Comments on: Quadrophenia: "New" 4-channel versions of classic rock albums http://boingboing.net/2009/04/04/quadrophenia-new-4ch.html Brain candy for Happy Mutants Tue, 21 May 2013 19:19:00 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.4.1 By: hadlock http://boingboing.net/2009/04/04/quadrophenia-new-4ch.html#comment-457221 hadlock Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-457221 The intro to Pink Floyd's "Money" sounds fantastic in quadraphonic. The cash register noises sort of float around you/the room in the beginning with the bass line following them. The intro to Pink Floyd’s “Money” sounds fantastic in quadraphonic. The cash register noises sort of float around you/the room in the beginning with the bass line following them.

]]> By: marence http://boingboing.net/2009/04/04/quadrophenia-new-4ch.html#comment-457238 marence Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-457238 Way back in the seventies WMMS radio (100.7 FM) in Cleveland actually broadcast in quadrophonic. Our Olds Toronado had a quad sound system, and for the year or two (? maybe? that time is a bit fuzzy...) that they broadcast, it was great to drive around while songs bounced all over the car. Way back in the seventies WMMS radio (100.7 FM) in Cleveland actually broadcast in quadrophonic. Our Olds Toronado had a quad sound system, and for the year or two (? maybe? that time is a bit fuzzy…) that they broadcast, it was great to drive around while songs bounced all over the car.

]]> By: pyxl8r http://boingboing.net/2009/04/04/quadrophenia-new-4ch.html#comment-457502 pyxl8r Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-457502 SHUTZ, I concur with ROMANOTRAX that actually-released quad versions of Dark Side of the Moon DO exist. I own a French import LP that has NEVER been played, for lack of ever owning a quad turntable. I bought it new in the mid-70s thinking the tech was going to take off, so I was an early adopter of the format... besides, the poster inside was different than the US stereo release! As others have asked, exactly HOW are you listening to these quad releases? 4 channels of a surround system somehow? Details please! SHUTZ, I concur with ROMANOTRAX that actually-released quad versions of Dark Side of the Moon DO exist. I own a French import LP that has NEVER been played, for lack of ever owning a quad turntable. I bought it new in the mid-70s thinking the tech was going to take off, so I was an early adopter of the format… besides, the poster inside was different than the US stereo release!

As others have asked, exactly HOW are you listening to these quad releases? 4 channels of a surround system somehow? Details please!

]]> By: romanotrax http://boingboing.net/2009/04/04/quadrophenia-new-4ch.html#comment-457256 romanotrax Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-457256 As someone who actually did several of the discs listed here, I am glad you like them. It is truly a labor of love to do these discs and I am really glad that others have the love of quad that I do. As someone who actually did several of the discs listed here, I am glad you like them. It is truly a labor of love to do these discs and I am really glad that others have the love of quad that I do.

]]> By: Ugly Canuck http://boingboing.net/2009/04/04/quadrophenia-new-4ch.html#comment-456745 Ugly Canuck Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-456745 I have been wondering when these mixes would re-surface, what with the proliferation of 5.1 sound systems. Nice to see that they're out there. I have been wondering when these mixes would re-surface, what with the proliferation of 5.1 sound systems.
Nice to see that they’re out there.

]]> By: romanotrax http://boingboing.net/2009/04/04/quadrophenia-new-4ch.html#comment-457258 romanotrax Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-457258 @SHUTZ For the record, Dark Side Of The Moon was released in real quad in the UK on Quad 8 tape while here in the US the mix was the SQ mix on Quad 8. Animals was never released in quad though it was rumoured. The DVD-A that is out there in the torrents is actually an upmix from a stereo source. @SHUTZ

For the record, Dark Side Of The Moon was released in real quad in the UK on Quad 8 tape while here in the US the mix was the SQ mix on Quad 8. Animals was never released in quad though it was rumoured. The DVD-A that is out there in the torrents is actually an upmix from a stereo source.

]]> By: Ugly Canuck http://boingboing.net/2009/04/04/quadrophenia-new-4ch.html#comment-456758 Ugly Canuck Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-456758 But at heart I'm still an "original mix" kinda guy. But at heart I’m still an “original mix” kinda guy.

]]> By: Telecustard http://boingboing.net/2009/04/04/quadrophenia-new-4ch.html#comment-456760 Telecustard Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-456760 I weep for the future we'll never have. You know, the one where we all have quad turntables since the late 70s, and analog HD television sets since the mid 80s. But then again, that's much different than the alternate future we could have had if WW2 had never happened - watching science fiction on color Scophony TV sets with soundtracks recorded using Hammond Novachord synthesizers. For all of the advances in so many areas that war spawned, it had a positively chilling effect on home entertainment technology, and it's distribution to the people. I weep for the future we’ll never have. You know, the one where we all have quad turntables since the late 70s, and analog HD television sets since the mid 80s.

But then again, that’s much different than the alternate future we could have had if WW2 had never happened – watching science fiction on color Scophony TV sets with soundtracks recorded using Hammond Novachord synthesizers. For all of the advances in so many areas that war spawned, it had a positively chilling effect on home entertainment technology, and it’s distribution to the people.

