Beck Morning Phase: DSS One-Step

Beck Morning Phase on One-Step 180g LP: Definitive Sound Series Ed. Limited to 3,000 Numbered Copies, Sourced from the Original Analog Master Tapes, Mastered by Levi Seitz at Black Belt Mastering, and 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. Beck Morning Phase was mastered from the 96kHz/24 Bit vinyl file originally created and mastered by the legendary Bob Ludwig (retired) to ensure Morning Phase has never sounded better!

This DSS version is limited to a one-time pressing of 3,000 numbered copies, includes a top-quality heavyweight tip on single pocket gatefold jacket for the first time and is housed inside a uniquely designed slipcase.

Special care has been taken to faithfully preserve the original sound with exceptional clarity and depth, capturing the recordings nuances at every step, in order to create the definitive sounding record.

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.

According to a press release for the release in 2014, Morning Phase was a companion piece to Beck’s 2002 album Sea Change. Nearly every credited musician who recorded parts for Sea Change returned to record Morning Phase. Produced by Beck the album received critical acclaim and won three Grammys: Album of the Year, Best Engineered Album, Non Classical and Best Rock Album!

As indicated by that Grammy for Best Engineered Album Morning Phase is a sonic treat… from lush strings to Beck “getting loud” apparently this was a difficult album to master at the time, even with mastering legend Bob Ludwig at the controls. As you can hear in the original pressing, and a more recent reissue, it was worth the original meticulous attention to detail at the time – they both sound wonderful.

The goal of the One-Step version was to keep this incredible recording as intended with attention paid to space for all the sounds – revealing every possible detail and the wonderful dynamics of the recording. The Morning Phase One Step benefits from the dead quiet surface of the D2 compound which allows for the listener to truly feel immersed in the listening. After considering what appeared to be the available audio sources for the One Step, we kept saying how much we enjoyed the Bernie Grundman reissue cut, and wondered what source he used. Through a few steps and a little luck, we found the original 96kHz/24 bit vinyl files – created by Bob Ludwig – as part of the original mastering of the project in 2014. One listen to those made using them the obvious choice for the One-Step release. All the other details are transparent in the process.

Something we don’t often mention in our DSS notes is the design and package. Having Morning Phase in a beautiful Tip On gatefold jacket – with the original insert now in the gatefold spread really showcases the wonderful photos and puts a final touch on this incredible album in the One Step pressing!

DSS One-Step Details:

• Audio Source: Original 96kHz/24 bit vinyl files
• 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