The Art of Vinyl Remastering: Analog vs. Digital

In the audiophile record world, remastering is the key to how your albums sound. Whether you're playing a 1950s jazz recording or a new reissue of a rock epic, the process of mastering will hugely impact the dynamic range, the sound's warmth and clarity, and tonal balance. However, all remasters are not the same, particularly when considering analog vs. digital.

So, how are analog remasters different from digital ones? Which is better-sounding? And how do you choose when purchasing high-fidelity LPs? Let's examine the art and science of vinyl remastering and how it influences your listening.

What is Vinyl Remastering?

Vinyl remastering is the process of cutting a new stamper or lacquer from the master recording (or a copy) and using the same to produce the records. Mastering engineers are responsible for setting levels, EQ, stereo image, and noise to tailor playback for the physical capabilities and characteristics of vinyl.

In a departure from digital music mastered (typically compressing dynamic range for streaming), remastering for vinyl is seeking balance, warmth, and dynamic fidelity.

Analog Remastering: The Last Resort for

Analog remastering consists of taking music straight from analog tapes, commonly named AAA mastering (Analog source, Analog mix, Analog cut). There is no conversion into a digital format, and the complete analog signal chain is kept.

Why audiophiles adore it:

Warm, more natural tone
Higher dynamic range
Minimum signal degradation
Usually obtained from master originals

Labels such as Analogue Productions, Impex Records, and 2xHD specialize in genuine analog remastering.

Digital Remastering: Where Precision Meets

Digital remastering involves analog sources being digitized, usually at a rate of 24-bit/96kHz and above, and mastered in the digital realm prior to being cut to vinyl. With digital, engineers are able to:

Eliminate tape hiss and hum
Correct dropouts or distortion
Make surgical EQ and dynamic adjustments

Some critics argue that digital remastering sounds "cold" or "clinical," yet when done well, digital remasters sound breathtaking when analog tape is worn or incomplete.

One-Step vs. Standard Rem

Vinyl pressings usually go through several steps: lacquer → father → mother → stamper. Every step involves some degradation.

One-step pressings are utilized in ultra-premium audiophile issues; skip intermediate steps and press from the lacquer. They produce:

Increased groove accuracy
Better dynamic clarity
Less surface noise

These are more costly and in smaller quantities, yet they provide reference-grade sound.

Things to Check for on the Label or Jacket

When you're shopping for audiophile LPs, watch for these mastering cues:

"AAA" - Authentic analog remaster from original tapes
“Cut by.” - Search for engineers such as Kevin Gray, Bernie Grundman, or Ryan K. Smith
“Pressed at.” - RTI, QRP, and Optimal are well-respected pressing plants
Weight - 180g or 200g gives improved groove stability

Also, investigate gatefold jackets, inserts, and liner notes for further mastering and source information.

Does Analog Always Sound Better?

Not necessarily. Analog remastering is theoretically optimal, but execution is more important than format. Bad master tapes or sloppy analog transfer work will often produce lower-quality music than carefully done, high-resolution digital masterings.

The most effective way is to:

Consider the label's mastering track record
Listen to sample reviews or A/B comparisons
Exercise your ears and your playback system

Final Thoughts

The analog/digital remastering debate will probably never be resolved completely, and it need not be. The most important thing is the quality of the mastering, the skill of the engineer, and the attention applied in pressing and packaging.

Whether you enjoy the warmth of AAA remasters or the definition of clean digital cuts, Elusive Disc has an unparalleled audiophile selection of LPs for your listening pleasure.

Enhance your analog experience today with our carefully curated library of expertly mastered vinyl.