How to make record albums


I have read many threads regarding the quality of current production records and, well I was wondering how one goes about making records the "right way". I mean, using the same mics, mastering equipment cutting, etc. they did in the GOLDEN AGE OF STEREO. I am talking about a totally analog process. How does one find the equipment that was used years ago to make the records. How do you get the vinyl that is of the highest quality? How do you attain the classic recordings? How do the Japanese do it and everyone else cannot? Do you need 180 or 200 gram vinyl? The older medium weight vinyl sounds great to me. I think everybody wants this, well how do ya make it happen? I'm in. When there's a will, there's a way. I looked online but could not find much.
tzh21y

Showing 4 responses by tzh21y

Steve Hoffman does do great work, no doubt about it. What did the Decca engineers of the 50's and 60's do to make such amazing recordings? The mics, the equipment, the hall? What was it? This is just an example of a team of engineers that really made excellent recordings. There are many more but what was so special about what they did that nobody else can do? I would think some modern orchestras would welcome such an undertaking especially with the right marketing. Records recorded like the old Decca's would probably make an orchestra very popular as they would be recorded so well without the digital edge. I can tell from listening on my modest system that there are some good things that have come along with new technology less inner groove distortion is one of them. How does one attain high quality virgin vinyl. If 160 gram virgin vinyl was used instead of 180 gram, which would sound better? Those old Deccas/Londons, Mercury pressings had plenty of bass and I still prefer many of them to the newer 180 gram releases.
Why do you think all the obsession with the low end powered subs? To try to fill in the holes.

Boy, I could not agree with you more. So true and a great way of putting it.
Atmasphere, that deal with where to place the mics sounds like that could be a critical thing.

What was so special about for instance, Ken Wilkinson? He knew what to do with the mics. Is it that he had an ear for where to place them? Is there a general formula for this? I see his name everywhere on the Decca classical list. All of the classical recordings he is associated with are very good to fantastic. I am sure that others knew what he did. He did seem to pick the same places to do the recordings.

Wilma Cozart Fine is another one who was instumental in making great recordings. It looks like Mercury used three mics for their recordings. They did not look like they were set up in any real specialized way. Maybe they were and it just does not look like it

I have not heard or seen a good classical album made like these in years. Why Not? Who would one contact to try to get the ball rolling? Stereophile? Absolute Sound? How would one go about doing something great?

Maybe recording a smaller ensemble in a great place acoustically would be a good place to start. I don't know. I certainly do not know what it takes to make a great recording but I would be willing to help in any way if a group of people wanted to try to make it happen.