MoFi’s audiophile LPs

We are finding a growing market for MoFi vinyl. MoFi (Mobile Fidelity) have been producing audiophile versions of hit albums since 1977, and they are now enjoying their second turn in the spotlight.

MoFi only use first-generation original master recordings as source material for their releases. These tapes are played back at half-speed to produce the lacquer from which the stampers are produced, limiting any loss of sonic information. This process is referred to as half-speed mastering. MoFi then have several options at their disposal for the final production of the LP.

Like many companies MoFi makes good use of 180-gram vinyl. Where they differ is in using a product called Supervinyl, which was initially developed by JVC in the 1970s to cope with the demands of Quadraphonic, and which has since been refined by Neotech. Supervinyl is more durable than regular vinyl, it has lower surface noise, and fewer clicks and pops.

Many MoFi releases are cut at 45rpm, allowing greater dynamics – the albums run over two LPs. And MoFi’s ultimate recording technique is called Ultradisc One-Step, where the industry-standard three-step lacquer production process is reduced down to a single step. The threestep process is designed for optimum yield and efficiency, while the UD1S is created for the ultimate in sound quality. By skipping the usual three-step process, MoFi produces an LP with the lowest noise floor possible, with additional musical detail and dynamics.

All MoFi vinyl LPs are limited editions, although at times they may re-release an album in a different format. For example an album previously released as a 180-gram 45rpm may at a later date be re-issued as a Ultradisc one-step.

Prices vary according to the technology used on the particular recording, ranging from $65 for a single LP, through to $260 for a Ultradisc one-step.