50s and early 60s recordings there is a "mid hump" that was pushed even further by my old CD Player bc that also sounded rather warm which made older material hard to listen to. Coupled with a rather warm sounding transistor amp (Cambridge P25) it sounded muddied and veiled. In the Rega the "mid hump" was gone and I heard all the details for the first time. Audio tracks of instruments that I didn't know where on there. I heard the room(!) of Abbey Road. It was crystal clear. It sounded nothing like that when I first listened to it and has now become one of my go to favourites. Yet the artist can't have foreseen such drastic differences in playback equipment. That's what I was on about.

[@Bootlegger1892]

Great overview, balanced and well thought out just like Revolver ‘22 itself. I think Sgt Pepper is every inch as psychedelic as Magical Mystery Tour if not more so. Pepper conforms even more closely to the prime psychedelic element of putting the everyday mundane things through a kaleidoscope. Undoubtedly Magical Mystery Tour was the only piece of album resequencing that Capital got right. But can’t they pony up the last Beatles holy grail first? I refer of course to Carnival Of Light, tracked during a brief hiatus in the Pepper sessions. A sore thumb of an omission during Anthology and while I’m sure no one has too high expectations of this project it would satisfy our completist dreams.

[@markblock8659]

Good report, Steve, but I don't understand the handwringing over the remix. I love the 2009 remaster, but when I play it on a good stereo system my brain has to make allowances for an archaic recording technology that unnaturally lumped things together on four tracks. In order to uncritically lose myself in the music I have to subconsciously ignore the obvious flaws. It's like watching a brilliant Hitchcock movie and having to mentally compensate for the primitive special effects. The production creates a distancing effect unintended by the artist. I hope this remix will let my brain relax and lose myself in the music.

[@googoo-gjoob]

im 63 years old with 50+ years in Beatledom. these Giles remixes make things *as they always should have been.* Paul & Ritchie both say "this is what we wouldve done had it been available to us"

[@sgt.pepperslonelygasseboys743]

"What the Beatles intended, what they approved and released, this is a different thing" That’s where I don’t agree. They were not working on the stereo version. They didn’t care about it. That’s what troubles me. Today we almost only listen to stereo music. Pretty sure they wouldn’t have put the drum bass and guitar on the left in Taxman for example. Of course we got used to it but it’s fundamentally wrong.

[@masterxyr]

there're people who embrace the opportunity to try new things and there're children who say they don't like it.

[@detourbooksfoundintranslat1115]

Fascinating. Thanks for the specifics on listening. And the BOOK! Now I've got to get the set.

[@DannyHoffman57]

The 14 song CD version is available at streaming services now. Yes it is loud. Doesn't bother me really, the voices may be a bit too loud/prominent in some places. Have to listen to it a few more times and see if I continue to have that reaction or not. The new stereo mix: fantastic. Proper stereo as it should be. You can hear much more detail and each instrument more clearly. This really helps in some places. Tomorrow Never Knows sounds fantastic!

[@RUfromthe40s]

in my opinion always sounded perfect ,so this new improved release i don´t even understand it , starting in the cds sound that seems not being the Beatles and i have cd players that are considered good, don´t know why the cds sound so bad, once i recorded from the cds to a cassette some of my favorite songs to hear in my car and in my hi-fi system the recording sounded much better than the cds, this using a tdk ad-x in a pioneer ct-959 ,for some years i used spotify a lot to hear music but i notice that the sound wasn´t that good but some mids like the 2khz frequency seem louder ,this making the guitars sound more loud , tomorrow never knows was and his in my opinion one of the best Beatles song but how can it be improved

[@masterxyr]

I, for one, would really enjoy seeing this tech everywhere. We either like it or not but I do appreciate having that choice, like, simply having more of who I like to listen. I would also love if the National could redo all their songs with better mics, or better engineering or whatever is missing from too many of their songs :( lol

[@JMCIII1957]

Steve, I wonder what the Beatles would have released if they had the technology (more than 4 track) like they did on the albums after this one? Yes, this album will sound “different.” So I can understand your hesitation accepting this remix at first glance. But if it’s like Giles previous efforts, then it’ll grow on you. Me, I can wait to hear the whole album.

[@lorenmorgan1931]

Yea I for one now prefer all the remixes over the originals, especially in albums that are mono tracks hard panned to stereo mix like this. I can't wait to get my hands on this one, because this is the one single I album I have been hoping for since this project started.

