Once again Michael Ludwig has covered this first. Both when Thriller was announced and just recently brought it up again in regards to how unlikely any studio would allow endless uses of the OG tapes. Just saying, Mike needs to thank 45 RPM for these takes. Ha!

This only proves one thing to me. That all of the audiophiles that claim they can hear the difference between digitized music and analog music are full of it, because they have been telling all of us how wonderful the MOFI records sound. I agree with them those records sound great.

So basically, MOFI just proved that all these guys who swore they could tell analog from digital were just full of crap!! 🤣🤣🤣 Thanks MoFi for settling that tired old debate!

Hi there. My father, Stan Ricker, passed away in 2015. He wasn’t able to do any masters after that point so I would assume anything past august of 2015 it was digital. I love my dad. He was an amazing talent. We miss him

Ephinany moment, it’s taken a vinyl record to show how good digital can sound.

This is not about the sound quality. Is about transparency. If I want to buy chicken I want them to sell me chicken, not some other meat because if it takes like chicken, what gives in what they really sell me.

I laughed so hard, when I read the title of this video. I really hope this is true. Because it proves, that nobody can hear the difference between a high quality digital and analog version of the same recording. So, now we can finally leave that 'audiophile' nonsense behind us. Go buy and enjoy the records you like, because it has great music on it. btw. I think MoFi should be honest about what sources they do use. A good quality product will sell, no matter what the source or mastering is.

Great vid. A lot to unpack here. Love as a peak vinyl collector you’re still asking questions and seeking the best. I’d still pay $49 for a Mofi pressing but not much more with this info. This could have ripple effects on the whole market. I can see the vinyl market imploding or exploding with info like this, inflation, additional plants, more product, aging artists selling their music rights, etc

MIKE.. brave post. Never stop, never change. Credibility... you got it in barrels full. You approached this topic cautiously, and handled it with great care. NEVER STOP. This is why we love your videos, and keep you as a preferred retailer.

My first thought is, “wow”! My second thought is, “Digital isn’t bad, Compression is bad”. It’s certainly possible to utilize DSD files to recreate ambiance and dynamics. Interesting….

Thank you for always sharing the facts, and your opinions, Mike! The math to help us realize this has been there for a while now, but it took glaring numbers hitting us on the head with a hammer for us to notice the elephant in the room. With a new pressing plant on the way, MoFi needs to get out in front of this and have a spokesperson clear some things up for us. Trust is much easier lost, than regained, and some people will be reluctant to pay top dollar for products from a company that has been less than transparent, no matter the quality of the product.

Best audiophile real life blind test ever.

Sounds like they are doing digital right. That Monk record is phenomenal. Maybe the manufacturing process is a bigger factor than we assumed

Good work. I'm not an audiophile. Have maybe a dozen MFSL albums that I bought second-hand. But thank you for having the balls to tell us what you really think.

This information definitely tarnishes the brand for me but if the Thriller One Step sounds better than any other version, I'm still going to be a happy customer. I will still buy their records as long as they still sound incredible. I just feel a little hoodwinked right now. Thank you for the video Mike.

Hey Mike, thanks for getting this out to us. I am not an audio file per say but have been following your lead for years now and the music you have turned me on to has always been great and sorry for you on all this.

As someone that uses digital and vinyl, I really would love to see Mobile Fidelity offer the DSD source of these records for sale.

I don’t know what it changes but thank you for putting it out there. I don’t feel differently but with the hiking prices of mofis lately, I may double think some purchases.

I too have collected Mobile Fidelity since I was a teen in the late '70s. Their Records, cassettes and reel-to-reels have always held a special place in my heart and ears. To hear that theres a digital step involved us not a surprise to me because like yourself I've lied to myself, and/or shut down trains of thought by consoling myself with the very real fact that nothing sounds better. Its an unavoidable fact that digital will be a part of vinyl record manufacturing. Amd as long as they continue to make records sound better as my ears continue to age, I really don't care. Quieter vinyl, reduction in recording/pressing vibrations, etc, will play a part. Whether I like it of not.

