junplugged
Taking the slow road
i got the Capital Albums CD sets, finally, the way they were meant to be! 
Lt. Bob
Spread the Daf!
Actually my set on vinyl is how they were meant to be heard.
Just kidding .... it is absolutely amazing how much better they sound in mono.
Just kidding .... it is absolutely amazing how much better they sound in mono.
cjacek
Analogue Enthusiast
Yeah, that makes total sense as the majority of original work went into mixing to mono for best sound.
superspit
idiots unite!
hi guys,
i do find this very interesting!
Meant to be (mono)?...yes.
Is it necessarily better sounding (quality of sound)?.....maybe the word 'better' is an emotional one, in this case?
mmmm.......
What actually makes this album sound better?
Again, I'm just very interested in the 'perception' angle here, that's all!
Kindest regards,
Superspit. (Pro-Beatles! Pro-Stereo!)
i do find this very interesting!
Meant to be (mono)?...yes.
Is it necessarily better sounding (quality of sound)?.....maybe the word 'better' is an emotional one, in this case?
mmmm.......
What actually makes this album sound better?
Again, I'm just very interested in the 'perception' angle here, that's all!
Kindest regards,
Superspit. (Pro-Beatles! Pro-Stereo!)
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SRR
New member
But are you listening to it over two speakers or just one? 
superspit
idiots unite!
SRR said:But are you listening to it over two speakers or just one?
good question!!
I bump!
A Reel Person
It's Too Funky in Here!!!
Naw! Fuck You!
Those Stereophonic mixes are the bomb! They're totally extreme stereo, and you know what? It works! It's kinda wacky stereo by today's standards, but it's rich with musical history, (however wacky it may sound sometimes).
(I'm sorry,...) The mono mixes are not all that!
I, for one, am glad I had those great Capitol stereo Beatles records when I was growing up, not that drab Parlophone mono. I mean,... the mono is good, but the stereo mixes are better.
Thank you.
Those Stereophonic mixes are the bomb! They're totally extreme stereo, and you know what? It works! It's kinda wacky stereo by today's standards, but it's rich with musical history, (however wacky it may sound sometimes).
(I'm sorry,...) The mono mixes are not all that!
I, for one, am glad I had those great Capitol stereo Beatles records when I was growing up, not that drab Parlophone mono. I mean,... the mono is good, but the stereo mixes are better.
Thank you.
SRR
New member
A Reel Person said:Those Stereophonic mixes are the bomb! They're totally extreme stereo, and you know what? It works! It's kinda wacky stereo by today's standards, but it's rich with musical history, (however wacky it may sound sometimes).
(I'm sorry,...) The mono mixes are not all that!
I, for one, am glad I had those great Capitol stereo Beatles records when I was growing up, not that drab Parlophone mono. I mean,... the mono is good, but the stereo mixes are better.
Thank you.
But are you listening to the stereo mixes over two speakers or just one.....
Track Rat
Just Your Average Sized Member
I still have Meet The Beatles and Something New bought new in the 60's and they're both mono.
RickW
Don't read this
Actually (and Davemania should know this ), Sgt. Pepper was the first Beatle album (in the 60's) to be offered in both mono and stereo, everything before that was mono. That is, until EMI decided (after Sgt. Pepper) that the American market wanted stereo, so they re-mastered the original tapes to quasi-stereo and re-released the first batch of albums. So, if you've got Beatle albums up through Revolver in stereo, they're not the original versions, they're re-issues. Since then, pretty much everything has been done to the original master tapes and everyone will like different versions.Just wanted to clarify.
I gotta agree with junplugged - mono is the way to listen to the originals. And it's not just the recording that makes them good. You can feel the energy of the way they were playing (especially before they became studio hermits)...I don't think any band today puts that much of themselves into the music. And they started as a cover band (which I think everyone should do) to hone their chops.
I haven't puschased the Capitol CDs yet...I still have dreams of putting all my vinyl onto CD...and I can't admit to myself that I don't have the time. BUT - I still have a turntable.