[@martijnmeijers7815]

I agree, the Beatles loved good sounding records an I’m sure they would have released this if they could have in 66. And Paul and Ringo signed off on it, so yeah!

[@Bootlegger1892]

Sgt Pepper was 4 track only but I guess Peter Jackson’s demix technology wasn’t around then which is why the 2017 album, with just a few exceptions, is generally so loud with way too much going on.

[@davesans8536]

Steve I jusy found a 1976 UK Stereo pressing of Revolver for cheap the jacket is VG+ but the album is mint look never played and it sounds fantastic I have a 1966 Captaol 1st press and the UK sound clearer more of a center sound stage I not sold yet on the new waiting to hear more tracks before I get a copy.

[@rabarebra]

I also found many old records looking like new. They may look near mint, but plays like crap. This can more often fool you than otherwise. Often seen, by looks, a record with hairlines and looking very played, sounding much better than the near mint ones. I think this is due to the quality of the pressing plant and vinyl (PVC) itself.

[@ksteiger]

BTW I have never understood people putting their noses in the air when talking about digital. I was active in major studios when digital arrived and it was not long before I was much happier to record digitally than analog. It never sounded "bad" or "strident" to me. It always seemed that my a/b of input to output was just plain accurate. Analog adds some pleasing artifacts, warmth, saturation etc., but digital has always been great to my ears. Excluding low bit rate mp3's of course. Cheers.

[@cjay2]

You're correct. The 2009 is the best available recording of Revolver that we have. This 'new' Revolver is a different item. It's not what was intended and recorded. It's the old slippery-slope all over again. They'll destroy everything in the guise of 'new'. You want your history destroyed? You'll get it. Just keep 'liking' the new stuff, and the world will lose what actually happened.

[@themastroiannis]

thanks steve for your honest review. revolver and the white album are by far, my favorite beatles albums... this version 'sounds' like another marketing product... lots of beatles newcomers buying it...to allow paul, ringo, olivia and yoko to maintain (pay for) their multiple properties around the globe. jeess... how many more remastered versions do we need?!

[@jupitermadcat]

This is remixed, not remastered know the difference

[@themastroiannis]

@@jupitermadcat it was remixed, remastered, remarketed, repackaged, rekindled, recouped, relost, rewinded and regurgitated... 'tomorrow, never knows'

[@davidatrakchi2707]

I’ll stick to my original Revolver vinyl from 1966 which, surprisingly and despite it being nearly 60 years old still sounds fantastic to me and to my 12 year old grandchild as well, I only wish I knew how to preserve it’s crumbling cardboard black & white cover

[@nectarinedreams7208]

"I'll stick to" translated to the language of Common Sense is "I'm missing out because I'm stubborn".

[@iamspyvspy3077]

@@nectarinedreams7208 Or not sucked in by the Emperor's New Clothes 😆 i've not heard anything from Giles Martin or the Abbey Road half-witt remastering suite that improved on the originals.

[@Bob-sw2zj]

Steve, you are right!! I just got the Revolver LP box and it is recorded way too hot! The highs are etched. The first song Taxman hurts my ears. I messed with the VTA & VTF to see if I could fix it but there was only a slight difference. It will be interesting to see what the "experts" say about it.

[@randybehenna3081]

Sweet an early morning vid from the man the legend .Morning Steve

[@SgtMjr]

OK I just got a Schiit Freya + and a Ageir amp, GE6NS7GTB tubes CF stage and Sylvania 6NS7GTB tubes Gain stage yesterday and today the new Revolver. Amps and tubes have less than 3 hours of break-in so far but I'm knocked out by this new mix. Paul effin' McCartney in my living room man! I invoked the second personage of the Divine Trinity complete with middle initial and the Sacred Excrement in as many minutes listening to the first Cheskey CD JD1 and now the new Revolver mix. Wow!

[@beatmet2355]

This comment comes after hearing about revolver reentering the charts. That’s the best thing about these remixes, more people are becoming Beatles fans. So what if it’s not “the Beatles we heard fifty years ago”? The new fans could become curious and start finding out about those old mixes and start collecting on their own. Even if they don’t, it’s better than the group sinking into obscurity. I’d sooner classify Love as a cash grab or desecration. But, whatever keeps the interest up in the end is the main thing.