THANK YOU Mike for stepping up and into the breach and leading the charge on this important issue. I have a feeling that you have enough clout to get some momentum going to ultimately realize effective change. And I totally agree with your comment in regard to the standard that Intervention Records has put in place with respect to their issues. Great idea. I will wager that some other forums will pick up your comments as well (I certainly hope so) . . . . . and that you have lit the fuse. Once again thank you for speaking up in such a forthright manner - and stating your beliefs (and those shared by so many of us) so clearly, succinctly and in no uncertain terms. . . . Thank you.

My thoughts on MoFi are unchanged, honestly. Like you Mike, the One Steps I’ve purchased over the past couple of years, they are and remain, some of the best sounding records in my entire collection, and I’m not a newbie. Like almost all Gen Xers, we’re old enough to have experienced the peak of vinyl, the format’s slow descent into obscurity, and finally, what many thought would be the death of vinyl. Fortunately, it didn’t die, and has now become arguably, the number one physical format. The LP is here to stay.

Interesting topic. I heard Michael from 45 RPM Audiophile in Germany post a similar video the other day regarding the MJ Thriller 1Step. Not understanding the process, I was intrigued. Part of me feels that as long as I think they sound great, who cares. On the other hand, I do kind of feel mislead buying potentially 'audiophile grade' vinyl. Looking forward to other comments. Love what you do. Keep the great info coming.

I would have a much higher opinion of MSFL if they would just be 100% transparent with each and every album they release. I would ask MFSL if they would rather have a reputation built on total honesty and trust, or constantly have the cloud of suspicion hovering over every release.

AMEN Mike!!!! The paying customer deserves honesty and transparency. Love the knowledge and passion. Appreciate your commitment to the VC.

This video was quite a revelation. We definitely need a industry wide shift to absolute clarity on sourcing and methods. The MOFI records I love still sound the same regardless. But for any product, I want to know and pay for what goes into it. If this is revealed to be true, a big disappointment. I've stated several times I'm not opposed to digital sourced vinyl, but it's the blatant dishonesty that is most troubling here. Thanks for an eye opening video Mike. Not an easy one to do.

In an age of transparency it would be great to have some sort of notification on the packaging (not hype sticker as you said). Would be interesting to hear Chad's thoughts on this too. awesome video Mike.I think you may have opened a can of worms with this one well done!! I thought your Parsons eye in the sky video was excellent and funny as hell.

MOFI is a company that generally makes records that sound fantastic. But the implication has always been that, if they bear the slogan “Original Master Recording,” it’s cut from tape, an AAA product. Too many labels throw out claims about being sourced from tape, yet it’s known that most are digitized in the chain; your expectations are diminished and, in a way, realistic. But labels like MOFI/Analogue Productions/Intervention/ERC/Impex/etc. justify their costs and reputations by promoting their analogue sourcing. This doesn’t diminish the fact that most of their products sound great. But if they’re digitized along the way, they should be transparent about it. It all feels a bit like a ruse. Would love to hear comments from the usual suspects - Kassem, Fremer, Gray, Smith, et al. Thanks for posting this, it’s a bit of a mind-blower.

What's next... we're going to find out the 10,000 dollar cables are made of the same materials that a the 500 dollar cables are made of ? I need a Xanex

