We have spent a LOT of time and effort rebuilding and tweaking a vintage record mastering lathe and preparing a fall launch for LP titles from RR. For years, we tried other lathes and mastering methods but finally decided the only way to get the sound we want was for Keith Johnson to collaborate with Paul Stubblebine, and build a dedicated half-speed lathe to our quality requirements. We finally see the light at the end of the tunnel, and the first two titles are almost ready. One is the Minnesota Orchestra performing Stravinsky: The Firebird Suite and The Song of the Nightingale, and the other is FROM THE AGE OF SWING performed by Dick Hyman and his jazz ensemble. These will be 180 gm special audiophile vinyl, with heavy deluxe gatefold jackets. Our expectation is that we will launch the LPs at Rocky Mountain Audio Fest in October.

Now that we are close to re-introducing LPs from Reference Recordings at last, people should know about what goes on behind the scenes to make this possible. This information is for the RR Series about the men and women behind the RR Magic:

Kudos to Paul Stubblebine, recording and mastering engineer extraordinaire! We are incredibly grateful to Paul for many years of careful and diligent work with RR’s recordings, using the newest and best technology and techniques available for editing and mastering our compact discs. He was also a pivotal force in bringing our HRx high resolution discs into reality. And now, we are very excited to be collaborating with him on rebuilding and improving a vintage LP cutting lathe, which he will use soon to master RR’s new LPs! Check out his website for more information at www.paulsubblebine.com!