[@TheFRiNgEguitars]

The Beatles body of work is forever new. This remix just adds to the fascination of listening to Revolver, and the entire catalogue when it becomes available. A louder mix does not necessarily mean it was compressed. If (and if) the former remasters are mastered at a -6dbu peak, an increase to 0dBu (0.775 volts) makes it louder without compression. Another small trick is to truncate maybe one or two short transients, to allow an overall increase in level of the entire piece, ie: a transient may be less than a millisecond, which a soft-limit goes unnoticed by almost all but the most golden ears. All that aside, there is this wonderful device called a volume control to make things louder, if you so desire :)

[@BicycleJoeTomasello]

I bought my copy in Scotland in 1966, I have a box set also of the English releases with the bonus rarities album as well. Do I need more? As I understand it when the Beatles were done laying down tracks they weren't even there for the final mix and left all of that up to George Martin.

[@user-uf7cj7ru7s]

The audiophile multi channel mix bootleg is a wonderful immersive experience, so why hasn't Giles Martin put out a multi channel mix? Go figure as you American gentlemen say. Many thanks for your assessment of the album laced with love for the Beatles. 👍

[@gaylegarza4711]

So glad to hear you are also a Beatles fan Steve! I have added All Mixed Up to my Qobuz playlist. I can't wait to check it out!

[@leehallman5104]

The first take of "Tomorrow Never Knows" sounds as if Steve Roach joined the band and brought the drones. Awesome stuff. Can find it on KZbin. 💕 your show.

[@gabyactualities]

Steve, I love your show, your knowledge and your excitement! Now I’m a Beatles fan and audio nut, as a matter of fact I’m a live sound engineer (we’ve met at the Iridium once, couple of months before Covid) Like you, this is the one remix that really threw me off, and I’m still trying to wrap my head around, I guess She Said, She Said really disappointed me and then I became super critical of the whole thing- but the outtakes are so outrageously good!! I want to know what do you think about the mono version included and if you find that it differs in any way from the 2009. Keep on keeping on, love your work!!

[@positivelife3034]

I'm in the UK, just picked it up on vinyl from HMV. I can't wait to get home and have a listen.

[@damiankirkwood7924]

I’m excited for the mono version that’s included

[@h.jjimenez700]

I really enjoyed your show you love The Beatles as much as I do my mom listened to Beatle records when they fist came out, I was Ten in 1968 when I begged my dad to buy me The White Album he did and I loved it of course Revolution 9 scared me.

[@jastorino]

Steve, when it comes to Revolver, the “right” way to me has been the mono since the 2009 mono release. What you think? I always thought the mono was head and shoulders above the original stereo mix. Looking forward to hearing the new one.

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

I disagree, I prefer stereo. Not just for the Beatles, I prefer stereo mixes most of the time over mono. Hey, it’s a personal taste thing. There’s no right or wrong choice here.

[@jastorino]

@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac Hey Steve, absolutely man, to each their own. It's all a matter of taste! Keep enjoying Revolver!

[@rabarebra]

@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac Really? Mono, especially on Beatles records sounds more tight. I can't understand how you can prefer hearing Beatles in stereo, where vocals is often put to the right side, and drums on the left side vice versa. Stereo was new and Beatles themselves didn't care being present when the stereo mix was done back in the day. To me, listening to the old stereo originals is just weird and awful, especially if you put headset on - that really hurts. I guess you are just used to that left/right separation, right?

[@steveaspeck2732]

Rain is my favorite Beatles song. I have the 2009 version of Revolver and love it! Can't wait to see what this remixed version sounds like. Did you hear Floyd's Animal remix? I love it! Cheers!

[@thedrummerdude2431]

The remix of Eleanore Rigby fixed a production glitch that has always bugged me. At 0:15 when listening to the stereo mix on headphones Paul sings "Eleanore" there's a weird stereo phase glitch where "Ele" is sung on the left and right side but "nore Rigby" and the rest of the vocals are in the right channel. In the remix the 2 vocal tracks are still there but both panned centre and is less distracting

[@bradkohler7966]

Waiting to hear the 2022 release but it's hard to imagine Taxman sounding better than the 2009 release in glorious mono

[@salpjs]

I’m looking forward to the new stereo mix as the Beatles never had any real interest and limited any participation in the stereo mix. They supervised the mono in depth and I’ve always preferred the mono and remastered mono but the anticipation of a well mixed stereo really has me excited.