I appreciate you fighting the good fight and doing what you do Mike! This is definitely a big topic and deal and bringing this to light, no matter what the final outcome is, is something I respect and admire. I try to buy LP's that are cut from the master analog tapes. Have I bought digitally sourced LPs knowing it before? Yes, but I knew it too. It's the whole concept of whether or not Mobile Fidelity has been honest or if they are pulling the wool over our eyes that makes a huge difference to me. I'm legally blind and I don't have a lot of money. So I haven't been able to make these Mo-FI purchases I would love to make regularly. I almost purchased a Mo-FI LP on eBay recently, and at a high price but lower than expected, that was used. But at this point I'm glad I didn't. I was a little suspicious of the pricing being so low and just held off knowing I could find it again later if I needed to. It would have come out after 2015. I've been considering some of the Mo-FI new Van Halen releases but now that's on hold. In reference to one of your questions, if Mobile Fidelity honestly described the source and process I would still buy from them since their reputation and sound is so great. But if it turns out being where they have been selling, and knowing better, and they know that people are buying because they are believing it is 100% analog on the LP, then my respect and future purchases would stop. If they change their ways, then it would probably start back up again. It's not so much that they did or didn't do something as it is that the possibility is out there they haven't been honest. I was asking the same question you mentioned thinking back on have they claimed various releases are cut from the master analog tapes or is that just something I was assuming they were doing? I'm curious to find out what the answer is on that. I'm also 100% with you in that I think any and every label should clearly identify what they are selling. If we, as customers, quit buying unless they did, well I guarantee you they would start. If all that Mo-FI was able to access was something that wasn't 100% analog, and if they honestly had it on the album for us to see, I'd likely buy from them still but I would also expect it to be slightly lower in cost. They are expensive because of the quality and the sound but also because of the perceived idea anyway that it is an analog sourced item. Thank you for the video and this is a topic I will be following. Especially since they have their new pressing plant that is being built. Honesty, lineage, and full disclosure is a must!

Who cares. If it sounds good then it sounds good. Moving forward we should demand they be more forthcoming about their sources and cutting practices.

I love vinyl and SACD. DSD can sound amazing, so not super surprised if that is the case. MFSL has always used/pushed some new technology to reissue titles - both digital and analog.

Hey Mike, you’ve never steered me wrong with sound quality. Music choices vary with consumer but sound quality is hearable. Wouldn’t matter to me as long as it sounds the best it can.

Thanks Mike, I await further news. Keep us posted!

Not sure what to say. I used to wonder what it mattered if a record was cut from a digital source. But I became impressed with the sound of MOFI records based on the “understanding” that they were analogue. If they are actually digital, I am less impressed and feel kind of stupid for raving about them to my friends. It definitely changes my opinion on the company based on principle alone. I’ve paid a fortune the past two years collecting their titles and the supposed analogue sourcing is part of how I justified the expense. I will have to keep an eye on this and decide if I wasted my money and wether I will continue buying their records. And if it’s true, I think they’ve done some false advertising and should remove that stupid banner from the top of the records.

it would be nice to know what you're paying for, but the sound quality is what matters to me. All companies should state the source(s) for the finished product just for good business practice and the buyer can decide to purchase or not.

Great video. I knew all of this but it's great that someone did a video explaining for others. Now you need to go back to the 80's and see how far back they started using digital....

I love AAA titles - but not everything I own that has been cut from analogue masters - sounds amazing. Most of it comes down to mastering for vinyl. I have a lot of outstanding sounding MoFi titles that I love - along with other quality records from Analogue Productions, etc. I always thought part of MoFi's magic was the mastering, the pressing process and not necessarily the master source. Bottom line, I'm not going to stop buying from any company that's putting out quality releases. I don't feel mislead in the least. Cheers.

First of all Mike….I can see the disappointment in your eyes and can hear it in your voice. I agree with you Mike. As a consumer, we deserve transparency on the products we purchase. If these are 100% true statements of how One Steps are being manufactured, I feel cheated as I own all One Steps with the exception of Abraxis, for obvious reasons. I’m with you Mike!

I think this introduces a new concept, that there is a difference between an “Audiophile” and an “Audiopurist”. The audiophile chases the best sound quality, whereas the audiopurist requires the media to be of a specific origin, and with no deviation, which can be digital or analog. I think the marriage of digital in the analog format works fantastic, and can produce results that are synergistic.

