Hybrid SACD mastered by Rob LoVerde and a 6,000-copy UltraDisc One-Step 180g 45RPM 2LP edition
Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab has announced new audiophile editions of Michael Jackson’s 1987 album 《BAD》, available as a numbered Hybrid SACD and an UltraDisc One-Step 180g 45RPM 2LP box set. Both editions are currently available for pre-order.
The new releases are based on the original master source and are positioned as premium editions aimed at collectors and audiophile listeners.
Hybrid SACD Mastered by Rob LoVerde
The Hybrid SACD edition was mastered by Mobile Fidelity engineer Rob LoVerde. It includes both an SACD layer and a conventional CD layer, allowing playback on standard CD players as well as compatible SACD hardware.
The edition is priced at $34.99 and comes in a numbered mini-LP-style gatefold package. All 11 tracks are included, including “Leave Me Alone,” which was omitted from the original vinyl edition.
6,000-Copy UltraDisc One-Step 45RPM 2LP
The more elaborate edition is the UltraDisc One-Step 180g 45RPM 2LP box set, limited to 6,000 numbered copies and priced at $125.
The two 180g records are cut at 45RPM and pressed at Fidelity Record Pressing. Mastering was handled by Krieg Wunderlich.
Mobile Fidelity lists the mastering chain as:
Mitsubishi X-80 16-bit/48kHz digital master → analog console → cutting lathe
That detail is important because this is not an all-analog AAA release. Instead, the One-Step edition uses the digital master that formed part of the original production chain and applies Mobile Fidelity’s current mastering and premium vinyl manufacturing process.
One-Step Manufacturing
Mobile Fidelity’s UltraDisc One-Step process reduces the number of intermediate plating stages normally used in vinyl production. The aim is to preserve more information from the lacquer by shortening the path between cutting and the final pressing.
The trade-off is lower production capacity and higher manufacturing cost, which is one reason the 《BAD》 edition is limited to 6,000 copies.
The package also includes a deluxe slipcase and foil-stamped jackets designed for the collector market.
《BAD》 Returns to the Audiophile Market
Mobile Fidelity previously released Michael Jackson’s 《Thriller》 in both UltraDisc One-Step and SACD formats. 《BAD》 now follows as another major pop title in the company’s audiophile catalog.
The Hybrid SACD is priced at $34.99, while the UltraDisc One-Step 180g 45RPM 2LP edition is $125.
Official website : https://mofi.com/digital/michael-jackson-bad-numbered-hybrid-sacd/
