The Locrian Ensemble - Mendelssohn's Octet - 180g / 33rpm & 45rpm 2LP

• A Demonstration of 33rpm & 45rpm vs Half-Speed Mastering on 180g 2LP!

• Vale vs Transistor Microphones!

• Digital vs Analogue Recording!

• Pressed at Optimal!

Michael Fremer Rated 9/11 Music, 9/11 Sonics!

A unique opportunity to listen to the differences between vinyl cut at 33 1/3 rpm, 45 rpm and half-speed mastering, using Mendelssohn's wonderful music. The orchestra also plays "Two Guitars" by Ivan Vasiliev, which allows you to compare valve and transistor microphones and stereo vs. binaural mic techniques. Chasing The Dragon even cut a track sourced from their 1/2" Studer A820 running at 30 ips, so you may contrast the sound of analogue vs. digital!

Sides 1 to 3 were recorded at 24 bit / 192 kHz using a spaced pair of AKG C12 Omni Mics.

The well-experienced, talented Locrian Ensemble led by 1st violinist Jack Liebeck does a fine, somewhat more measured job here, bringing to life the brash adolescent's audacious, difficult to play piece. If you buy this for the demo comparisons, fall for the Octet and then seek out additional performances, mission accomplished! As for what I heard, first of all, these days, if you start with good microphones properly placed in a good space as is the case here your choice of storage media is less consequential than it used to be. The digits won't be an issue as you'll appreciate the textures and timbres produced by the ensemble and experience the space. The short demo piece made for an interesting set of comparisons.

As expected, the overall sound quality is outstanding, with rich tonal colors, fine resolution of inner detail, and a perfect blend of intimacy and spaciousness that is appropriate for the octet. As for the differences between the recording technologies, you can, for the first time, listen and decide for yourself.