Mike, let me say this, my entire collection of music is in a digital format. MFSL and SACD formats started showing up for digital downloads around 2016 for place I visit on the internet but the problem was the file was so large I never downloaded them back in 2016. Since I retired about two years ago I did a software update on my receiver and now I can play Flac files through my USB drive. I decided to get all those MFSL because now I could hear them in the original format I downloaded them in and just loved the sound. That is why I always posed the question as to how could the vinyl sound that much better. I have been able to get UHQR, Tone Poets and Blue Note Classic all in a Flac format and I have no complaints about the sound, so to hear you say this kind of comes at no surprise.

Thanks for your videos! I have 2 Eagles One Steps and several on pre-order. I'm very disappointed by the lack of honesty and transparency though maybe I'm not completely surprised. I'm considering canceling my pre-order unless they explain things and if I cancel I'll be sure to tell the representative my reasons. Of course being "all analog" is only one of the reasons I buy a new and improved pressing. A lot of improvement comes from the record being cut at 45RPM. There's a lot more information in those 45RPM grooves - especially bass! So... maybe I'll get past it and won't cancel... I'm definitely torn.

I emailed MOFI about their process of mastering about a year and a half ago, specifically asking if they were AAA, and was there any digital step, and they said no. I've always wondered why the MOFI website still says the "gain 2" system is Half Speed Mastered, which i don't think is still the case. So ultimately, the issue is transparency. Why is this a question in 2022 that customers don't know the MOFI process like other with all the other audiophile companies.

I'm a professional studio and touring musician virtually my whole life. Started collecting vinyl in the mid 60's and still am. I have a large vinyl and cd collection and THE most important thing that I've learned, which I believe is a good philosophy to follow: "If it sounds good it IS good"! Whether it's from a digital or an analogue source does not matter to me in the least. I have CD counterparts that sound better than my original vinyl and vis versa. Your prime focus should be the SOUND that the musicians have created and not the SOURCE from which it comes to think otherwise is pure folly! Thus it allows one to enjoy their music and system and feel totally comfortable with that - NO WORRIES over the source be it digital or analogue. Enjoy your music, Greg. 🙂

Aloha Mike, As far as sound quality goes, I enjoy the Sound of The One Step. But then again I just have a fluance rt85 and no tube amp. You brought up a great point, would I still buy it if parts were digitaltize, not for that price, since other companies are also providing , quality sound records using Original Mastered tapes. It's sad that they won't let you know if they are using the OG tapes, what do we need to do , go to congress and have a bill requiring that they put there source on the record album covers. I hope you find the answer. Keep on pressing Mike. Mahalo Ed.

I also agree, the end result is what matters most. I seem to remember old promotional material from them that talked about cutting from master tapes, but that might be the Mandela effect. I wish they would be more upfront, they have always been the most "secretive" of the audiophile labels. Chad has always been very transparent, even sometimes filming the mastering engineers cutting the records, same goes for Music Matters. Typically with premium products, the buyer wants to understand the process and what goes into it, whether that be well made goodyear welted shoes, or bespoke instruments, or vinyl records. The secrecy is weird, they make good sounding records and they should be open with their process.

Wow. Speechless. I think I would still buy the records. If they sound fantastic, and the Mofi's do, I feel that I will continue as-is and not let a little digital step in the process bother me. Still, they should have been forthcoming about this. This might make them look pretty bad to some people...

I agree clarity is needed on their process but it won’t change my desire for their product.

Great video Mike. I agree that MOFI owes us (consumers) an explanation. I love their product so I'm not going to stop buying new releases because they weren't as transparent as they should have been. And...I'm intrigued, what is going on here? DSD capture of the master tape? Remastered to produce the best available sound? Seems likely. Perhaps we need to re-evaluate. Is AAA all analog the goal, or is the best sound the goal? Maybe MOFI has provided us with the answer already.

When Santana Abraxas was first released, I took a shot and ordered 2 copies. Glad I did because it’s fantastic. When Yes Fragile was released I thought it sounded better than the Analogue Production pressing.

