Artist
The Weeknd
Crate Digger's Guide
- Studio Medium:
- The Weeknd primarily used early digital consoles and analog multi-track magnetic tape during his peak recording eras.
- Pressing Plants:
- Core records were mainly pressed at plants like United Record Pressing and Optimal Media.
- Lacquer Cut:
- His frequency ranges often emphasize deep bass and crisp highs, affecting inner-groove tracking by requiring precise cutting techniques.
- Matrix Runout:
- Collectors should look for etchings like 'A' and 'B' in the runout grooves for authentic 1st pressings.
Vinyl Collector Intelligence
- Grail Pressing:
- Dating back to 2011, the original XO pressing on Republic Records stands as the definitive vinyl grail for The Weeknd collectors.
- Best Reissue:
- For an accessible alternative, the 2019 Universal Music 180g remaster of 'Starboy' delivers exceptional pressing precision.
- Mastering & Translation:
- The dense multitrack vocal harmonies and electronic sub-bass frequencies characteristic of The Weeknd's production demand a stable microlinear stylus to prevent high-frequency sibilance.
- Shelf Alternatives:
- Crate companions that natively share this specific vinyl profile include Daft Punk (Virgin Records) and Disclosure (PMR Records).