), Sgt. Pepper was the first Beatle album (in the 60's) to be offered in both mono and stereo, everything before that was mono. That is, until EMI decided (after Sgt. Pepper) that the American market wanted stereo, so they re-mastered the original tapes to quasi-stereo and re-released the first batch of albums. So, if you've got Beatle albums up through Revolver in stereo, they're not the original versions, they're re-issues. Since then, pretty much everything has been done to the original master tapes and everyone will like different versions.Just wanted to clarify.I gotta agree with junplugged - mono is the way to listen to the originals. And it's not just the recording that makes them good. You can feel the energy of the way they were playing (especially before they became studio hermits)...I don't think any band today puts that much of themselves into the music. And they started as a cover band (which I think everyone should do) to hone their chops.
I haven't puschased the Capitol CDs yet...I still have dreams of putting all my vinyl onto CD...and I can't admit to myself that I don't have the time. BUT - I still have a turntable.
kid klash
The original Mr. Nice Guy
I just read the interview with Geoff Emerick in the new issue of MIX; he said that they put lots of thought and effort into the mono mixes, and "that's the way they should be heard". He said the "stereo" mixes were an afterthought and have no impact, bottom end or immediacy compared to the mono mixes. His new book "Here, There and Everywhere" was a good read too.
Here's a link to (I think the same) interview :
http://emusician.com/artists/emusic_long_winding_road/
Here's a link to (I think the same) interview :
http://emusician.com/artists/emusic_long_winding_road/
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A Reel Person
It's Too Funky in Here!!!
I realize all that, how they came about, etc. Thank you.
I still think the stereo versions of the early Beatle albums were better than the mono versions. It was a reissue,... stereo was an afterthought,... same master tapes,... mixed to stereo with zero sophistication,... just left/right/bam/bam,... you've got stereo. All of those little details was what I was referring to when I said, 'rich with musical history'.
The stereo mixes add a whole other level of richness to the sound of the recordings/albums. Stereo releases were an afterthought, etc. I like the stereo versions better. (YMMV).
Yeah, yeah, yeah!!!
I still think the stereo versions of the early Beatle albums were better than the mono versions. It was a reissue,... stereo was an afterthought,... same master tapes,... mixed to stereo with zero sophistication,... just left/right/bam/bam,... you've got stereo. All of those little details was what I was referring to when I said, 'rich with musical history'.
The stereo mixes add a whole other level of richness to the sound of the recordings/albums. Stereo releases were an afterthought, etc. I like the stereo versions better. (YMMV).
Yeah, yeah, yeah!!!
RickW
Don't read this
Sorry Dave - I wasn't trying to insinuate that you didn't know the facts, but that you DID and I was clarifying to others that might not know (and you could vouch). Apparently I worded it incorrectly. 
So again...foot in mouth. I hate when that happens. I only have mucho respect for fellow Beatle lovers.
So again...foot in mouth. I hate when that happens. I only have mucho respect for fellow Beatle lovers.
CoolCat
Well-known member
I posted this a few times, but the Pepper Mono was a noticeable different mix. Martin mentioned if you haven't heard it in mono go hear it. the mixes are different and its fun. I did use 2 speakers on my mono playback? hmm...
there's that Beatles Recording Sessions book that the convention crowd calls the "main book" of all this type stuff. Its in paperback...engineering logs and comments. its a good read if you like that detail note taking stuff and it doesn't put you to sleep.
Albums scratching and poping is hard for me to take these days, but I agree it was fun in those days, no one knew any differnt. Thise Capitol Mono releases are probably better than I ever heard them when they came out.
I think we had a suitcase player with quarters taped to the arm to prevent skipping! now thats frkn high tech!!
there's that Beatles Recording Sessions book that the convention crowd calls the "main book" of all this type stuff. Its in paperback...engineering logs and comments. its a good read if you like that detail note taking stuff and it doesn't put you to sleep.
Albums scratching and poping is hard for me to take these days, but I agree it was fun in those days, no one knew any differnt. Thise Capitol Mono releases are probably better than I ever heard them when they came out.
I think we had a suitcase player with quarters taped to the arm to prevent skipping! now thats frkn high tech!!
