I didn't even know this existed until about 10 days ago. I decoded using the fabulous oxforddickie script in Audition 3.01 but the finished result sounds like there is a significant phase issue between front and rears. It can't be the script as other decodes have worked really well. Has anybody else heard this? Any thoughts?
Has anybody heard The Staple Singers - Be What You Are SQ decoded?
- Thread starter Franklin
- Start date
Help Support QuadraphonicQuad:
I only have the Q8, and in some cases if the master tape is fouled up, phase errors will show up on the Q8 as well. I have the Q8 of this title and there are no phase issues at all. So, it's either the SQ encoding process or possibly something went awry with your decoding.
I will say that the mix is a little wonky in that it features my most hated of all mixing faux-pas, Drums in FL and BR.
I will say that the mix is a little wonky in that it features my most hated of all mixing faux-pas, Drums in FL and BR.
Interesting - thanks for that. The vinyl packaging is really minimal on this one. No gatefold sleeve, just two blue stickers announcing that it's SQ (with the artist and album title) and no mention of quad on the label at all. It does have quad catalogue numbers on the label though, and stamped in the deadwax too. I might try reversing the phase on the rear speakers and see if that makes a difference.
The mid-70s were not a good time at Stax. With the closing of the Memphis HQ and transfer of ownership to Fantasy, folks weren't really doing the things they should have been doing... funny how that happens.
With apologies to anyone who owns a Sony Quad receiver, I've yet to have heard one with a Quality SQ decoder built in. Although we sold virtually everything Sony made back then, we never carried Sony Quad receivers. We sold Sony stereo receivers in abundance, and I owned one. So, I wouldn't base the Staples SQ's decoding ability on a Sony Quad receiver.
BTW: we sold Marantz, Pioneer (also poor SQ), Sansui and JVC Quad receivers. I currently own Marantz and Sansui Quads, but prefer to use my modern B&K and Denon systems with Sony full logic outboard SQ decoders. The Marantz has an SQA-2b, which works well. Even the older SQA-1 module which I retired when the SQA-2 came out, decoded SQ reasonably well.
I bought the Staples on a used SQ copy ten years ago. Perhaps I need to give it another spin. IMHO, Stax/Enterprise Quad LP packaging and engineering left a bit to be desired. I have a mint SQ Shaft :yikes (not bad for a girl, huh?) and the high hat is horribly astringent on EVERY Cartridge I've played it on, including AT, as well as Ortofon MC and MM.
BTW: we sold Marantz, Pioneer (also poor SQ), Sansui and JVC Quad receivers. I currently own Marantz and Sansui Quads, but prefer to use my modern B&K and Denon systems with Sony full logic outboard SQ decoders. The Marantz has an SQA-2b, which works well. Even the older SQA-1 module which I retired when the SQA-2 came out, decoded SQ reasonably well.
I bought the Staples on a used SQ copy ten years ago. Perhaps I need to give it another spin. IMHO, Stax/Enterprise Quad LP packaging and engineering left a bit to be desired. I have a mint SQ Shaft :yikes (not bad for a girl, huh?) and the high hat is horribly astringent on EVERY Cartridge I've played it on, including AT, as well as Ortofon MC and MM.
Musically, it's wonderful. I need to give the mix another listen before I comment. Definitely one I shouldn't have missed back in the day.
I just learned of a new 7-disc box set, Come Go With Me, of the Staple Singers' late 60s/early 70s releases on Stax. No one here will be surprised to hear that it does not include the quad version of Be What You Are. $60 list, 42 and change at ImportCDs.
https://www.audaud.com/staple-singers-come-go-with-me-stax-craft-recordings/
https://www.audaud.com/staple-singers-come-go-with-me-stax-craft-recordings/
Similar threads
