Artist
Michael Jackson
Crate Digger's Guide
- Studio Medium:
- During his peak recording era, Michael Jackson primarily utilized analog multi-track magnetic tape for studio tracking.
- Pressing Plants:
- Core records were primarily pressed at facilities like the RCA Records plant and later at the Columbia Records plant.
- Lacquer Cut:
- His recordings feature a wide frequency range, which can affect inner-groove tracking, potentially causing distortion if grooves are too tightly packed.
- Matrix Runout:
- Collectors often look for matrix runout codes like 'AL 38686-1A' or 'ZSP 10000-1A' for verifying authentic 1st pressings.
Vinyl Collector Intelligence
- Grail Pressing:
- Securing an authentic 1982 first pressing on the Epic imprint remains the ultimate pursuit for anyone hunting down Michael Jackson on wax.
- Best Reissue:
- Recent deluxe Sony catalog remasters successfully preserve the depth of the original Michael Jackson audio master tapes.
- Mastering & Translation:
- The dense multitrack vocal harmonies and electronic sub-bass frequencies characteristic of Michael Jackson's production demand a stable microlinear stylus to prevent high-frequency sibilance.
- Shelf Alternatives:
- Collectors tracking this era typically search out companion pressings from Prince (Warner Bros.) alongside Madonna (Sire).