Remember how the first CDs all had the AAD/ADD/DDD label that told you how it was recorded/mixed/mastered? Maybe something like that for records. But I'd like additional details on the mastering - who did it and when. I know it's in the deadwax for a lot of things, but I want to see it on the jacket so I know before I buy.

It’s a bit disappointing if it’s true, we buy these for the ‘all analog’ nature. But in another way, it’s kind of amazing, if they can make them sound that amazing, then a digital copy of a master tape, mastered well is obviously good enough, and as a result, hopefully other people could produce this level of sound with these sources.

For $129 (stores here mark up to $169), I want to know the origin of the source material. If digital, that is fine...just tell us. For me, if digital, you are not paying for anything really special one step or not. If the source is digital, wouldn't the SACD version be a TRUE one step? One does not need to pay over $100 + for Bernie/Kevin/Ryan mastering,. The big guys master plenty of $29 titles.

I’m still going to enjoy the MFSL albums I have that sound great and I will continue to buy editions that I think are the best sounding available editions (excluding extremely high-priced originals or out-of-print editions that might sound better). It will make me think twice about buying some of them though. I bought a MFSL today that I might not have considering the price if I knew earlier today what I know now. I absolutely agree that there needs to be or at least I want there to be something like the SPARS code on audiophile releases.

There are a lot of wonderfully mastered lps mastered from high-res files. People should listen with their ears and enjoy the music

The issue for me is not whether or not MOFI is using Digital per se. However, there is a big issue with the pricing and what I am paying for. Buying my first One Step was a big decision $125.00 is alot of money to spend on one record. Especially if that one record is one you already have bought 8 times over in every format! It has been obvious for a awhile that the monicur of "One Step" has not meant that you are buying the definitive or best version available of a certain title. It may be the best vinyl cut of the album and it may not. The Big Issue is COST. The AP Sirius album recently released is a great example of this. It is by far the best sounding version available. So, kudos to MOFI. With that said, it needs to be noted that this version is not a One Step but a regular 45rpm catalogue offering. Yes, some of the One Steps are fantastic i.e. Bill Evans, Dylan and Mingus to name a few. But there are many that are not superior to the $20 dollar remaster or the originals i.e. Pearl, Carole King and Stevie Ray. So, for me this issue is about the dollars- paying for a product that may or may not be superior in every way. I doubt highly that putting out a Dire Straits One Step would add anything to the 45rpm version already released. The dynamics on the Dire Straits records are already on the borderline of needle jump with a properly set up table and arm. I will not support paying double for a record that is not a true One Step if the less expensive one is just as good or better.

Mike I think I am like you need to find out the process. If it sounds great I will still buy it. Great Sounding Records is what it is all about. Great Video

Thanks Mike, I had a suspicion of this for a while! People need to hear this as on one big music forum people would get shouted down when they mentioned this.

As long as it is sufficiently high-resolution digital, done carefully surely no problem. Surely you have to do that to not degrade the original master tape, unless it is a super-limited edition. Now if MoFi has been somewhat misleading about their process, then I agree that is not cool considering the price premium you pay.

I personally attribute the magic of vinyl, regardless of the source the vinyl was made from, is the mechanical to electric conversion that occurs in the cartridge. It's differently nuanced then how a DAC converts its signal. I think that's why vinyl kills digital in terms of soundstage, and imaging.

Thanks, Mike IG. Echoing other’s comments in that with this new info being brought to light, I now have a sour taste in my mouth. My .02 is that if it sounds good on my system, I’m happy. If I pay up for a record because I hope to be buying a great sounding / if not one of the best pressings, that’s my choice. With that said, it’s still a real bummer because I felt like I was buying one product when really I was buying a digitally sourced product. Perspective has definitely changed regarding MoFi.

