Abbey Road's Master of Half Speed Vinyl Miles Showell Tells All
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- čas přidán 13. 06. 2024
- Miles Showell has been cutting vinyl for 40 years. Today, he works in Abbey Road studios where he has been perfecting the art of half-speed cutting, a technique which produces the best sounding vinyl ever made. In this video, we interview Miles in his mastering suite at Abbey Road about his not just half-speed cutting and its history, but also about his career, the equipment he uses both at work and at home, his work on The Beatles' Let It Be album and how he sees the future of vinyl.
Video chapters:
0:00 - Intro
1:10 - Going into Abbey Road
2:12 - Studio tour
3:03 - Miles Showell interview begins. When did you cut your first record?
5:02 - What was the first record you cut.
5:50 - When did you first come across Half Speed Mastering?
8:27 - What percentage of your work is half speed?
9:48 - What qualities you need to be a mastering engineer?
10:43 - What percentage of your work is from digital sources and what is from analogue?
14:04 - How do you know when to stop making adjustments?
15:24 - Which is easiest media to work with?
17:14 - What equipment do you use?
21:33 - How different was it cutting records in the 60s?
24:59 - Is vinyl as good as it can get and are improvements coming?
28:12 - Is the vinyl bubble going to burst?
29:25 - What system do you use at home?
31:13 - What are your favourite albums you haven't worked on.
33:32 - What was it like working with Glyn Johns on Get Back?
35:07 - What is your favourite Beatles album?
36:51 - Thank yous and outro.
Links to music and websites mentioned in this video:
Lou Sern - Swiss Boy: • Lou Sern - Swiss Boy (...
Vertere Acoustics: www.vertereacoustics.com/
Abbey Road Studios: www.abbeyroad.com/
Abbey Road Store: shop.abbeyroad.com/
Stan Ricker Cuttings (Discogs links)
1812 Overture: www.discogs.com/release/22052...
Thelma Houston & Pressure Cooker - I've Got The Music In Me: www.discogs.com/release/12291...
Virgil Fox - The Fox Touch • Volume One: www.discogs.com/release/23562...
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Thank you! - Hudba
To get the most out of this video you need to play it at 0.5 speed in CZcams.
You win for sharpest and wittiest comment. Bravo!
Best comment EVER! 🤣
😂😂😂😂😂
By contrast, playing it at 2x does not produce the expected result for She Said She Said.
I like 7:51 a lot!!
This interview was a real eye opener. I learned a lot. I myself had long assumed that half-speed mastering was simply a matter of reducing the cutting speed. Didn't realize all the painstaking work that goes into cutting any album. A very informative and entertaining interview. Thank you, Andrew!
Thanks Tom. Glad you enjoyed it!
Andrew, you nailed the BEST interview with Miles Showell, one of my favourite Beatles related people in the world. He knows his powers and uses them in great form when doing Beatles (and solo Beatles) remastering. A top guy. Great, great video 👏👏👏👏👏👏
Thank you, Franco. Glad you enjoyed it!
In 2019 I was lucky enough to part of an invited audience at Abbey Road, to hear The Analogues perform Abbey Road in Studio 1. Preceded by a great introduction by Mark Lewisohn and concluded by crossing the corridor to Studio 2 to hear the band play 3 Beatles standards. Definitely a day to remember!
The Analogs are true to their name. They must have a fortune tied up in period equipment. I had no idea they actually did a show at EMI - Abbey Road . Greatest Beatles live covers ever …
They performed the album three times on that particular day. There’s a DVD available of the show from The Analogues website.
Yes, Andrew, a fantastic interview. Very well directed, finely edited. I liked the fact you did not include yourself there... We are there, with Miles Showell, alone, intimate. So perfect. (I'm biased, that is how I conduct my Conversation films). The question were specific enough, without becoming boring. We come out of this with tears of joy. Bravo. Thank you again.
Thank you, Antonio. Much appreciated!
That "Artist" in that story is Alan Parsons and the album: Vulture Culture,
He is a godsend to Abbey Road Theyve always been on the forefront of recording advancements,and Miles is certainly a great asset to them,no doubt.
Pretty cool and I have shared this with a Canadian Radio personality I know, who has also been to Abbey Road Studios and is big into vinyl.
Are their initials "T.O'R."?
@@moxievision nope, A C, as in Alan Cross. In fact if you go on is website now, yesterday's video is in a recent post
@@BlindGordie Ah, I know Alan's work as well! I will go check that out. I was thinking of Under the Influence's Terry O'Reilly, who is also one of Canada's biggest Beatles fans.
@@moxievision I hadn't considered him as I haven't listened to the podcast. I'm glad you know Alan's work as he has been doing this for a long time.
