The Locrian Ensemble - Mendelssohn's Octet

180-gram double LP

Featuring The Locrian Ensemble, led by Jack Liebeck

A double LP demonstration of 33 1/3 and 45 RPM vs. half-speed mastering

Valve vs. transistor microphones

Digital vs. analog recording

A unique opportunity to listen to 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 has even cut a track sourced from our 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.

Record one of this 2LP set is half-speed mastered, cut at 33 1/3 RPM — both sides. Record two of this set is cut at 45 RPM — both sides.