]]> By: Richard Metzger http://boingboing.net/2009/04/04/quadrophenia-new-4ch.html#comment-456772 Richard Metzger Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-456772 @ Ugly Canuck: They ARE original mixes from back in the day, not remixes done today. These are sourced from 8-track tapes. @ Ugly Canuck:

They ARE original mixes from back in the day, not remixes done today. These are sourced from 8-track tapes.

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2009/04/04/quadrophenia-new-4ch.html#comment-456773 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-456773 And let me add to the list Santana's "Caravanserai" and Grover Washington Jr's "Soul Box." Actually, as far as the latter goes, a lot of the classic CTI albums seem to have been released in quad, but that's the only one that's found its way to fan DVD-A that I know of. And let me add to the list Santana’s “Caravanserai” and Grover Washington Jr’s “Soul Box.”

Actually, as far as the latter goes, a lot of the classic CTI albums seem to have been released in quad, but that’s the only one that’s found its way to fan DVD-A that I know of.

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2009/04/04/quadrophenia-new-4ch.html#comment-948296 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-948296 Regarding the first Synergy album (Electronic Realizations for ROck Orchestra), the way the CD version was made (QS quad tapes were used as the source) means that if you use your AV receiver's 'Dolby Pro Logic II' function (most of them have it these days) and simply play the CD, it will 'decode' very well on a surround system. Try it and see (best to set your DPL II to 'Music' rather than 'Movies') Regarding the first Synergy album (Electronic Realizations for ROck Orchestra), the way the CD version was made (QS quad tapes were used as the source) means that if you use your AV receiver’s ‘Dolby Pro Logic II’ function (most of them have it these days) and simply play the CD, it will ‘decode’ very well on a surround system. Try it and see

(best to set your DPL II to ‘Music’ rather than ‘Movies’)

]]> By: Ugly Canuck http://boingboing.net/2009/04/04/quadrophenia-new-4ch.html#comment-456797 Ugly Canuck Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-456797 Really, Richard? Hmmm, now I'm somewhat more interested in hearing them. Really, Richard?
Hmmm, now I’m somewhat more interested in hearing them.

]]> By: Hell's Donut House http://boingboing.net/2009/04/04/quadrophenia-new-4ch.html#comment-457318 Hell's Donut House Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-457318 A few quad mixes have shown up as standard CDs; apparently even the mastering engineers didn't know they were using quad tapes. I'd have to consult old issues of ICE magazine, but I remember them mentioning a Joni Mitchell disc among others. Remember Virgin Records' old tag line? "In Quadraphonic sound, for people with four ears." A few quad mixes have shown up as standard CDs; apparently even the mastering engineers didn’t know they were using quad tapes. I’d have to consult old issues of ICE magazine, but I remember them mentioning a Joni Mitchell disc among others.

Remember Virgin Records’ old tag line?
“In Quadraphonic sound, for people with four ears.”

]]> By: jetfx http://boingboing.net/2009/04/04/quadrophenia-new-4ch.html#comment-456809 jetfx Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-456809 "Kraftwerk have to be, for me anyway, the most influential and inspirational band ever. Bar non." Any review that starts with such a truth has already sold me on checking these things out. Although I prefer Trans-Europe Express. “Kraftwerk have to be, for me anyway, the most influential and inspirational band ever. Bar non.”

Any review that starts with such a truth has already sold me on checking these things out. Although I prefer Trans-Europe Express.

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2009/04/04/quadrophenia-new-4ch.html#comment-459372 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-459372 "Obviously there is no fifth channel, so the..." What? NO The woofer better not drop out! Maybe the center speaker... “Obviously there is no fifth channel, so the…”

What? NO
The woofer better not drop out!
Maybe the center speaker…

]]> By: Kaden http://boingboing.net/2009/04/04/quadrophenia-new-4ch.html#comment-456848 Kaden Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-456848 Find the quad mix of the first Synergy album. Do it now. Find the quad mix of the first Synergy album.

Do it now.

]]> By: jjj http://boingboing.net/2009/04/04/quadrophenia-new-4ch.html#comment-456850 jjj Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-456850 I've heard these sound great in a car. hey, 'member that tour when Emerson, Lake & Palmer played in quad? me neither I’ve heard these sound great in a car. hey, ‘member that tour when Emerson, Lake & Palmer played in quad? me neither

]]> By: shutz http://boingboing.net/2009/04/04/quadrophenia-new-4ch.html#comment-456856 shutz Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-456856 You're missing probably THE most important quad mix ever: Pink Floyd's The Dark Side of the Moon. It was never officially released (unlike the recent 30th anniversary SACD) but it was created in '75 by Alan Parsons, and it really sounds GREAT! For some reason, the drums are a lot more "in your face" than the stereo mixes, but the rest of album really takes advantage of the quad soundstage. Official 8-track quad releases of Wish You Were Here and Animals have also surfaced on torrent sites, as DVD-A encodes. WYWH has a few interesting moments, but in general, it mostly sounded the same as the stereo mixes. Animals has more interesting quad bits in it. But neither comes close to the revelation that the DsotM quad mix was for me. You’re missing probably THE most important quad mix ever: Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of the Moon. It was never officially released (unlike the recent 30th anniversary SACD) but it was created in ’75 by Alan Parsons, and it really sounds GREAT! For some reason, the drums are a lot more “in your face” than the stereo mixes, but the rest of album really takes advantage of the quad soundstage.