A Reel Person
It's Too Funky in Here!!!
You guys are gonna get me digging thru my album collection again!
As I recall, the recently released Capitol 4-CD set has the first 4 Beatles albums in Mono and Stereo mixes,... back to back, including a detailed pamphlet. The original early Beatles CDs that came out in the late 80's were the mono British versions. The early Capitol albums I remember were stereo...............
As I recall, the recently released Capitol 4-CD set has the first 4 Beatles albums in Mono and Stereo mixes,... back to back, including a detailed pamphlet. The original early Beatles CDs that came out in the late 80's were the mono British versions. The early Capitol albums I remember were stereo...............
CoolCat
Well-known member
I think all the 45's were Mono up to Hey Jude/Revolution? somewhere there.
There's Mono albums, my neighbor has her original MMTour Mono and Pepper Mono... its a different mix too...Martin actually sat around with the Beatles doing Pepper...they got bored and Martin and the crew did the Stereo version by themselves like they normally did...so Martin said in this book I have.
I never hear much about the Mastering side of things. Is there any mention of this in the new CD collections?
There's Mono albums, my neighbor has her original MMTour Mono and Pepper Mono... its a different mix too...Martin actually sat around with the Beatles doing Pepper...they got bored and Martin and the crew did the Stereo version by themselves like they normally did...so Martin said in this book I have.
I never hear much about the Mastering side of things. Is there any mention of this in the new CD collections?
peopleperson
I'm so sorry.
A Reel Person said:Those Stereophonic mixes are the bomb! They're totally extreme stereo, and you know what? It works! It's kinda wacky stereo by today's standards, but it's rich with musical history, (however wacky it may sound sometimes).
(I'm sorry,...) The mono mixes are not all that!
I, for one, am glad I had those great Capitol stereo Beatles records when I was growing up, not that drab Parlophone mono. I mean,... the mono is good, but the stereo mixes are better.
Thank you.
I'm in complete agreement with this. I grew up as well with the American releases which were all stereo and still prefer them. I kept all the vinyl American releases, and I have all the British mono vinyls too. I prefer the sequencing on the British versions cause those were how the lp's were meant to be laid out, but man, those stereo mixes still sound better to me. Do an a/b on the two different She's a Woman mixes.
CoolCat
Well-known member
here's some Mono shtick...
Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band - Mono Mix
And Bonus tracks 17 - 26
LINER NOTES:
"The only real version of Sgt. Pepper is the mono version," says former Beatles sound engineer Richard Lush. "There are all sorts of things on the mono, little effects here and there, which the stereo didn't have."
Because stereo wasn't as commonplace in the 60's, the mono mixes were always given top priority. That meant in this case the mono mixing was done with much love and care, with the Beatles in attendance, whereas the stereo mixes were made in just a few hours afterwards by Producer George Martin alone. Of course, stereo was soon to take over and this meant that this original mono mix with all its subtle differences (like, for example, She's Leaving Home played at the right speed rather than slowed down as it is on the stereo) was soon deleted.
Capitol New CD article about Mono and Stereo
http://members.aol.com/egweimi/btls/caplps.htm
Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band - Mono Mix
And Bonus tracks 17 - 26
LINER NOTES:
"The only real version of Sgt. Pepper is the mono version," says former Beatles sound engineer Richard Lush. "There are all sorts of things on the mono, little effects here and there, which the stereo didn't have."
Because stereo wasn't as commonplace in the 60's, the mono mixes were always given top priority. That meant in this case the mono mixing was done with much love and care, with the Beatles in attendance, whereas the stereo mixes were made in just a few hours afterwards by Producer George Martin alone. Of course, stereo was soon to take over and this meant that this original mono mix with all its subtle differences (like, for example, She's Leaving Home played at the right speed rather than slowed down as it is on the stereo) was soon deleted.
Capitol New CD article about Mono and Stereo
http://members.aol.com/egweimi/btls/caplps.htm
Lt. Bob
Spread the Daf!
If you have albums that were played with a quarter taped to the arm .... no wonder they're noisy.
