A Perfect Circle Mer de Noms: Definitive Sound Series One-Step

A Perfect Circle's Mer de Noms on One-Step 180g 2LP: Definitive Sound Series Edition Limited to 3,000 Numbered Copies. Mastered from 96kHz/24bit Files Transferred from Analog Flat Masters by Levi Seitz at Black Belt Mastering. Pressed at R.T.I.

The Definitive Sound Series (DSS) meticulous One-Step process creates the definitive sounding audiophile version of all-time classic albums.

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

A Perfect Circle Mer de Noms was mastered from 96kHz/24bit files transferred from analog flat masters to ensure Mer de Noms has never sounded better.

This DSS version is limited to a one-time pressing of 3,000 numbered copies with a Certificate of Authenticity.

Includes a top-quality heavyweight tip on double gatefold jacket and is housed inside a uniquely designed slipcase.

DSS One-Step Details:

• Audio Source: 96kHz/24bit files transferred from analog flat masters
• Vinyl Compound: Neotech VR900-D2 180g High-Definition Vinyl
• Vinyl Mastering: Levi Seitz at Black Belt Mastering
• One-Step Process: Dorin Sauerbier at Record technology, Inc.
• Pressing: Record Technology, Inc.
• Print & Packaging: ASG / Spark

Mer de Noms notes from Tom ‘Grover’ Biery (Definitive Sound Series reissue producer)

Every One-Step record begins with researching the archives for the best possible audio source. It's a journey of history, to explore the Capitol Records vaults and collaborating with the archivists who have vast knowledge of the secrets contained within.

Dozens of emails and late-night phone calls took place to find the definitive audio source for Mer de Noms.

There are several analog tapes with different mixes, different songs on multiple reels, some clearly marked as “master” but not one we could definitively call ‘the source’

Levi Seitz at Black Belt Mastering (Green Day, Linkin Park, Metallica, Pearl Jam) cut the first lacquer and we had test pressings made. When we listened back they were incredibly quiet as you would expect of D2 vinyl , the bottom end never sounded better BUT something was missing in the vocals / mids… where were those?

Back we went to the archivist. We gave the specifics as we thought this One Step could be even better! He kept digging and found the audio source we used, inside of a workstation at Capitol Records.

Levi had noticed the pressing fans seemed to like most was a 2020 reissue from a lacquer cut by Capitol mastering engineer Ron McMaster (RM) back in 2008. We couldn’t believe our archive partner had found that vinyl master in hi res at 96/24 for us!

But that wasn’t even the end. Levi had Ron’s phone number who is now retired and called him to see if he recalled that session. He did and the best he could recall was he complied cutting reels from analog tape - then did the digital transfer himself.

And then returned the actual songs back onto their original place on the overall reels.

That is the intention of DSS One-Steps- to create the definitive sounding version of the recordings we release.

It often takes dozens of conversations and dozens of hours to accomplish that goal… and sometimes - you just gotta keep digging.