Was surprised to hear that MIles liked the MFSL versions of Magical Mystery Tour and Abbey Road. Those two albums used Capitol masters/sub masters to create their albums. In the case of Magical Mystery Tour, MFSL got Capitol Records treatment of the masters.
This is the only channel on CZcams where I’m looking forward to every new upload each Sunday. Love them all, but this Sunday you’ve outdone yourself. Thanks very much for a very informative and really nice video. Can’t wait for next Sunday’s upload and it’s Abbey Road connection.
Many thanks! Much appreciated!
This channel is a gold mine of history. I cannot believe we are being treated to this from some of the smartest people in a medium that was very close to dying.
Was hanging onto every minute. Quality interview! No BS, just the straight dope from one of the best vinyl people out there. Seems like a really nice dude.
Thanks Josh!
I really enjoyed the video, and couldn't help wondering if that was the DMM lathe we cut our first ever Energise Records single on at Abbey Rd back in 1993. Our mastering engineer was Nick Webb, and he was surprised when .i rattled off a list of Motown albums that had his name in the dead wax. Its an astonishing place to visit. On a second cut, I was allowed to put the I.Q. bands in, by pressing the button on the desk..what a memory.
One thing he didn't mention was the 'cutting delay' - groove spacing (pitch) has to be adjusted ahead of changes in audio amplitude. Since the 1980s, a digital delay is typically used, meaning the audio that gets cut to the disc has been digitised, even if the source is analogue tape. This basically defeats the object of bothering to use vinyl!
It depends how much it degrades the sound in practice
It makes sense that they did it in the '80-s when digital was considered superior by everyone, but why do they still do it? He mentions computers calculating the optimal groove distance for an entire side at once, which means they would have to capture the envelope of the entire master first, then run it again when cutting.
Digital is going to be the savior of these old disintegrating analog tapes. Getting good Digital transfers while they can still be run through a tape machine will allow these albums to be reissued on any format for a thousand years.
Yeah I can't see what all the hatred over records from digital sources is all about
However I'm lucky enough a few analogue records and they are magnificent but also very quiet!
Yeah I can't see what all the hatred over records from digital sources is all about
However I'm lucky enough a few analogue records and they are magnificent but also very quiet!
Plenty of vinyl records have been sourced from digital recordings since the 70's, and digital cutting equipment has been used since the days of PCM recordings being on tape. The people who make a big deal about whether an album came from a full analog process or not aren't people who care about audio quality, they care about demonizing the digital boogeyman for no tangible reason, regardless of the benefits of digital.
Yes. YES. A thousand times, *YES!*
@@Echo-Headsucks.
Absolute genius, Andrew. I think you've excelled yourself. If Miles and Doc Ebbetts want to collaborate on a whole new box set of Beatles albums, I'd be 99th in the queue to buy a copy. Assuming I could get there fast enough.
Wow , excellent, the biggest take from this is the fact a Technics sl 1200g/ae , along with the Audio-technica VM 540 ML are his go to listening tools in his cutting room, that speak absolutely volumes, that a 4k record deck and a £150 moving magnet cartridge are the choice of one of the very best engineers in England uses on a daily basis when listening to his finished records, what a massive recommendation for two superbly engineered pieces of kit , thank you so much for this video both you and miles showell brought so much info to the table i would otherwise not have known. 😊.
But like mini monitors not the highest of fi to hear it sound against the master tape
Most of the of the Abbey Road half-speed mastered vinyl I've bought have had some level of with distortion - the recent Let It Be, Get Back, and Revolver remixes in particular. Not a problem I ever have with original 60s and 70s records.
czcams.com/video/kdiiq2hgP3M/video.htmlsi=F1P7krAZeLSFJGe4
If Miles can somehow see/hear this I'd appreciate it.... the work he did on Zhu - Dreamland is nothing short of magic. Absolutely astonishing. I cannot praise it enough. The bass and fidelity are set to 11, a true audiophile EDM record. Thanks, Miles!
For some reason, I had the “He’s going to tell… He’s going to tell…” song from Monty Python and the Holy Grail in my head as I started watching this.
Fabulous video. Again!
Miles Showell shows what happens when the human brain optimizes itself to the maximum. He's such an impressive person. And you're not half-bad, Andrew. 😉 Fantastic interview.
Thank you so much 😊
Excellent interview Andrew. I was lucky enough to be able to go inside Abbey Road studios last summer, and it's difficult to play cool while you're there. Not just because of the Beatles, but also because all the cool equipment they have.
Much better than any audio specialist interview I've ever seen, and I've seen a lot. Many thanks Andrew!
Thank you very much!
Your editing and production skills are truly next level and deserving of a platform like Nebula or even Netflix rather than “simple” ol’ CZcams. Many kudos!
