Jean.Francois
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Hello,
MOFI did an outstanding job by working from both the analog and digital master tapes. Indeed, Dangerous was originally produced using a dual-format approach: recorded and mixed in analog, with a simultaneous digital transfer.
This explains the presence of both analog and digital sources for this release. The album features 3 analog master formats and one digital format:
For a thorough analysis of these MOFI editions, we will compare four samples, each sourced from a different master.
For each excerpt, we will compare the spectrum of the SACD version with that of the 1991 Japanese CD, as well as the spectrum of the vinyl version with that of the same Japanese CD.
The combined use of analog and digital tapes is clearly visible in the spectrogram below, where the green area indicates the digitally sourced tracks. These tracks exhibit a limited bandwidth of around 24 kHz, corresponding to the digital master recorded on a Mitsubishi X-86 HS ¼” 48 kHz / 16-bit format.
Spectrogram with master sources
The first track analyzed is Jam. For this track in the SACD version, two key points stand out:
First, the spectra reveal variations in the sonic balance between the SACD version and the 1991 CD version. This balance also differs from the vinyl version, where the differences are less pronounced, especially in the low-frequency range. This is explained by the fact that bass and sub-bass frequencies are mixed in mono on vinyl pressings.
Spectrum : Jam ( SACD) (white) vs CD) (blue), sample rate 88.2 kHz.
Spectrum: Jam ( vinyl) (white) vs CD) (blue), sample rate 192kHz.
The analysis of the SACD’s stereo spectrum highlights variations between the right and left channels in the bass (green zone) and high frequencies (yellow zone), variations that are absent on the 1991 CD. These differences partly explain the listening discrepancies noted on the SACD version, as well as the criticisms expressed by many listeners. The discrepancies observed are mainly significant on the track Jam.
The most notable positive aspect is the work done by the MOFI team, which has delivered the most dynamic version of Dangerous to date. However, and this is a key point, this dynamic range is accompanied by a certain inconsistency from track to track. Some songs, such as Will You Be There, sound exceptional, while others, such as Jam, are more disappointing. In the latter case, one wonders whether this is a SACD mastering error or simply the result of a damaged master tape. And if the master tape was indeed unusable, why wasn’t another source chosen?
This question has been submitted to MOFI. We are currently awaiting their response.
Find the analysis of all tracks and samples here (link)
Enjoy listening
MOFI did an outstanding job by working from both the analog and digital master tapes. Indeed, Dangerous was originally produced using a dual-format approach: recorded and mixed in analog, with a simultaneous digital transfer.
This explains the presence of both analog and digital sources for this release. The album features 3 analog master formats and one digital format:
- ½” / 30 IPS analog master with Dolby SR noise reduction, transferred to DSD 256, then through an analog console to lathe, for the tracks:
“Jam,” “Why You Wanna Trip on Me,” “In the Closet,” “She Drives Me Wild”,“Remember the Time,” “Can't Let Her Get Away,” “Dangerous” - Mitsubishi X-86 HS digital master – ¼” 48kHz / 16-bit format, transferred to DSD 256, then through analog console to lathe, for:
“Heal the World,” “Keep the Faith” - ½” / 30 IPS analog master, transferred to DSD 256, then through analog console to lathe, for:
“Black or White,” “Who Is It,” “Give in to Me” - ¼” / 30 IPS analog master with Dolby SR noise reduction, transferred to DSD 256, then through analog console to lathe, for:
“Will You Be There,” “Gone Too Soon”
For a thorough analysis of these MOFI editions, we will compare four samples, each sourced from a different master.
For each excerpt, we will compare the spectrum of the SACD version with that of the 1991 Japanese CD, as well as the spectrum of the vinyl version with that of the same Japanese CD.
The combined use of analog and digital tapes is clearly visible in the spectrogram below, where the green area indicates the digitally sourced tracks. These tracks exhibit a limited bandwidth of around 24 kHz, corresponding to the digital master recorded on a Mitsubishi X-86 HS ¼” 48 kHz / 16-bit format.
Spectrogram with master sources
The first track analyzed is Jam. For this track in the SACD version, two key points stand out:
First, the spectra reveal variations in the sonic balance between the SACD version and the 1991 CD version. This balance also differs from the vinyl version, where the differences are less pronounced, especially in the low-frequency range. This is explained by the fact that bass and sub-bass frequencies are mixed in mono on vinyl pressings.
Spectrum : Jam ( SACD) (white) vs CD) (blue), sample rate 88.2 kHz.
Spectrum: Jam ( vinyl) (white) vs CD) (blue), sample rate 192kHz.
The analysis of the SACD’s stereo spectrum highlights variations between the right and left channels in the bass (green zone) and high frequencies (yellow zone), variations that are absent on the 1991 CD. These differences partly explain the listening discrepancies noted on the SACD version, as well as the criticisms expressed by many listeners. The discrepancies observed are mainly significant on the track Jam.
The most notable positive aspect is the work done by the MOFI team, which has delivered the most dynamic version of Dangerous to date. However, and this is a key point, this dynamic range is accompanied by a certain inconsistency from track to track. Some songs, such as Will You Be There, sound exceptional, while others, such as Jam, are more disappointing. In the latter case, one wonders whether this is a SACD mastering error or simply the result of a damaged master tape. And if the master tape was indeed unusable, why wasn’t another source chosen?
This question has been submitted to MOFI. We are currently awaiting their response.
Find the analysis of all tracks and samples here (link)
Enjoy listening
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