Direct to Disc Recordings

[glassjaw_jc]

I've been a big fan of Hi-Fi systems. I used to scour the net to learn how the Pro's design their systems.

I got into Hi-Fi systems when I heard the drum reference CD of Scheffield Labs, that was back in my college days (mid 90's?). My friend uses the CD for tuning his car audio. I've heard a lot of reference CD's eversince and they're all amazing. As if you're sitting with the recording artist.

Anyway, I did some research and it turned out that the original Scheffield recordings were direct to discs (LP's). It surprised me, if the CD copies fooled me, how much more those analog LP recordings. Hi-Fi systems got my interest again. Has anyone tried it? Do we have any direct-to-disc recordings locally? Where can I get them?

[mikep]

Anyway, I did some research and it turned out that the original Scheffield recordings were direct to discs (LP's). It surprised me, if the CD copies fooled me, how much more those analog LP recordings. Hi-Fi systems got my interest again. Has anyone tried it? Do we have any direct-to-disc recordings locally? Where can I get them?

Direct to discs are what they are, recorded directly into a disc lathe, where a disc (LP) is cut as a recording medium.  What is done is, the band, singer, etc., is recorded live, as in 2 tracks - simultaneously.  The balance is done prior to recording, then the recording is made.  If they make a mistake, everything is re-done.  So, it's one performance, one take.  There is no editing, no overdubs, no multi-tracks.  Just one pass.  Like doing everything live on a stage, but normally done in a studio or a live place without a live audience.

No band or artist has done a recording like this in the Philippines.  However, classical orchestras and the Madrigal Singers have been recorded "direct to tape" on a lot of occasions.  This however, is not the same as direct to disc because their masters are again cut into disc masters, then duplication.  In the case of direct to disc, the disc recorded is the master which is used for a daughter copy for disc duplication.  The process is only two or three generations.  The less generations, the more preferred. 

So, are there direct to disc recordings made in the Philippines?  None.

FWIW

[glassjaw_jc]

yeah, everything must be done right the first time. What do you think of their quality? A lot of what I've read says that they prefer them to other recording techniques and mediums

[mikep]

The objective is to have the least generation loss.  Quality wise, it is a live performance, thus, people play at performance levels.  Since there is interaction, the musicianship is usually excellent.   They normally do several recordings of the same pieces, say two or three, then choose the one that they think is the best.

FWIW