Official 8-track quad releases of Wish You Were Here and Animals have also surfaced on torrent sites, as DVD-A encodes. WYWH has a few interesting moments, but in general, it mostly sounded the same as the stereo mixes. Animals has more interesting quad bits in it. But neither comes close to the revelation that the DsotM quad mix was for me.

]]> By: Timothy Hutton http://boingboing.net/2009/04/04/quadrophenia-new-4ch.html#comment-456917 Timothy Hutton Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-456917 <b>KADEN</b> implored us to: <blockquote>Find the quad mix of the first Synergy album.</blockquote> As a service to others, could commenters please indicate where they are finding these recordings (above counter or torrent), and if any system set-up is required (making sure certain settings in Linux/Windows/OS X sound drivers are set properly) to enjoy these tracks. I'm very curious, and I think there are many others looking for a place to start - so suggestions please? (And a big Thank You for raising this topic) KADEN implored us to:

Find the quad mix of the first Synergy album.

As a service to others, could commenters please indicate where they are finding these recordings (above counter or torrent), and if any system set-up is required (making sure certain settings in Linux/Windows/OS X sound drivers are set properly) to enjoy these tracks.

I’m very curious, and I think there are many others looking for a place to start – so suggestions please?

(And a big Thank You for raising this topic)

]]> By: Richard Metzger http://boingboing.net/2009/04/04/quadrophenia-new-4ch.html#comment-457948 Richard Metzger Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-457948 @ #11 and #18, You get these on torrent sites. They tend to show up as ISO and image files which you burn to DVD using Toast or some such application, then play them in a DVD player w/ surround speakers set up. Obviously there is no fifth channel, so the woofer drops out in playback. @ #11 and #18,

You get these on torrent sites. They tend to show up as ISO and image files which you burn to DVD using Toast or some such application, then play them in a DVD player w/ surround speakers set up.

Obviously there is no fifth channel, so the woofer drops out in playback.

]]> By: numbers http://boingboing.net/2009/04/04/quadrophenia-new-4ch.html#comment-488164 numbers Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-488164 I have enjoyed this article for myself. This my era...for the fans. Of Quad unfortunately it was a fad nothing more. See most audio buffs including myself. Only had 2 channel and most speakers were insufficient. You most understand that the appreciation was in loud clear. Sound as since' the 80's with portable audio. Precise sound was the normal and yes Quad set up! Basically was for myself to purchase additional speakers. For those whom remember the technology it was allot of levers. And false equalizers believe me you notice. Every speaker had single speakers as oppose. Multi-speakers as of today now! Surround DVD-A and SACD Audio. Is true to multitrake audio the era. Was basically very an experiment on whom be eager to purchase. The either format Fleetwood Mac Rumors was slated. To be but due the success of stereo release. Warners Brothers records refuse to pay additional royalties. See this factor destroy the Quad format labels had to pay. Double royalties the reason it was surpress. But thanks for the yesteryears and I was part of it. I have enjoyed this article for myself. This
my era…for the fans. Of Quad unfortunately
it was a fad nothing more. See most audio buffs
including myself. Only had 2 channel and most
speakers were insufficient. You most understand
that the appreciation was in loud clear. Sound
as since’ the 80′s with portable audio. Precise
sound was the normal and yes Quad set up! Basically
was for myself to purchase additional speakers. For
those whom remember the technology it was allot
of levers. And false equalizers believe me you
notice. Every speaker had single speakers as
oppose. Multi-speakers as of today now! Surround
DVD-A and SACD Audio. Is true to multitrake audio
the era. Was basically very an experiment on whom
be eager to purchase. The either format Fleetwood
Mac Rumors was slated. To be but due the success
of stereo release. Warners Brothers records refuse
to pay additional royalties. See this factor
destroy the Quad format labels had to pay. Double
royalties the reason it was surpress. But thanks
for the yesteryears and I was part of it.

]]> By: annoyingmouse http://boingboing.net/2009/04/04/quadrophenia-new-4ch.html#comment-456935 annoyingmouse Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-456935 I spotted last week that the quad mix of Black Sabbath's Paranoid (as mentioned in original post) was actually given an official release recently as part of a 3 cd/dvd special edition. I spotted last week that the quad mix of Black Sabbath’s Paranoid (as mentioned in original post) was actually given an official release recently as part of a 3 cd/dvd special edition.

]]> By: romanotrax http://boingboing.net/2009/04/04/quadrophenia-new-4ch.html#comment-465144 romanotrax Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-465144 If you have a subwoofer then the bass management of your system will put the bass into the sub even though the discs are 4.0. If you have large full range speakers no sub is needed. There is no center channel. If you have a subwoofer then the bass management of your system will put the bass into the sub even though the discs are 4.0. If you have large full range speakers no sub is needed. There is no center channel.

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