Prince and the Revolution Purple Rain One-Step Numbered Limited Edition 180g LP

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Michael Fremer Rated 10/10 Music, 10/10 Sound!

One-Step vinyl is the ultimate vinyl pressing. Because Sound Matters' meticulous One-Step process creates the definitive-sounding audiophile version of the all-time classic album, Prince's Purple Rain. 192kHz/24bit files transferred from the original EQ'd analog master tapes have been used to ensure Purple Rain has never sounded better!

This initial pressing of this One-Step version is limited to 6,000 copies. The album is housed inside a top-quality, uniquely designed numbered slipcase. The enclosed LP will feature an "Old Style" single pocket gatefold tip-on jacket with original artwork, including the original inner sleeve and poster.

Special care has been taken to faithfully preserve the original sound with exceptional clarity and depth, capturing the recording's nuances and subtleties at every step, in order to create the best sounding record possible.

The One-Step process is highly regarded among audiophiles and collectors for its unparalleled sound fidelity and represents the pinnacle of vinyl manufacturing craftsmanship.

Having sold over 25 million copies, Purple Rain isn't only one of the best-selling records of all time, it is considered a creative masterpiece. A classic for all time!

In 2010, Purple Rain was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. In 2012, the album was added to the Library of Congress' National Recording Registry list of sound recordings that "are culturally, historically, or aesthetically important." In 2019, the film was selected by the Library of Congress for preservation in the United States National Film Registry for being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant."

In the United States, Purple Rain debuted at number 11 on the Billboard Top 200 the week of July 14, 1984. After four weeks on the chart, it reached number one on August 4, 1984. The album spent 24 consecutive weeks at number one on the Billboard Top 200 from August 4, 1984, to January 18, 1985, and more than 32 weeks in the top 10, becoming one of the most successful soundtracks ever. Prince also joined Elvis Presley and The Beatles being the only artists to have the number one album, single and film in the US all at the same time

Purple Rain was recorded, mixed and mastered on analog tape including a couple live performances captured at First Avenue in Minneapolis. Only a ¼" EQ'd analog master tape was ever delivered to Warner Bros. by Prince - clearly a sign that was the source he ALWAYS wanted to be used in manufacturing. After 40 years, Because Sound Matters did not want to run the risk of additional wear and tear on this iconic tape as several playbacks would be necessary in the One-Step process - so, they used an original 192kHz/24bit file transfer, as opposed to a more recent 96kHz/24bit update.

They listened and analyzed many different vinyl LP pressings. Most of those sounded very good, but what they accomplished was being able to surpass the sound of original 45rpm 12" pressings of the singles. Not an easy task considering the length of sides on Purple Rain and, in the process, created the best sounding version of this iconic record ever.

...though it's still bright, it is fundamentally even-keeled bright with the sheen and haze somehow removed. The sound is 'tight' and transparent in a way that reveals details formerly caught in the haze. Yes, Prince's voice has that '80s era processing but it doesn't smear over everything, thus his voice sits solidly in a three-dimensional space as I've never before heard it. Production details hidden are now in plain audible sight and you can crank the shit out of it and your ears won't bleed. I don't know how Mr. Seitz did what no one else has managed when cutting from tape, but there it is. Even the title track's big ending blast with the guitar solo now sings....You don't have to play it loud. At reasonable levels it still sounds inviting. The kick drum pops. There's an enormous sense of space across the soundstage and precise transient definition and I can honestly say that for the first time in 40-plus years I can sit back, listen, and enjoy Purple Rain. And from a digital file. Go figure.

I think the knockout sound on 'When Doves Cry' alone more than justifies the one-step's existence, and its capable handling of the piercing highs throughout the rest of the album make it a far more digestible listen on bright systems. Seitz's work is incredible across the board—the sound is clear, impactful, and balanced, and it retains the spirit of Prince and the Revolution's collective musical wizardry... Perhaps because it was such a big seller, it's been easy to overlook its artistic impact—but this new Because Sound Matters one-step pressing corrects that oversight and treats Purple Rain with the respect and care it deserves.