[@chris.a.1]

This is a critical point that many of these videos overlook. The previous stereo mixes (other than for the later albums) were in no way "definitive". Only the mono mixes received the full care of the Beatles and George Martin. Steve's take on the new mix "sounding wrong" is certainly a valid personal opinion. But to my ears, none of the stereo mixes ever sounded great, especially on headphones, because the audio imbalance was just too taxing on the ears. Not saying the new mix is perfect compared to the 2009 remaster, but it's way more appropriate for the way so many people listen to music these days.

[@johnmckenna1776]

Excellent point Sal! 💯

[@johnmckenna1776]

@@chris.a.1 Yes the drums & bass being all in the right or left channel was a real drag on headphones, with speakers a bit better, but not by much.

[@lukeloop]

What they should do is RELEASE ALL THE ISOLATED TRACKS and let us remix it for ourselves. I would pay good money for that. Imagine a forum of remixes by the fans. Yes let that sink in for a minute the ability to just mix it how you like it. Thumbs up if you agree

[@johnmckenna1776]

My thoughts exactly!

[@seansrecords]

a few bands have done this in the past - released the stems for fans to remix

[@Bootlegger1892]

I’d be very surprised if EMI were to kill off their Beatles revenue stream for a quick one off sale (albeit at a premium price). They probably would not wish to throw the cash cow out with the bath water. Imagine also the Orwellian nightmare of 100’s of digital remixes and remasters flooding the internet. The internet is full of bedroom studio hacks who just don’t know what their doing and convincing them of this would be a futile exercise. Let’s leave all that to the pros and when Giles’ son, Martin, comes of age he can take over from dad with the 3rd generation of “how they were meant to be heard” digital remasters.

[@greganderson1681]

I have all the previous deluxe box sets (all CD/BluRay) and can’t wait for Revolver. My choice for the next one would also be Magical Mystery Tour. I have the original beat up LP and an early CD pressing, but the 2009 remastered CD of MMT is what gets played (a lot!) The vinyl does get spun occasionally for nostalgia purposes and the old CD keeps my wood shop happy, but that 2009 remix is really sweet. And while I’d love to hear a deluxe treatment of Rubber Soul, and I’m sure we will eventually, I’d rather they doubled down and tossed in Side 1 of Yellow Submarine with MMT for next year. They’re both “EP”s more or less anyway.

[@gcahill51]

I think 2009 CDs were remastered, but not a remixed (though the new EQ brought out a lot of buried sonic treasure)

[@thehighllama8101]

I bet they'll wait until 2027 for a Magicial Mystery Tour Super Deluxe Edition, to coincide with a 60th anniversary restored version of the film. Until then, they're probably going to go in reverse with the Beatles special editions. Next year will be Rubber Soul, Help! in 2024 (or maybe A Hard Day's Night to celebrate its 60th Anniversary), etc. I would love an MMT Super Deluxe Edition, though. I hope they'll include the original U.S. stereo mix of Strawberry Fields Forever, a clean transfer of the U.S. Penny Lane promo mono mix (without the vinyl scratches and noise they included on the Sgt. Pepper's SE), as well as the alternate U.S. mono and stereo mixes of I Am the Walrus. It's very disappointing, by the way, that they apparently will no longer be including a Hi-rez Blu-ray or DVD with each Special Edition (which is not available for Revolver). I simply don't have the equipment yet to download and enjoy Hi-rez downloads, and I prefer physical media in any case.

[@greganderson1681]

@thehighlama 2027 for the 60th anniversary. Yikes, hope my ears still work!

[@rocksinger45]

Hi Steve ~ I'm guessing that this is the death of Analog as far as the Beatles recordings are concerned ~ I think you are 100% spot on right regarding who will like it as well ~ I was 16 when this record was released and remember listening to this Lp on my parents KLH unit and have a picture of what that used to sound like ~ I noted that Giles Martin has in the past taken away all the low-volume chatter out of the mixes and he has even changed the stereo mix of John's vocal on the song Please please me all in the past ~ I don't want to make up my mind until I've heard the Lp but the song Taxman that was released over the internet recently sounded great to me ~ The way the Ringo's kick drum is in cyc with Paul's bass ~ I can't wait to get my LRS+ and listen to Revolver on them just to hear how revealing it will sound ~ Until then I still have my Quad 57s ~ OMT ~ I feel that digital audio has come a long way since the early 1980s but it still gets a bad rap today ~ I have some Cds that sound better than the LPs I have and I'm sure you do too ~

[@iamspyvspy3077]

The Beatles vinyl has been digital since 1987, exceptions being the 2014 Mono Box, the remastered Blue and Red compilations and the recent Singles Box.

