Interscope and Capitol Records are launching the Definitive Sound Series, a limited-edition audiophile line pressed using the One Step process. Each title is capped at 3,000 numbered copies, with careful attention to source material and pressing quality—something both labels are upfront about. The series opens October 10 with A Perfect Circle’s Mer de Noms on 2-LP, 180g “high-definition” vinyl. We’ll dive into what the One Step process actually entails below.
A Perfect Circle’s Mer de Noms—in case anyone’s been living under a rock since 2000—is the debut from Maynard James Keenan’s side project with William L. Howerdel that somehow managed to be darker and moodier than Tool without losing its hooky alt-rock appeal. It wasn’t just another nu-metal-era cash grab; this was an album that announced itself with dramatic flair, clever arrangements, and vocals that could haunt a cathedral. Fans still remember it for its blend of brooding atmosphere and accessible songwriting—basically, the record that made people stop saying “Maynard can only do Tool.”
Featuring the original album artwork, each 180g high-definition vinyl album is packaged in a tip-on gatefold jacket, crafted to archival standards, and housed in a custom-designed Definitive Sound Series slipcase that highlights the album art, track listing, and details about the One Step process. Each copy includes a certificate of authenticity, providing full transparency on mastering, plating, and pressing.
“This series represents the pinnacle of vinyl craftsmanship. We’re proud to invest in these collectible pieces that reflect our respect for these iconic artists, their groundbreaking music, and the fans whose passion continues to keep these albums as relevant today as when they were first released.” —Xavier Ramos, EVP D2C and eCommerce Strategy at Interscope/Capitol
One Step Vinyl Manufacturing: Audiophile-Grade Clarity and Depth
Highly regarded among audiophiles and collectors for its sound fidelity, the One Step process combines state-of-the-art vinyl manufacturing with meticulous craftsmanship, delivering a listening experience with remarkable depth and clarity. By removing multiple stamper stages, it avoids the fidelity losses that come with traditional pressings. Worth noting: while the source material is carefully handled, these pressings do not claim to originate directly from the original analog tapes—a distinction some labels conveniently skip, often to their trouble.
A Perfect Circle redefined alternative rock at the turn of the millennium. This 25th anniversary definitive audiophile edition of their platinum-certified debut was sourced from 96kHz/24-bit files transferred from the original analog tapes, giving listeners a sense of being in the studio. Mastered by Levi Seitz at Black Belt Mastering, the album was pressed at Record Technology, Inc.
The term “High Definition” vinyl gets thrown around a lot, but what does it actually promise? Listeners might assume it means a direct, flawless transfer of the original master tapes, or a clarity and depth that rivals digital formats—but in reality, it’s more about weight, pressing quality, and careful mastering than any objectively defined “definition.” It’s worth appreciating the care that goes into these pressings, but the phrase itself is marketing shorthand rather than a technical guarantee.
We also wonder if fans of these albums are going to be charmed by the $125 USD price tag. For comparison, MoFi charges $125 for their UltraDisc One-Step releases—2LP, 45RPM editions of artists like Michael Jackson, Miles Davis, Muddy Waters, Van Halen, ELO, and the Eagles—clearly aimed at older collectors who already own multiple copies of these albums. And let’s not forget the well-worn provenance controversy that followed some of those releases; it didn’t exactly boost sales, either.
And then, just earlier this year, we got Burmester’s PURE SOUND – Master Recordings on lacquer. Price? Not for the faint of heart—or the light wallet. These aren’t your standard vinyl pressings; each record is a one-off lacquer cut in real-time straight from a 1:1 master tape. No edits, no filters, no digital detours—just pure analog indulgence, exactly the way Oscar Peterson and the jazz gods intended.
Unlike some other audiophile labels that happily slapped “all-analog” stickers on hi-res digital transfers, Burmester actually delivers on the promise. That’s right: lacquer, tape, and tears, with none of the DSD detours or shady mastering shortcuts. But don’t get too cozy—lacquers have a limited shelf life. They contract, they flake, and they pick up surface noise over time. This isn’t just an investment in sound; it’s an investment in careful handling, and a pricey one at that.
Great album, excellent sonics—but will listeners fork over $125 for it? Probably. Calling it “high-definition vinyl” feels a bit weak, and let’s be honest: don’t kill vinyl with greed. Collectors and fans deserve care, not marketing spin.
Future releases in the Definitive Sound Series will include Beck (Morning Phase), Nat King Cole (The Christmas Song), R.E.M. (Murmur / Chronic Town), The Wallflowers (Bringing Down the Horse), and the O Brother, Where Art Thou? soundtrack.
Where to buy: $125 at Capitol Music
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- Burmester Launches “PURE SOUND – Master Recordings” On Lacquer: No Edits, No Filters, Just Pure Audiophile Snobbery In Real-Time
- Tiny Vinyl: The 4-Inch Record You Didn’t Ask For Taking Up Shelf Space At Target, Because What Every Music Fan Needs Is A Record That Fits In Their Pocket
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