Great video Mike! For me personally, it DOES change my opinion about MoFi’s business practices, but it will NOT stop me from buying their records. Just like you stated, a lot of the times their pressings are the best versions of those albums. I don’t think MoFi was completely dishonest, but they were definitely not transparent and misleading to the very edge of dishonesty. If this is true, the way they conducted their business is not justified, but at least they have a fantastic product that helps defend them

A little shocking to say the least. The “language” used for their SuperVinyl releases seem about as transparent as we’d want MFSL to be: “MASTERED FROM THE ORIGINAL MASTER TAPES, PRESSED ON MOFI SUPERVINYL, AND LIMITED TO 3,000 NUMBERED COPIES” The answer you got from them was, as you said, disappointing but it also diminished a lot of trust I have in the company until proven otherwise. Thank you for posting this!!?

Audio engineer here! A lot of labels are not allowing original master tapes to be used for obvious reasons so they just transfer them digitally in at least 24/96 for archiving purposes and remasters. MoFi just needs to be more transparent about the actual process on their records.

Thank you Mike for the informative video and questions you raised. I think it's a big problem, regarding transparency and the trust. Also if all there is any digital process somewhere and they are not AAA pressings, which means there is still room for better pressings in the future. Might be better sounding AAA pressings or better sounding Digital pressings because digital technology evolving dramatically. This can reduce the collection value of current pressings, meaning they are not unique and can be pressed once again from same digital remasters or someone can press much better with newer technology.

Great video, Mike! I appreciate your passion, insight, and knowledge. Keep up the good fight.

I'm an audiophile and a music lover. I like both analogue and digital - I don't favor one over the other just as long as it sounds great to my ears. If it's all analogue and it sounds great then I'm in. If it's all digital and it sounds great then I'm in. If it's a combo-platter of analogue and digital and it sounds great then I'm in. This is not a religion to me. I purchase Mo-Fi vinyl - including the One-Steps and I purchase Mo-Fi SACDs, and I have no intention of stopping. So, my reaction to the news that it's possible there might be a small digital step somewhere along the line in the manufacturing of Mo-Fi vinyl? Well, isn't that interesting...they sure sound great, so keep 'em coming! My two-cents.

I am a chef, and sometimes I use food analogies to put things in perspective, so here it goes… If someone purchases a food item based on a label that reads “organic”, therefore ALL the ingredients need to be organic, especially at a higher price point. If not, the label should read “made with some organic ingredients”. At that point, it’s up to the consumer to make a educated decision to purchase an item based on their expectations and/or dietary needs. That said, I have always purchased MoFi records because I was told they were “all organic”, and even if it tastes good, I demand to know what the ingredients are especially at that price point. If MoFi has nothing to hide, they at least need to inform the consumer of what they are “eating” IMHO

I have Something else and Sketches of Spain pre-ordered. I enjoy playing vinyl on my turntable. I still want them. I have found it extremely frustrating that we don’t have a clear listing on the sourcing. I would love to see the labeling Mike is suggesting.

I admire you for doing this video. On one hand it will shatter many peoples ideals about their audiophile records and may even cause a lot of anger because people hate feeling like fools, ie. that they have been duped in a way. On the other hand, it really is important that these companies become fully transparent, so that people can make informed decisions on what they want to buy. It's time for the whole industry to grow up and stop playing games.

I have mix feelings about this. True, their product sounds amazing, no doubt about it. But to have the masses going around promoting (believing) MOFI records being all analogue when they're not, it just as bad as MOFI telling us they're all analogue when they're not. Cosumers are spending quite a bit of money for their records. I think we, the consumer, deserve to know what we're buying.

I understand your concern Mike but I’m not sure it really matters. I still have the SACD and vinyl of several recent Mofi titles and they’re each a unique listening experience to me. I enjoy both but they do sound different to me and on my system.

This is a good video. Of course it matters. Knowing how things are made matters to a lot of people. A digital step in the production chain might well not be an issue; trying to disguise that fact - even if only by omission - becomes an issue. Good luck with your efforts to achieve transparency.