[@rocksinger45]

@@iamspyvspy3077 Hi thank you for your response ~ I’m not talking about the past ~ I’m talking about the here and now ~

[@rabit818]

Some how I like the way the music sounded when I first heard the music. For me, the concept of creating the best of what is possible in 1966 technology wise, is what it should be. It’s the spirit of rock and roll.

[@johnurban7333]

I agree. I like the sound of the albums I bought in the ‘60’s

[@DirkRichter1974]

Hello Mr Guttenberg. Nice Greetz from Germany 😊✌🏻 I have a Great Compromise.. My Dad has all Beatles Albums on Vinyl. He plays them from an EMT turntable and digitalized them in 192khz / 24 Bit and recorded them on a harddrive Disc.. 😊 So can I hear at my Home and System de facto the original Vinyls.. And it sounds so beautiful 😍

[@rabarebra]

Well, vinyl is driven by playing them directly by the stylus, not sampled - sampling gives a digital sound to them no matter if it is 192kHz 24bit or not. Many variables is involved here. Which stylus did he have? Brand? MC or MM? What soundcard (read DAC). You can't just sample a record and believe afterwards that "oh, I am now listening on a true analogue recording". You are not.

[@oraz.]

Revolver is my favorite Beatles album because it sounds so crisp and brisk, but measurement would call it low fi. I can't believe any remix or remaster would be good because the sound is so unique. Reconstructing bandwidth sounds like sacrilege.

[@DirectorsGarage]

If you are looking for "intent" the only version to listen to is the mono record. That's the official release, the stereo versions were always an afterthought. I like the Giles remixes. The reason is simple-- mono lacks some life and depth-- the stereo is barely listenable because of the odd channel separations. The Mofi stuff is fine as a digital source. The rub is the transparency. I have no issue with digital sourcing as long as it's not hidden.

[@mixville2]

Great review Steve. I have to say, I think I like the new Revolver mix the best of Giles' remixes - though 100% it is not the original work of art. I too go back in time - I didn't really hear the Beatles in stereo until Hey Jude and the White Album! We only had a mono "record player," and as I'm sure you know, until that later period they considered the mono mixes their main mixes. So the Revolver remake I love best is the 2009 mono remaster. I see the new remixes as separate works of art from the originals. The bass and drums just slam on the new Revolver, very contemporary - but you hear just how great a rhythm section Paul & Ringo were! And yes, it's limited and compressed to modern tastes. It's not the original. But I think it sounds really good! Thanks for your videos Steve. They're great! And one more vote for MMT next!

[@timcoughlin4107]

Steve, you made the comment about how the band wanted the album to sound. How do we know that? If you heard them live or a rehearsal back in the day, the songs would sounds way more alive than the original albums.

[@rabarebra]

The "intended it to sound"-comment is way humbug. Beatles just made music, and mono was their go to, and it is true as you say also, they played in that "live environment", but they also went an listened in the booth of what got recorded. The stereo in the other hand, they didn't bother much about. For them it was mono all the way.

[@timcoughlin4107]

@@rabarebra Totally agree

[@chrisblower8868]

Love your videos, but also watch to check out your shirt. Always cool as this one is.

[@dazzlerweb]

have been listening to this for a few days, a fantastic job done on the remastering.

[@MIB_63]

I guess you meant remixing not remastering. Cheers 😎

[@dazzlerweb]

@@MIB_63 you guess wrong, it is remixed and remastered, I was referring to the remastering. Cheers.

[@MeestroDavid]

When you say this is a different thing than “what the Beatles intended” I think we need to keep in mind that the band didn’t work on the original stereo mix-they sat in on the mono mixing sessions but they never bothered giving input on the stereo mix of this album. If you want to hear what the band intended, that’s the included mono mix. Additionally, even the folks who did spit out the stereo mix were hobbled by the fact that so many tracks were bounced down and couldn’t be properly separated back out for a stereo soundstage (hence the hard-pans). So what’s here isn’t contrary to what the band intended, it’s, like the original stereo mix, the result of engineers going in after-the-fact and doing the best they can with the technology on hand. Also worth mentioning that, yes, the LP is sourced from the digital masters, but that’s the case with ALL of the recent remixes (Sgt Pepper, Abbey Road, White Album) and even the 2009 vinyl reissues. Only the mono box was cut from tape, and the mono mix included in the Revolver vinyl box is also a AAA cut.

