Beatles "Pepper" Mono CD: 2009 or 2017?

Most of the tracks on the 2017 release of the mono mix has a DR number in the single digits. It's actually a pretty big difference from the 2009 release. I wish the 2009 release didn't have that "notch" filter or whatever is going on up on the high end, but it's clearly more dynamic and EQ can't be the sole reason for it, it wouldn't be enough.

 

Apparently, EQ can be the sole reason for the difference. See slane's test in the quote below.

 

OK, so I have on vinyl for SPLHCB the MFSL, the LP from the BC-13 box, a mono Jpn red vinyl from 1982, and a sealed picture disc that I believe is from the 70s, and an Apple copy from that same decade. On CD I have the 1987 disc, the 2009 mono, and one that I ordered from Fab & Gear that had the original stereo mix of AHDN, Help, & Rubber Soul with live and studio takes in a personalized wallet holder from Jasrac out of Japan. The SPLHCB has the Christmas messages IIRC. I also have the 1967 Pepper Session box with the booklet, no CD. Oh, and the Bradford Exchange plate.

In short, I'm Peppered out. I understand they were painstaking with that release of the 2014s. What I want to know is why wait till then? Like I said about the Stones in the Worst Mastered CD thread, there's only so many times I'll buy your catalog/releases.

 

2009. Richer mid-range. Nicer mastering.

 

Isn’t the latest master always the best? Well, isn’t it? Isn’t it???

 

Anybody still listening to the 2017 mono cd?

 

Bought the iTunes version of Sgt Pepper Super Deluxe. The mono mix is on that. Ok so it's not as desirable as the physical version but at £45... Like the 'mastered for itunes' sound on this version too.

 

Nope. I like the 2009 better. Or the 2014 LP if I'm in the mood for vinyl.

 

I am happy to have it, the box is cool, but of course my NM original 1967 vinyl gets all the love here.

 

I've heard it, but aren't they the same digital file?

 

I thought they were separate transfers.

 

Yes, when I have the Pepper box out. When I have the Mono box out, I play that.

 

I don't know anything about any 2017 version, were can it be found?

 

In the super deluxe Pepper box that came out in 2017.

 

Aha, ok - thanks.

 

It was a completely new tape transfer, if I remember right. But this time it was unaltered (no re-EQing or fixing sound details), a flat transfer.

 

So I got it right: the 2017 CD was a flat transfer?

 

Yes, I think that was confirmed on the thread about the Sgt Pepper box set.

 

Awesome. Thanks!

 

Hi everyone,

I believe it is as flat a transfer as they can get. Here's the phrasing from the Beatles website: "Direct transfers of the album’s original mono mix and the “Strawberry Fields Forever” and “Penny Lane” singles."

Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band 6 Disc Super Deluxe (Anniversary Edition)

Definitely a different transfer than the 2009 mono.

Cheers,
Paul

 

Does the 2017 version have the "random gibberish" at the end?

 

Only one loop. Basically - what they used to cut the lock groove with.

And - before you ask - I'm not sure about the 15 kHz tone - I heard that was usually added at the cutting stage, and wasn't on the original tape.

Cheers,
Paul

 

Thanks, Paul.

Is there a CD version without it?

 

Super good question. I'm not aware of any.

The '87 has it - the 2009 mono and stereo have it - and the 2017's do.

The shortest version is probably the one on the 2017 mono disc, since it's only one loop.

Cheers,
Paul

P.S. The tone may be on all of them as well. I was spot checking the endings of various versions on Spotify on my PS4, and the tone "aliases" weirdly on it - probably due to low bitrate Spotify on the game console.

 

FABulous. Thanks!