General Music Discussions - Mono Re-Releases

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Mono Re-Releases

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Forum Name: General Music Discussions
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URL: http://www.progarchives.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=51386
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Topic: Mono Re-Releases

Posted By: npjnpj
Subject: Mono Re-Releases
Date Posted: August 29 2008 at 03:22

There seems to be a bit of a trend concerning re-releases of old albums containing mono versions (tracks or the complete albums), even if they are considered extras.

This beats me, especially when these have been around as stereo mixes for years anyway.

Can anyone explain what the attraction could possibly be. I'd never be tempted to go out and plonk down a load of cash for This Was in mono, for instance. What's your view?

Replies:

Posted By: Dick Heath
Date Posted: August 29 2008 at 05:18

In some instances seaprate stereo and mono recordings were made.... so slight differences will have occurred (was this true witht eh first two Love albums?). And then the mix down issue - e.g. 4 tracks down to 2 or 1, does this lead to difference between studio and your home hifi???

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Posted By: jammun
Date Posted: August 29 2008 at 22:19

As the good Mr. Heath mentions, in many cases the mono and stereo mixes of many classic albums contained subtle differences.

As for re-releases of classic albums, I appreciate that we get both the original mono and stereo releases.

As an aside of no particular value other than historical interest, when I first started buying albums (back in the mid-60's), the mono version sold for a dollar less than the stereo version ($2.99 vs. $3.99). So for me it was a no-brainer to get the mono version since I'd be able to buy four albums in mono vs. three in stereo.

Also keep in mind that very few people actually owned a stereo capable sound system back then. The common sound reproduction device was an AM car radio, which was of course incapable of stereo playback. It wasn't until the later '60's that a stereo system -- be it FM stereo in the car or a stereo amp/receiver -- was priced for the average teenager (which was who bought the music in the first place).