[@rabarebra]

That Beatles didn't sit down an overlooked the stereo mixes back in the day is true, but that the 2022 mono mix for vinyl is pure "AAA" is not true. It is DSD.

[@MeestroDavid]

@@rabarebra according to the production notes in the booklet, it’s cut from the tape, though it’s my assumption that it’s just a repress of the mono box version.

[@gazzap6776]

There's so much to be said about original recordings. Imagine if Ella Fitzgerald, Link Wray, The Rolling Stones, Steve Winwood, Brian Wilson, Pink Floyd & Hendrix had our current technology back then? I honestly believe it would confuse & stifle their creativity. It's great for us to enjoy & analyse every new 're-mixed' versions. But they never will capture what the artists felt & were striving for at that particular time. The best recordings for me, are when they only do a few takes. IE. Twist & shout by The Beatles. That's music...That's reality. Thanks for your video. GAZ (Melbourne/Australia)

[@jimhines5145]

You should hear the newly remixed version of Pink Floyd's Animals. It's astounding! Much more night and day differences compared to this release of Revolver.

[@cameronkrause4712]

Steve, I am waiting for Magical Mystery Tour as well. Think about some of those songs. First, the title track, then, I am the Walrus, Bluejay Way, Baby You're a Rich Man... It's no wonder why it's my favorite Beatles album.

[@davidh.8798]

What the Beatles intended, surely, was that the music reach the listener's ears in the best condition possible. So I'm 100% down with all the crud being scraped off the old recordings, the tech limitations of the day being redressed, and the cleanest versions possible being out there. So for me, these Giles Martin remixes are a joy.

[@tonykazz2779]

Cheapaudioman has 129K Currawong has only 31.6K Hmm, I think that you are KING of that Hill Tony in Florida

[@dancochrane5577]

My favorite recent George Harrison quote is, “Imagine what we could have done if we’d had Good Guitars?” He didn’t have a decent Fender guitar (Telecaster) until he was on the roof in Let It Be. Due to embargo’s on imported instruments from USA.

[@disneyscott98]

Loved the remix, and liked hearing your thoughts on it. In my opinion, the old mixes were too hard panned and off balance. I like how the new mixes don't change the music, but more so the presentation. Tech was very limited back in '66 of course, but just like the Beatles back then, Giles Martin is using cutting edge technology (that he even says his dad would have loved) to present us with a brand new mix. Even almost 60 years later, The Beatles continue to push technology even further. To your comment about Magical Mystery Tour, I do believe that the soundtrack was remixed for the movie's re-release about a decade ago, but sadly was never given a proper album release. I've always wondered why they skipped over that one, considering it celebrated a 50th anniversary the same year as Sgt Pepper.

[@RUfromthe40s]

maybe the reason was it being released in a very nice book with singles ,not an album

[@highlanderky3862]

No Blu-ray in the box set is a shame, as Giles also created Atmos & 5.1 mixes. Missed opportunity to continue the series w/Blu-ray discs. Ugh!

[@rabarebra]

At least in the CD boxset they could've added a blu-ray. The price is just ridiculous. If you ask me, it should be one box only with all the vinyls and CDs. The CDs weight nothing and everything is just plastic, and shouldn't cost a dollar more than $99.

[@ProgRockKeys]

No hi res or surround this time, no physical media blu-ray. Available for download, I’ve heard, but that would mean new hardware for me. I only have my Oppo 203 player.

[@hocktooey]

Yeah, this "Super Deluxe" release is much less super for me. Since the other four all had the blu-ray, this is an odd release choice.

[@rabarebra]

@@hocktooey The "Super Deluxe" loses its meaning and purpose. It is ridiculous that people by CDs in a boxset. If physical, it should at least be a blu-ray and vinyl records only. To satisfy everyone, the blu-ray could hold all different stereo mixes. I guess it is just another cash-cow for them.

[@craigwarner6156]

What about the 4th disc though Steve? Is that Analogue? Because its touted as just a flat transfer of the original mono master,is it? Is it really a flat AAA transfer? Or is it an analogue transfer but with a digital mastering? What is the mono disc in the LP boxset exactly? Love to hear yourself tell us,thank you.Craig

[@jameshogg11]

I'm looking forward to hearing the whole album on Friday but don't forget Steve, your 2009 Revolver LP was also cut from digital.

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

As far as I know the Beatles Mono LP box vinyl is all analog. That said, I'm not into mono Beatles LPs. It was a free promo.

