MOFI One Step’s - is it tape or digital? The big debate

In a recent interview with Kevin Gray, he woudln't admit nor could he say which vinyl releases he mastered were cut from a file or tape unless the label expressly stated it, like on the hype sticker.

Regarding Mike E's assertions (The In Groove) and Fremer's opinion on the subject, you have to look at their history. It started with the controvesey re Supersense selling lacquers direct to consumers. Both Mikes locked horns on that subject in a live Youtube discussion with Chad moderating.

IMO, Mike E is over the target, its not to say Mofi wouldnt make a production copy of the master tape to cut 40 separate lacquers--in the case of the MJ Thriller 1-step--but its unlikey.
 
It looks as if to get the best analog sound MOFI inserted 'digital' in the chain!
That sounds like... heresy! :panic: (to some)
I bet lawsuits will be filed: 'pain and suffering your honor'!
Oh, boy, what has the audiophile world come to?! :lol:
 
blo·​vi·​ate | \ ˈblō-vē-ˌāt \
bloviated; bloviating
Definition of bloviate
intransitive verb
: to speak or write verbosely and windily
: the art of speaking at length without saying anything
 
Yes, they seem a little uncomfortable, but I give them credit for - at least what seems to be - striving to be transparent.

I found a variety of things interesting, but one that was interesting as well as a little surprising (to me at least) is there seems a degree of subjectivity involved in determining what they consider the “best pressing” among multiple test cuts. As a LP enthusiast, looking for the “most original to master” pressing, one thing you’re buying - and counting on - is the ears of these guys choosing what they consider closest to that original master tape.
 
jmusica said:
Yes, they seem a little uncomfortable, but I give them credit for - at least what seems to be - striving to be transparent.
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did they have a choice? I dont mind seeing them squirm under cross examination. Mofi should come up with a better way to describe the provevance of the sources they use to master LPs. Its damage control at this point and it took one of their own retailers to call them out, def not good for their image.
 
Now the cat’s out of the bag, I wish these guys would just sell DSD taken from the masters. Santana, Dylan and Miles DSD taken carefully direct from the master tapes? Sign me up.
 
The lack of transparency is disappointing. Many if us have paid top $ for Mobile Fidelity records under assumption that the so called master pressings and one step were analog. I’m sure a few lawyers will be busy on this one.
 
only bought a couple recent MOFI One Steps; KOB and Abraxas.

preferred my Classic 4 disc 45 rpm KOB to the One Step. not compared my early MFSL Abraxas to the One Step. suppose i will now.:(

i mostly have owned previous decent to good pressings of the One Step titles, so not pursued them. had no inkling about the digital thing.
 
W9TR said:
Couldn’t stomach all the bloviation and prevarication in the videos.
What’s the short answer?
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Mother MoFi knows best. and best might be a digital step here and there.

MoFi One Steps are fine sounding pressings. possibly the best possible way to hear these titles if you need new pressings. but maybe not worth the $100-$125 premium. and good original pressings, or earlier used all analog reissues might be better choices.

you simply can't bank on the One Steps....it's complicated. we all like to know that when we step up, we get what we are paying for. and the fact that many/most of them have been mastered to digital for lacquers might mess with your head.

and....great digital transfers, dsd or PCM, might be good/great alternatives.
 
Mike Lavigne said:
Mother MoFi knows best. and best might be a digital step here and there.

MoFi One Steps are fine sounding pressings. possibly the best possible way to hear these titles if you need new pressings. but maybe not worth the $100-$125 premium. and good original pressings, or earlier used all analog reissues might be better choices.

you simply can't bank on the One Steps....it's complicated. we all like to know that when we step up, we get what we are paying for. and the fact that many/most of them have been mastered to digital for lacquers might mess with your head.

and....great digital transfers, dsd or PCM, might be good/great alternatives.
Click to expand...

Thanks Mike. I have most of the one steps already in original vinyl or Analogue Productions or SACD so haven’t purchased any yet.

With 40,000 copies of Thriller in 1-step I knew they were using something removed from the master. Had to be. No master owner would let them play the tape 40 to 80 times to make enough stampers.
 
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