Wow, thank you!
This is what content production is all about. While watching this I couldn’t help but think how precious it is that you captured this man’s thoughts and stories and insights. Is it because this is Abbey Road Studios that this video embodies such reverence?
Excellent choice of subject to interview and thank you to Miles for his candour.
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it.
Absolutely fascinating interview. And yes, the half-speed vinyl he produces sounds brilliant (even for us folks who can't afford a Vertere turntable).
Glad you enjoyed it!
You never fail to deliver information that's entertaining as well, Andrew!
This certainly has to be a high point for you personally, as it's understood, your seeming entrenched devotion to all things Hi-Fi and in particular The Beatles!
Congratulations on a wonderful interview with a master of his art and genuinely brilliant and affable gentleman.
Us mere mortals are lucky to have such engineer/technicians to produce such high quality sonic product.
This was such a joy, thank you Andrew and Miles!
Thank you, Alan. glad you enjoyed it!
AT540? not surprised, one of the best phono-cartridges! TOP INTERVIEW, Andrew, thanks a lot!
Love how down to earth Miles is. This is a great interview, Andrew. Kudos 👏👏
Thank you!
Excellent!! This was fascinating. Thank you so much Andrew for sharing with us.
Had a day with Miles at AR, mastering Superdrone and it was incredible. So many amazing stories he told us. A genuine genius and a genuine lovely soul.
Another great video, Andrew. Suggestion: I would like to see a deep dive video on Pete Best's curious "Best of the Beatles" LP.
Kudos to Miles and Andrew for this fantastic video. Thanks!
Absolutely incredible interview, thanks for sharing
Thanks for watching!
What an amazing interview! It prompted me to come up with questions - possibly ill-informed ones - that I would have liked to ask (e.g. Could there be a better, albeit inconvenient, EQ curve than RIAA? Is anyone ever likely to design and manufacture a new lathe from scratch?). Anyway, Miles Showell actually addressed things I would never have thought of asking. Absolutely brilliant! And what a great occupation!
What a fantastic video! Thanks so much for that!
Glad you liked it, Michael!
That’s just Great Interview!!
Thank you!
This is so cool. Great interview! Full of great info!
Glad you enjoyed it!
The awesomeness continues...Thanks for this episode!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Fantastic, Andrew! Thanks for sharing this excellent interview!
You're welcome. Glad you enjoyed it.
A fascinating interview. Many thanks for posting it.
Thanks Andrew. Glad you enjoyed it!
Wonderfully interesting interview.
Thank you!
thanks for a brilliant and informative interview
Glad you enjoyed it!
great video and very interesting interview. i really enjoyed it! Thanks a lot Andrew!
Glad you enjoyed it!
That’s probably your best video. Well done and Miles was so interesting and I felt I learned a lot from this.
Thank you, James. Glad you enjoyed it!
What a great interview! Thank you!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Very informative and interesting interview.
Glad you enjoyed it!
What a great interview!
Thank you!
This is an excellent interview. Thanks Andrew.
Thank you, Sir!
Excellent Interview!
Thank you!
A riveting video all the way through, one of your best 🎉
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it!
Great interview!
Thanks!
Great video as always. Mastering vinyl is a unique skill and half speed mastering even more so. Thanks Andrew.
Glad you enjoyed it, Michael.
I enjoyed this thoroughly. Another great job Andrew.....
Many thanks! Glad you enjoyed it
Wonderful interview.
Well done. Fabulous stuff.
Barty
Many thanks, Barty!
Great interview, Andrew. Absolutely brilliant!!! Thanks so much 🎯👌
Thanks Robert. Glad you enjoyed it!
Wow this is fantastic! Such an interesting interview! Well done Andrew! 🎉
Thanks so much!
Really enjoyed this - made me appreciate my ABBA half speed masters even more now - Cheers Miles
Absolutely a fabulous interview!
My respect,Andrew
Thank you
Incredible experience and a great interview! Can watch this for hours 👍
Glad you enjoyed it! 👍
Great video Andrew! Enjoyed!
Thanks Tiger! Glad to hear it.
This was very informative, I'm glad i stumbled upon it. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for watching!
Thanks, Andrew, for this great video. Cheers, Nelio.
Thanks Nelio. Glad you enjoyed it!
Thank you so much for rhis video. I loved it. Also, thank you, Miles, for the fantastic work that you do and sharing your knowledge with us.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Great interview, Andrew.
Thanks Graham!
Wow, best interview! Thanks Andrew, thanks Miles!
Thank you, Joerg!
Absolutely wonderfully AMAZING! Your best video yet. I could watch that all day. Thank you for sharing your fantastic experience.