[@derekgentry]

@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac I think the dates are the point of confusion here: the 2014 mono vinyl is indeed AAA. The 2012 stereo vinyl was cut from the 2009 digital transfer.

[@ianbannister8404]

Same as you Steve started my audiophile journey with listening to the Beatles they are a different level of music makers and my hifi setups have evolved with listening to John Paul George and ringo . talking about Paul and ringo I wonder what they think of the new revolver delux mix that would be interesting as they are last Beatles standing , anyway viva la Beatles forever their music making magic is real proof of enjoying the music not the hifi system….amen

[@rickmathis8590]

Yeah, gotta get this one, Steve! Who needs food, right...?

[@ProjectWheelhaus]

So I’m confused- I thought the vinyl super deluxe set has the original cut mono mix version not mofi

[@rabarebra]

Digitalised, and thrown on plastic.

[@dutchcanuck7550]

I'll throw in my vote for a remixed/remastered MMT too.

[@apollo.c.vermouth5672]

I take your point about some of these high-profile remixes of classic 60s albums, they are a bit hit-and-miss in some ways. Increased audible detail and transparency doesn't necessarily translate to a richer listening experience - Giles Martin's remix of the White Album smoothed out too many rough edges and idiosyncrasies for my taste. Quite liking the Revolver job, though.

[@bwithrow011]

Good point Steve, contemporary. What some don't realize is the UK was almost 10 years behind the US in stereo. We were stereo in the late 50s. The UK were stereo in the late 60s. The first 2 albums are binaural intended to be mixed to mono. The next 6 albums were not tracked for stereo. The focus was mono by George Martin for those first 8 albums. Giles Martin remixing should put drums, bass and lead vocal center, then pan everything else. This is 2022 not the 1960s. Let's hear The Beatles the way they would have been mixed if they were recorded here in the US

[@rabarebra]

UK wasn't 10 years behind US in stereo. Have you ever collected classical music recorded in the UK from the 50's into the 60's? Original pressings by Decca for instance?

[@bwithrow011]

@@rabarebra True that. I should know that as I made cassette masters for the Musical Heritage Society in which there were 50s masters from the UK in stereo.

[@maxhirsch7035]

To hear another 'modern' version of the Beatles' albums, the band 'The Analogues,' while they claim to simply be recreating the albums in their full authentic states, have a different, more modern sound to them, with certain 'flourishes' (beyond the vocals not being identical) that, as someone who typically has not interest in cover bands, I think are wonderful in this case. It's not simply Beatlemania- if you check out their youtube videos, you may be impressed.

[@RUfromthe40s]

they look bad compared with original releases ,youtubes use a aceptable sound not good sound but very compressed

[@vinyl_marmalade]

Thank you, that was very interesting. I don't know the new mix yet, except for the tracks we could already listen to online. I think it's quite obvious that you have to listen to the album with fresh ears - as the single instruments were separated and could be remixed completely (for example the drums centrally). I think it's awesome that we get this chance. We have the "old", original album (unfortunately there is currently no good remaster of it), but I think it's really great of Giles Martin that he did this work. From what I could gather from an interview Mark Ellen did, Martin mixes these albums in close agreement with Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr - and both said, according to Giles Martin, that they would do it the same way today - - - back then stereo wasn't important, it was mixed quickly, etc. The story is well known. I'm very curious to listen to it next weekend and yeah - also curious about your review of the LP version - - - of course! (And yes, it should presumably - according to Paul and Ringo - as Martin says - be totally LOUD! So hopefully it is not compression ...!) BUT: let's all have a listen or more and then discuss! I think it's fantastic! 😄 And: the next remix will be Rubber Soul, I guess!

[@DirkRichter1974]

One Track from the New Album is as an appetizer on the streaming Services 😊

[@bradguitarmanintx157]

Interesting tidbit about the recording of "Rain". Supposedly, a speaker cabinet was connected up as a microphone into the recording console and used to record Paul's bass amp on "Rain".

[@patmellen7523]

I listened to the Revolver remix the other day. It is more clear sounding. This album sounds like it could've been made today. It sounds good. I've enjoyed all the remixes so far. Methinks that Rubber Soul will be next. The remixing will be more challenging as Giles Martin progresses to the earlier recordings.