I always searched for copies made in the analog era, trying to avoid digital sources for vinyl. I have some more recent vinyl, not Mo-Fi, and I find them to sound not so good, more close to CDs than tape. But if there are companies that can make really good sounding vinyl from digital sources I can only be happy - so this is actually good news for me.

I've only been into vinyl for a year or so. Been watching lots of video's and reading about it, it's a fun hobby. I kind of get lost in the hype about, wanting the best copy, it must be all analog etc, because I do like quality products in general. But if I am really honest, I probably couldn't tell if it wasn't all analog. I don't listen to multiple copies side by side nor do I train my ears to be very precise and picky. But I do enjoy owning a very good copy (even if it's sometimes only for the sake of having it) and I agree the process should be transparent so that the customers knows what they are buying. But in that, maybe some stigma will also be taken away that it's not necessarily crap if it's not all analog processed. Maybe even that in some cases the best copy is not all analog. Purists would always disagree. But the general listener might be more open minded.

I agree with buying records that are well mastered. The only thing I care about are the dynamics. Modern CDs and streaming have squashed dynamic range. I’ll buy digital/analog records if they sound 💯.

No sweat. You the man. I'm still digging it

The eye in the sky was funny! I got it right away. I’m with ya Mike.

I agree that all audiophile labels should include all important sourcing, recording, mastering and manufacturing information on the outside of the cover or a sticker.

From a listener perspective, if a record is the best sounding record of that particular recording, i don't really care too much if it was cut from a digital file or the master tape. If it sounds good, it sounds good. Pretty much what you said about the Santana One - Step. However, as a customer, if your advertising something as being cut from the original master tape and its actually a digital file then we have a problem as thats just straight up lying. In Mo-Fi's case, yes, they may never have actually straight up said that these were cut from the original master tape, but as far as I'm concerned they pretty much have implied that for years. Did they lie? No. Disingenuous? Absolutely.

Would definitely keep buying their records, they do an amazing job. But, I’d appreciate them being totally honest with us.

@6:20 if done correctly I can understand how they can acheive this resolution on Vinyl format. That would be the goal..but as we know many reissues are rushed or not really tended to carefully.

This makes me double happy having purchased a shed load of their SACDs instead of 1 steps and the like. Seriously im actually fine with digital cut records, ive got many excellent ones inc Mofi stuff but the problem for me is that digital is alot cheaper than all analogue right so why do their records cost so damned much? Should be cheaper than Tone Poets!

I'd still buy them if it has a DSD step. PS Audio's Octave Records only records artists in DSD and Paul has discussed at length why they record only in DSD. I think their vinyl cuts sound amazing.

Great video Mike, we really need some clarity on this. I watched an interview recently with Kevin Grey and he was asked about what sources he used on certain titles and he could not say as he had an agreement with the various companies not to do so. This is plain wrong not on his behalf as he has a living to make but record companies need to come clean on this. As I say you have done nothing wrong and nothing to be nervous about mate, you trust your ears and I trust your judgement.

I totally agree. I want to see what process was used with any of these records. Why cover it up? If it sounds good, it sounds good. This should have been done right from the beginning of digital. There are some records put out in the 1980's that are impossible to find how they were made...whether they are analog or digital. I think it would fascinate customers to know more about the entire process.

Wow. This all came to a head on the audiophile YT channels the last few days. First with 45RPM asking questions about 1Step Thriller and then Mazzy's response calling for better labeling to now you finding out about the sourcing.

I've asked this elsewhere. If digital sources are used.....wouldn't the SACD/Hi Rez files be a TRUE One-Step? Besides a cardboard box full of foam inserts and surface noise, is one really gaining anything vs the $30 SACD version?

I don't have enough experience, as I've only been collecting vinyl for about 3 years now, but as a consumer, if I see "Original Master Recording" on a pre-CD era release on vinyl, I would assume that it was cut from the analog master. Thanks for all the info!

