Artist
Focus
Crate Digger's Guide
- Studio Medium:
- Focus primarily used analog multi-track magnetic tape during their peak recording eras in the early 1970s.
- Pressing Plants:
- Core records were primarily pressed at Philips and EMI pressing plants during the 1970s.
- Lacquer Cut:
- Their music features complex arrangements and dynamic frequency ranges, which can lead to inner-groove distortion if cut too tightly.
- Matrix Runout:
- Collectors often seek matrix runout codes such as '1Y' or '2Y' for verification of authentic 1st pressings.
Vinyl Collector Intelligence
- Grail Pressing:
- Dating back to 1971, the original Sire pressing stands as the definitive vinyl grail for Focus collectors.
- Best Reissue:
- For an accessible alternative, the 2018 Music On Vinyl 180g remaster of 'Moving Waves' delivers exceptional pressing precision.
- Mastering & Translation:
- The sharp mid-range transient spikes and acoustic engineering in Focus's master cuts require precise tonearm calibration to clear heavy vocal peaks without inner-groove distortion.
- Shelf Alternatives:
- Crate companions that natively share this specific vinyl profile include King Crimson (Island) and Yes (Atlantic).