Many thanks, Kevin. Glad you enjoyed it!
Greatest video of all your channel!!! So happy for you and hyper exited for whats to come!! 👍💿💙💓
Miles is really talented! I would like to see more of him
Well done Andrew! 💙
Thank you so much!!
That was amazing. Great interview, and good job showing how much fun this was for you!
Thanks Davis. Glad you enjoyed it!
Brilliant!! Great interview. The man is a genius.
Glad you enjoyed it, Jim!
This was such a fascinating and informative interview. I learned a lot and Miles seems such a super nice guy. Thank you so much!
Glad you enjoyed it, Simon!
What insight! Super informative. Nice to get a peek behind the curtain. Thank you, Andrew, and your special guest, Miles, too!
Glad you enjoyed it, Anthony!
Very informative and enjoyable, Andrew. What a great opportunity for you. Nice to hear the various cutting methods explained in (semi-) layman's terms. Thank you
Glad you enjoyed it, Richard!
Awesome episode! This could be one of the best Sunday treats you have shared! Lots of topics were discussed and lots of my questions were answered. Great Job!!
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it!
Fascinating topic Andrew and great to get more info on it. Great video again, thanks.😊
Glad you enjoyed it, Adrian!
Super interesting Andrew. I learned a lot (as always from your episodes). You show real class and utmost professionalism giving your guest the full camera time. Excellent. Thank you! :- )
My pleasure, Sir!
Excellent video! So enjoyable.
Thank Barry. Glad you enjoyed it!
Fantastic video! I wish I could visit Abbey Road studio. Great interview! Love Miles’ work!! Thanks for this video!
Thanks for watching! Glad you enjoyed it!
very nice visit Andrew!!! i was there two years ago!
FANTASTIC !!! Thanks Andrew for bring to us this great interview !! Gracias Andrew por traernos este fantastico reportaje. Saludos desde Buenos Aires
¡Me alegra que lo hayas disfrutado, Gabriel!
Informative and interesting topic! Good job Handsome.!
Miles is a great guy! Thank you for the most interesting interview I've seen on CZcams in years.
Thank you and I agree!
Hi Andrew, what an amazing video! Miles is a great guy! What a treat seeing the studios, especially studio 2! Cheers 🍻
Thank for wathcing!
Fantastic interview. Thank you for showing outside of Abbey Road
Chuck
You're welcome, Chuck!
Andrew, superlative interview! The technical info discussed was absolutely amazing and helpful. It served to help me understand what was heretofore a "black magic" subject for me! Cheers!
Cheers Richard!
A memorable day for you Andrew, another fascinating video for your viewers, excellent!!🎶👍
Glad you enjoyed it, Tom!
This has to be the most interesting thing I’ve watched on CZcams for ages, thanks 🙏
Glad you enjoyed it!
Great interview with Miles! I am happy to have his half speed albums in my collection! They sounds great! Thanks Andrew!
Thabks Matt. Glad you enjoyed it!
great video!!!!!
thank you so much for all the time you put into sharing your passion
Thank you. Glad you enjoyed it!
Com certeza uma da melhores entrevistas que já assisti. Parabéns ao canal e a todos os envolvidos! Ansioso para o próximo vídeo!
Muito obrigado!
This is one of the best videos you have done and I say that as someone who always enjoys your content, absolutely blinding 👍👍
Thank you, Jerry. Much appreciated!
Wow!!! What an experience!!! Great job, Andrew. - Roger
Thank you, Roger!
Hey Andrew! Fantastic top quality interview as usual. Thanks to you for doing it and for Miles who shows how modest and respectful he is, and to those who developed this facet of engineering long before him. Cheers from Oz.
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it!
Hey Andrew! Great job. So much to say, but too many emotions. Wow! That was fantastic. Thanks so much.👍🙋♂️
Glad you enjoyed it, Harry!
Fantastic Andrew! What a great insight from Miles..👍 thx again for sharing awesome as always. All being well il be in studio 2 in August.
Thanks Brian. Enjoy your visit!
Absolutely a great episode...!
It's often been said there's nothing like playing records...a total Zen experience...
Reel to Reel tape can be included in that Z3n feeling compared to digital...a bit more work, but well worth the effort.
Thank you!
This was absolutely so enjoyable from an insider. Andrew, it must have been an absolute joy being there. Hats off to you. Wonderful edition this week!
Thank you! Really glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks for video, I really love it.👍
Glad you enjoyed it! 👍
Amazing! Amazing!! Thank you for that Andrew.
You're welcome, David!
Great video, really enjoyed it. I won't pretend I understood all of it, but at leat half (no pun intended) . Looking forward to part two of the other half. Thanks Laddy.