· Mastering
Why the LP and the download sound slightly different
One mix, two masters: what changes between the vinyl cut and the digital files, and why.
Every release on the label has one mix and two masters. Sam Okoro, who has mastered everything since LH-003, prepares one for the lathe and one for the digital files and the CD.
The vinyl master
A record groove has physical limits. Very deep bass makes the groove swing wide and eats into the playing time; sharp, loud treble can make the needle mistrack. So the vinyl master keeps the lowest bass centred, softens the harshest top end and leaves more headroom. Side lengths matter too: past about 22 minutes a side at 33 rpm, everything has to be cut quieter.
The digital master
Files and CDs have none of those limits, but they have others. Streaming services turn loud tracks down, so there is no point making a master as loud as possible. We aim for a level that keeps the drums lively and leave it there.
Which one is right?
Both. They come from the same mix, approved by the artist, and the differences are small. If you buy the LP you get the download too, so you can compare them yourself.