Ringo Starr/Ringo Original DCC Compact Classics

DCC Compact Classics is a high-quality CD label that is as charismatic and popular as Mobile Fidelity. Ringo Starr’s first full-fledged solo work “Ringo”, reprinted from that CD “GZS-1066”, will be released. [High-quality CD series “DCC” by charismatic engineers] High-quality CDs that appeared in various ways from the 90s to the 2000s. However, even if you say “high-quality CD”, there are many different methods. As companies began to compete with each other to release products, there were differences in their superiority and popularity. There are three main types of miscellaneous methods. One is what could be called “material-based.” Normally, CDs have a structure in which the aluminum vapor-deposited film that records the signal is sandwiched between polycarbonate sheets, but this material is replaced with a highly reflective metal film or highly transparent resin to reduce reading errors. This applies to “SHM-CD” and “Blu-spec CD” (however, the recorded data itself is the same as normal data, and it is said that errors may increase depending on the reading tuning of the player. ). The second one is “digital technology”. The CD standard is 16-bit, but high-quality digital remastering involves digitizing the analog master with a high quality of 20 bits or more and converting it to 16-bit. A type that uses new technology to suppress digital deterioration during conversion. Typical examples include “SBM CD” and “HDCD.” The third category is “Engineer”. They borrow the master tapes of albums from record companies and digitize them, and are extremely particular about the tape playback environment and process. Of course, each manufacturer has their own unique know-how, and they pay close attention to the finish, focusing on reproducing the “sound of the master tape itself.” Representative examples of this are “Mobile Fidelity” and “DCC Compact Classics.” And the important thing about this type is “Who remastered it?” Because the sound quality is not improved through digital technology or materials, each step depends on the skill and taste of the craftsman, and no matter who does it, it will not be the same. Among them, popular engineers appeared, and many engineers became charismatic, such as the master Bob Ruddick and Bill Inglot of the Rhino label. Their masterpieces are extremely popular among the many high-quality CDs out there, and some are even sold second-hand for tens of thousands of yen. And one of them is Steve Hoffman. The analog sound that uses vacuum tubes for mastering equipment is even called magic, and it is the charismatic sound that has spread the “DCC Compact Classics” brand around the world. [“Ringo”, which never mixes even when strings and horns overlap] And this work is Ringo’s first full-fledged solo, “Ringo”, revived with such Hoffman sound. Paul’s six works from “McCARTNEY” to “WINGS AT THE SPEED OF SOUND” were released by DCC, but Ringo’s was only this one. And, although it is a sound that requires attention, this is also extremely natural, rich and powerful. It has the warmth of an analog sound, but when you listen to each note as if picking them up, it’s really expressive, and thanks to its detail, it’s also vivid. For example, if you take one bass drum, it’s completely different. Compared to the initial CD from 1991, it is overwhelmingly three-dimensional, with each shot being thicker and the outlines clearer, giving it more thickness and depth. It seems as if we are talking about a modern remaster, but when you actually compare it to the current version, the current version is actually more rounded and the outline is blurred. We cannot easily conclude that the sound of the current edition is due to the master deterioration, but the peak of the current edition has been raised to hide such subtleties, and although it is dynamic at first listen, it is strangely uneven. This work was produced 21 years after its release, and the current version is released 23 years later. The freshness and natural ensemble that does not interfere with the balance is very comfortable. Even more depth. At first glance, the current version seems to be more vivid, but this album feels like it has a solid space, and even when the large strings, horns, and chorus overlap, each one is delicate. It’s breathing. Especially the bass reproduction power is excellent. When the violin, cello, and electric bass overlap, the current edition focuses on the high-pitched violin and bass, and tends to erase the cello. However, in this work, all of them are three-dimensional, and no matter how many different sounds overlap, they do not get muddy or drown out, and you can feel that there is plenty of space. Even though it is a digital CD, music is still a product of human hands and sensibilities. This is especially true if the work was handmade in the analog era. The new digital technology and materials are wonderful, but in the end, the freshness of the master tape itself and the engineer’s “kan” are the pinnacle. This work is a rare masterpiece that was digitized during the heyday of such charismatic Steve Hoffman. Just like “Mobile Fidelity,” even if you want to get your hands on one now, it’s difficult because it was originally produced in limited numbers. Taken from the original DCC Compact Classics CD(GZS-1066) Remastered by Steve Hoffman 1. I’m The Greatest 2. Have You Seen My Baby (Hold On) 3. Photograph 4. Sunshine Life For Me (Sail Away Raymond) 5 You’re Sixteen (You’re Beautiful And You’re Mine) 6. Oh My My 7. Step Lightly 8. Six O’Clock 9. Devil Woman 10. You And Me (Babe) Bonus Tracks 11. It Don’ t Come Easy 12. Early 1970 13. Down And Out