Wasn’t their silver line digital sourced so now what’s to distinguish the different processes? I’m lost lol

By the way, Mike, it may be possible to produce a really excellent sounding digital recording. In the past the digital sampling rate for the sound curve was low. If you can sample more of the sound curve, you can produce a more faithful digital recording. I doubt it would surpass a quality all analogue pressing, but it could get close. This plus their digital manipulations of the audio spectrum may be why the MoFi Abraxas album sounds so good. I'm open to being converted, but as of right now, I want all analogue vinyl records.

"If this is digital what does it change?"... Nothing as far as sound quality. It either sounds the best or not. What it would comfirm for me is what Ive always suspected: The idea that folks can "hear" the difference between digital and analogue in most cases and when the mastering is great is overblown. They simply cant. And if this is true, then what difference does it make whether a company places a designtation hype sticker on the album or not? If one cant hear the difference. This also confirms another issue. That mastering is what counts the most. I was told by a retired recording engineer that if people knew how many records we think are analogue but are really digitally sourced, we would be very surprised. This is most likely why we dont and wont see analogue hype stickers on every reissue. Its not a puzzle. Its because they arent aaa. Im not one to care as long as the album sounds great. That is all that matters. As matter of fact this "we will stick only to aaa mastertapes" is why we have reissues that have issues most likely. I wont name companies or titles. But some of these issues could have been remedied and tweaked with the plangent process. But due to the stubborness or whatever, we have reissues that could have digitally been repaired and are not. The later imo is due to this absolute aaa mindset in those particuliar cases.

Thanks for your video. I hope it's not how it is. Really hope it's been done all analog, but as you say it should be info on the jacket on what and how it's been pressed.

Way to go Mike! Thanks for giving us the transparency MFSL clearly doesn't want to. There aren't a lot of industries or businesses that do these days. Taking them off the analog top 100 is a stand up move. I know this will mean less sales of these records, stock you already have. Taking a hit for honesty, means something. I will make sure to order more from your shop in the future.

My initial thought is that well done digital could be as good as analog , based on the fact we all praised one steps , putting them as the end all be all versions and turned out to be digital .

Honestly as long as it sounds good, I don't really care if it's digital or not

I'm with you Mike...glad to see that someone has finally brought this up concerning the true source of all new reissues being made today. I for one am an audiophile purist and have never liked the sound of digital since it's inception!! I CAN HEAR A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN ALL ANALOG SOURCE RECORDING AND AN ALL DIGITAL ONE AND TO MY EARS, THE DIGITAL ONE DOES NOT CAPTURE THE TRUE NATURAL TONE NOR BEAUTY OF ANALOG SOUND...PERIOD!!! I TRUST MY EARS!!! But getting back to the real issue here...I think MF has a responsibility to their customers to be up front and to let the AUDIOPHILE COMMUNITY (those like myself, know the true source of all new reissues). And I am in total agreement with you about placing some kind of stamp or as you called it spar? on all new recordings going forward by ALL of the manufacturers of vinyl records. THANKS FOR SPEAKING OUT ON THIS VERY IMPORTANT ISSUE...I will be watching for further posts from the VC and hope that we are all on the same wavelength in regards to this very important matter.

Mike: thanks for going to get to the bottom of this. You said in your last video that you preferred the One Step Abraxas to the DSD and you didn’t know why that was if they were the same DSD / Digital file. I have a theory that they cut the vinyl one step direct from the 4x DSD transfer off the master tape. Similarly since their DSDs are “1X” DSDs then by definition there’s 1/4 the resolution. So if they confirm a digital step, could you please ask what they then cut the vinyl from? 1X? 4x? Or ? Thanks and travel safe!

If I had a dollar for every time an audiophile told me they can instantly recognise a digital recording.

All good comments so won’t rehash but I would like to know what DAC they use as well as what is the Analogue Productions process. UHQR don’t claim one step if I remember correctly but sound amazing. I wonder if they are all analogue.

Interesting information, thanks Mike!