My vinyl has been cared for and cleaned with a good record cleaning maching and there's virtually no noise, occassional pops but not too many.
Anyway .... to my taste .... the mono mixes are head and shoulders above the fake stereo jobbies done for the states.
Yes ...... those quirky stereo mixes (with all the vocals but one on one channel and all the instruments but one on the other channel), have a certain sound that we old guys all remember and for that reason .... we have some ties and affection for them.
But strictly as music ...... the mono mixes smoke the fake stero mixes IMO.
My vinyl has been cared for and cleaned with a good record cleaning maching and there's virtually no noise, occassional pops but not too many.
Anyway .... to my taste .... the mono mixes are head and shoulders above the fake stereo jobbies done for the states.
Yes ...... those quirky stereo mixes (with all the vocals but one on one channel and all the instruments but one on the other channel), have a certain sound that we old guys all remember and for that reason .... we have some ties and affection for them.
But strictly as music ...... the mono mixes smoke the fake stero mixes IMO.
CoolCat
Well-known member
this thread got my interests up...
and while at the library there's a very nice book compiled by Bruce Spizer Beatles Story on Capitol Records: Part 2.
it has everything from which plant the vinly was pressed to minor collector item details, in great detail of every pressing.
Answering my own question on Mastering,
Capitol did do the mastering for Capitol releases. My understanding is the Hollywood engineers took the UK reel and made mastering settings and cut the Master Disc/Laquer. (on Scully Lathes). (Westrex cutting system head and amplifiers) at either CA or NY. Two locations the Master Laquer/Disc was cut form the "mastered reel tapes".
Each song would have had notes on mastering settings pre-cutting the master disc.
Hollywood discs used the main reel and a copie was sent to NY for their master disc cutting.
Hollywood Engineers dictated the Volume, EQ, reverbs, limiting on the reel box and a copie sent to NY, as I understood it.
Capitol used a Fairchild 670 Limiter for Stereo and a Altec 321 for Mono.
no mention of the equipment models for Volume, EQ, Reverbs.
gear head stuff...
its a collectors book so much didn't interest me, very engineering type book with pressng plant notes and alot of ST-X-2-2047 type things... .
Wierd...Capitol often took the "reels" from the UK and made DUOPHONIC. which is the UK Mono mix placed into Left and Right, only on some songs too. So again there's so many versions, its hard to keep it straight. Mono, Stereo, Duophonic, UK mastered, US mastered.
an immaculate book though.
http://www.amazon.com/Beatles-Story-Capitol-Records-Part/dp/0966264916
and while at the library there's a very nice book compiled by Bruce Spizer Beatles Story on Capitol Records: Part 2.
it has everything from which plant the vinly was pressed to minor collector item details, in great detail of every pressing.
Answering my own question on Mastering,
Capitol did do the mastering for Capitol releases. My understanding is the Hollywood engineers took the UK reel and made mastering settings and cut the Master Disc/Laquer. (on Scully Lathes). (Westrex cutting system head and amplifiers) at either CA or NY. Two locations the Master Laquer/Disc was cut form the "mastered reel tapes".
Each song would have had notes on mastering settings pre-cutting the master disc.
Hollywood discs used the main reel and a copie was sent to NY for their master disc cutting.
Hollywood Engineers dictated the Volume, EQ, reverbs, limiting on the reel box and a copie sent to NY, as I understood it.
Capitol used a Fairchild 670 Limiter for Stereo and a Altec 321 for Mono.
no mention of the equipment models for Volume, EQ, Reverbs.
gear head stuff...
its a collectors book so much didn't interest me, very engineering type book with pressng plant notes and alot of ST-X-2-2047 type things...
.Wierd...Capitol often took the "reels" from the UK and made DUOPHONIC. which is the UK Mono mix placed into Left and Right, only on some songs too. So again there's so many versions, its hard to keep it straight. Mono, Stereo, Duophonic, UK mastered, US mastered.
an immaculate book though.
http://www.amazon.com/Beatles-Story-Capitol-Records-Part/dp/0966264916