About

About Because Sound Matters
Because Sound Matters is an online record shop catering to audiophiles, superfans, and casual music fans. We focus on sound quality and offer limited edition, high-end music releases along with collector items, out of print vinyl, rare recordings and artist collaborations. Our main collection is a series of BSM “One Step” releases. The "One Step" vinyl process is a specialized manufacturing technique renowned for its superior sound quality where meticulous care is taken to create the best sounding vinyl records possible. Traditional vinyl pressing involves multiple steps with the potential for quality loss at each stage. The “One Step” process eliminates these steps with the lacquer master being used to create a stamper which is then used to press the records. This results in a vinyl record that faithfully preserves the original sound with exceptional clarity and depth, capturing the recordings nuances and subtleties. The “One Step” process is highly regarded among audiophiles and collectors for its unparalleled sound fidelity and represents the pinnacle of vinyl manufacturing craftsmanship. Our goal is to create the definitive version of albums in our iconic catalog, as much for Super Fans as Audiophiles. Why shouldn’t a fan of any artist have the option to own the best sounding version of their favorite album? We hope our passion for sound and dedication to top quality releases allows you to enjoy the experience of being here… Because Sound Matters!
The Steps of a One-Step Record
Audio Source:
This is where the One-Step process begins. We will always provide transparent details of what source is used for each release. We don’t have any interest in the analog vs digital debate, and we can’t control how the original recording was created. If we decided to release only One-Step records that were originally recorded on analog tape, we would be leaving out some of the most important records of all time. We can assure you that the archive experts with the most knowledge of these master recordings have been involved in multiple steps of research. We have sorted through every option, carefully listening to multiple sources, and spending hours to be certain we are using the best available source.
Compound:
There are several different manufacturers of raw vinyl pellets which ultimately become the records you listen to. We only use Neotech because of their top-quality compound. This becomes important to the noise floor and allows for enhanced groove definition. This vinyl composition features a new carbonless dye and produces the world's quietest surfaces. The VR900-D2 high-definition formula also allows for the creation of cleaner grooves that are indistinguishable from the original lacquer. To simplify, it is such high quality that only a few pressing plants are even capable of using it.
Mastering:
With the resurgence of vinyl in recent years there are many new mastering engineers cutting lacquers. We have long term relationships with the highest regarded vinyl mastering engineers in the world – experts who care deeply about their craft. They become creative partners in the project, leaving no stone unturned. You could argue this is the most crucial step of all in the vinyl process.
One-Step Plating Process:
The next step is called plating. It is the process of turning the lacquer into metal, then to make a stamper to press the records. The traditional three-step plating process includes creating a father (negative) and then a mother (positive). Once the mother is created you can make an unlimited number of stampers from it. One-Step plating eliminates two steps in that process, the creation of the father and the mother. That removes two stages of generational loss and by doing so reveals more musical detail and a significant reduction of surface noise on the final record. This process requires multiple lacquers to be created since only one stamper can be used from each lacquer. You can manufacture approximately 500-750 records per stamper. That is essentially where the term One-Step comes from. It is a tedious, challenging and more expensive process.
Pressing:
After taking meticulous care in all the previous steps, this is the final step in making the definitive version of records you will hear. We only use world renowned plants and pressmen. Currently that includes Record Technology Inc. and Fidelity Record Pressing. The level of commitment from these two plants in making sure that the final One-Step records achieve our goals even includes quality control managers literally standing over the press as the records are made – checking each one for possible flaws in real time.
Packaging:
Stoughton Printing Company has been delivering state of the art record jackets since 1964. Each Because Sound Matters One-Step Release will have an “Old Style” tip-on gatefold jacket with original art and inserts. The LP will then be inserted into a deluxe, custom designed slipcase featuring the original album cover, foil stampingand numbering plus transparent details of each release.