[@Malacandra]

I go all the way back to the '60s with the Beatles - I was a little young to own albums until Abbey Road, but my older siblings got them all as they were issued, and I was enchanted and immersed with them. I grew up with them. The US releases. So even hearing the UK releases required me to readjust my thinking because THAT was how the Beatles intended them to be heard. My attitude about the new mixes is that although the limitations of the recording technology of their time imposed constraints upon the Beatles that stimulated their creativity… it also created limitations that came between me and the Beatles. I love the mono mixes, and those certainly were the ones that were given mixing priority up to and including Sgt. Pepper's. But being able to pull out the different instruments and voices and give them space provides added presence and impact to me. Our ears - and brains - have millions of years of evolutionary history of hearing things positioned around us in space, and a mix with good stereo separation of all the elements addresses that. A Dolby Atmos mix can do that even more so. I've regarded these releases are revelations. If I want to hear the 2009 mix, I've got it… but I doubt that I'll be going back to it very much. These mixes breathe new life into these extraordinarily familiar and well worn tracks. And the outtakes can similarly reframe these old friends. You mentioned "Yellow Submarine", and I concur - but hearing "Rain" as played at the original (faster) speed blew me away: I'd always thought it was one of Ringo's finer moment… but hearing him playing those fills *even faster* literally caused my jaw to drop.

[@RUfromthe40s]

i agree with you the old records do sound better than any digital remix ,this also saying that they had high-quality recordings and sounded better than a lot more bands albums as an example the yardbirds

[@firecatfly]

May I suggest the Revolver mono mini lp cd from Japan? It has been my go to for quite sometime and I love the sound. It's pricey but worth every cent.

[@cameronkrause4712]

I bought the new version of Revolver yesterday. It is very, very good. We are incredibly lucky that Giles Martin is doing this. Hopefully Magical Mystery Tour is next. I really wonder what Penny Lane will sound like. Strawberry Fields too. I want my mind blown again!!

[@Magnusblues]

You can listen to the new mixes of “Penny Lane” and “Strawberry fields” on The Sgt. Pepper Remix album from 2017😊

[@nasdkhan254]

Listened to remix yesterday . Sounds good 👍

[@Radarcb329]

Louder isn’t necessarily more compressed if the statistics of the remix does not reflect larger peaks. In fact the previous mix may have had to put the bass and drums more dominantly on one side which would set the dynamic range for the recording. Spreading the sound more evenly power wise between the two channels could represent lower effective dynamic range but perceived as louder because more power can be allocated evenly between left and right since the vocals are centered.

[@steves1422]

I added a comment a moment ago. I meant in the '1st' four minutes you explain better than I tried with my friend my initial feeling about this release.

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Thanks Steve

[@jasongose2975]

I'm a bit surprised here, while I was used to the older mix as well this new mix for me is so much better - to me how it should have sounded, either mono or this new mix. Also love to hear Magical Mystery Tour next, has more room to improve over Rubber soul perhaps and such a cool album.

[@coolmickey68]

ok ya talked me into it, ordered while I was listening to this, cheers

[@hansvandermeulen5515]

I keep hearing about instruments being separated from 2 track tapes (or 4 track?). It makes more sense to me if the basic tracks were 3 instruments plus guide vocl on four separate tracks, that's mixed to ons track on another 4 track tape, leaving three tracks for overdubs, mix it to another tape, further overdubbing etc. You'd end up with several 4 track taper per song with all the instruments, overdubs etc on their own separate tracks. The exception would be Tomorrow Never Knows due to all the tape loops. This is how Sgt Pepper could have a 5.1 surround mix.

[@peterwolfanger3268]

Steve, I thought that the deluxe set included a mono remix as well. If so, curious of its sound.

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Yes, it includes the mono. Sounds OK, but I am not a mono person. I can’t say it’s good or bad.

[@freddynietzsche4604]

Norman Smith was a square who stifled Syd Barrett's creativity in the studio when recording Piper at the Gates of Dawn. Probably would have been better if Joe Boyd (who produced Arnold Layne) had produced the album.

[@tbwatch88]

that LP is as precious to me as is Revolver, mate. it's perfect. no complaints here.

[@bazzzzz6175]

I just got my set today. I must say it's very strange, having lived with Revolver for a few decades. The remix seems to suit some songs more than others but that's maybe just my ear getting used to it. I'll have to dig deeper. Being louder doesn't always mean more compressed but also, being more compressed doesn't necessarily mean bad. We shall see. Nice review.

[@TheStache57]

would love to hear "Magical Mystery Tour" remastered in 5.1.