In the late 1980s The Beatles music was first made available on CD but unfortunately the digital remastering was done poorly on those CDs and only the stereo versions of their classic albums were released.

The biggest issue was the digital remastering. Digital mastering in the 1980s was still a new thing. The technology and the knowledge on how to best master music digitally for compact disc has progressed significantly since that time. For example mastering in the ’80s was done in 16bit and the mastering for the new Beatles remasters was done in 24bit. This allows for less digital distortion and for more of the original analog tape sound to be captured.

But the lack of mono versions of The Beatles albums was also a big problem for a lot of fans who either grew up with those mixes or who were curious to hear them.

With the 2009 remasters, these problems have been solved. Both stereo and mono mixes of The Beatles albums are currently available and they are both remastered digitally in such a way that lets the songs to soudn better than ever.

The Beatles USB

This USB memory stick is essentially a digital version of the remastered stereo box set. Along with the more well known mp3 files, it also includes super high quality 24bit FLAC files. Along with the obvious audio component, this Apple USB stick also includes all of the visual elements from the stereo box set such as the thirteen mini documentaries, the extensive liner notes, and the previously unpublished photos.

This Apple themed USB memory stick is compatible with both Mac and PC computers. The mp3s that it contains should work with no issues with your mp3 player (whether it be a Zune, an iPod, or a lesser known player.)

The Beatles Mono Box Set

The release that has created the most excitement of serious Beatles fans is probably the mono box because it represents the very first time that the original mono mixes of their music have been available on CD.

Some “purist” Beatles fans believe that the mono mixes were really the way the band’s music was supposed to be heard and they have a good reason for believing that. Mono was what most Beatles fans listened to in the ’60s and The Beatles spent the majority of their time working on getting the mono mixes just right. Meanwhile, the band spent almost no time working on the stereo mixes up until The White Album.

The Beatles Remastered Stereo Box Set

2009’s most popular Beatles release has been this awesome box set. It’s been a huge seller and for good reason. It contains The Beatles complete ‘62-’70 catalog in brilliantly remastered stereo. These remastered Beatles albums sound absolutely wonderful (these discs are far superior to the 1987 Beatles CDs you probably own now.)

The biggest improvements compared to the old discs can be heard in the way McCartney’s bass guitar blasts through the mix more so than ever before and Ringo’s drums sound far better too. Another big positive is being able to hear each individual vocal part with more clearity.