Daniel A

RVG CD (2000):

I just made a transfer to my computer of Herbie Hancock's "The Prisoner". Here's a graph of the title cut (original Liberty pressing). I've recorded it so that the loudest parts are around -0.8 dB. The CD is mastered a little bit higher, but it should be possible to get an impression about the overall compression in the different masters. RVG LP (1969):

I also realize that the Connoisseur must be EQ:ed differently than the BN Works version, since the peaks are at different places.

A closer look revealed that it was in fact Larry Walsh who remastered the Connoisseur. It seems more compressed than the Japanese version, though not anywhere near the RVG. Would be interesting to see a graph of an original vinyl copy. It's strange Van Gelder masters his CD reissues so differently than the original LPs (at least from how they sound). EDIT: I just noticed that the heavily compressed graph above was not the RVG, but in fact the most recent 24 bit Japanese release.

John, which tune and which part do your graphs show? Since I have the McMastered Connoisseur it could be fun if I posted a graph of the same section from that remaster as well for comparsion.

Oliver Nelson 'Berlin Dialogue for Orchestra' (Philips/Flying Dutchman)

I'm no expert, but I would think that if the fold-down is done correctly, the individual levels of the different instruments are preserved regardless of where the instruments are in the stereo mix (left/center/right). Sort of listening to the stereo mix with a single ear.

A VPI cleaning machine is out of reach for me, so I'm trying to explore the various manual methods there are for cleaning LPs. I recently bought a kit from Clearaudio which contained a few different kind of liquids (needle, LP and platter cleaning), various brushes plus some additional semi-useless things. This kind of products usually seems to be overpriced, but I was in a spending mode and also a bit curious if I could find out how these allegedly good products are working. Basically, there are three components: a cloth, some liquid and a dust-removing brush. It seems as if at least the two first could be substituted with much cheaper products than stuff designed for LP cleaning, while achieving the same results. I've read Tony J's post here as well as the method described by Porcy62 here, but I remain uncertain as to what kind of cloth and liquid I should use. What concerns me is that some cloths not designed for this kind of use seem to introduce static to the LP surface. Claude recommended a microfibre cloth in another thread, which might be the way to go. The cloth that came with the Clearaudio set is very similar to those used to wipe off a pair of glasses, only it feels a bit "drier". In that respect the finest microfibre cloths are very similar to the Clearaudio cloth. Then, there's the cleaning solution. It appears as if the Clearaudio solution is alcohol based, allthough the manufacturer carefully has avoided specifying what the contents are. Despite it is sometimes stated that alcohol should not be used for LP cleaning, many people also seem satisfied with the results. So, I'd just like to hear if anyone has any comments to: - Using a micrifibre cloth - The proportion of alcohol relative to destilled water in the cleaning solution

http://www.organissimo.org/forum/index.php...ndpost&p=477285 Fold-down ~ downmix.

Thanks, John! No, I didn't get that far!

Since re-installing Windows I lost the Java support needed for the Live Chat. The support links I'm directed to from the Live Chat page does either not seem to work or I can't understand what to do when I'm there. I would be very grateful if someone could direct me to where I can get the correct plugin.

Bernt Rosengren Big Band 'First Moves' (EMI, 1977) Wacky cover.

Thanks for the inspiration, Sidewinder! I've just put on: Vaughan Williams 'Symphony No. 6' (E minor), New Philharmonia Orch./Boult (EMI/HMV Stereo)

It is indeed included on the Saba/MPS album "Midnight Mood". Recently reissued and available for cheap!

I'm just listening to "A Day in Copenhagen", and it's a very enjoyable recording. Gordon is fine, the rhythm section is terrific, but what is impressing me the most is Dizzy Reece's playing; did he ever play better? This album is wholeheartedly recommended!

I agree 'Midnight Mood' is a very enjoyable album. Several of the Muse albums I've heard are indeed a bit too "soulful" for mee too, but - as I know BFrank has - I have a soft spot for the Herb Geller album 'An American in Hamburg' (the vocal tracks were also released on Atlantic as 'Rhyme and Reason').

This one's for you, Brownie! Found a mint copy yesterday, original pressing. Beautiful playing.

Funny Rat Name Three People ... and Jazzis Web Shop News...

Columbia mono promo:

Seriously, I think Brosnan was the second best after Connery. My personal opinion about Lazenby is that he was rather bad. And I was never able to take Moore seriously - to me it appears that all the films with Moore are more comic-book-ish (and thus never too involving) than even "Diamonds Are Forever".

How about this Bond, then?

Thanks for the belated reply! Here's a scan of the original Columbia release, although my ageing scanner does not get the colors entirely right any more:

Just remember to erase the albums from your Ipod as soon as you've sold them, and you should be OK. (sorry.. )

Rules of Freedom is strongly recommended! And Hampton Hawes was also still playing great in 1967; espescially interesting to hear him on one of the tracks which is more "out" than anything I've heard with Hawes. It's available on CD from Japan - not too expensive.

6 (stereo) - Clare Fischer/One to Get Ready, Four to Go!