Collecting log: a single U.S. test pressing from LIVE/1975-85 with an unusual coupling of two sides from the five discs (Part 1 of 2)

Based on the sticker indication, this test pressing was created nearly
two months before the official release in the U.S. (Nov. 10, 1986).

Looking at vinyl disc's dead-wax stamps and inscriptions or simply matrix numbers, we can easily recognize a few notable differences that distinguish LIVE/1975-85 (Columbia C5X 40558) from his previous seven albums (i.e., up to BORN IN THE U.S.A.). As listed below, I compare matrix information of SIDE ONE (of Disc One, if multi-disc release) of his first eight albums, each of which is taken from an early U.S. copy in my private possession. 

The matrix numbers of LIVE are relatively long, carrying unique codes like "DMM" and "EDP," and overall faintly inscribed on the run-out vinyl area (see the dead-wax images below). Such features reflect the differences in record production processes newly introduced into this deluxe LP box.

Album title (U.S. catalog number)	Matrix number (stamp, straight; inscription, oblique)
1. GREETINGS ... (KC 31903) Pitman press	P AL 31903 1A
2. THE WILD ... (KC 32432) Pitman press	p   P AL 32432-1A
3. BORN TO RUN (PC 33795) Pitman press	p　P AL-33795-1A
4. DARKNESS ... (JC 35318) Santa Maria press	2S  PAL-35318-1A     TML-M
5. THE RIVER (PC2 36854) Santa Maria press	1S  PAL 36855 1A F1     MASTERED BY CAPITOL  KP
6. NEBRASKA (TC 38358) Pitman press	p  AL-38358-1A     ATLANTIC STUDIOS D.K.
7. BORN IN THE U.S.A. (QC 38653) Carrollton press	G1   PAL・38653-3A     MASTERDISK RL
8. LIVE/1975-85 (C5X 40558) Pitman press	P AL-40559-2A-DMM-1 EDP M1SF2SM1    MASTERDISK

Matrix inscriptions found on SIDE ONE of Disc One from an early U.S. pressing of the LIVE box. Circle-numbered arrows around the label (left) indicate the position and direction of the correspondingly numbered matrix inscriptions (right panels). Note that these DMM-disc inscriptions are relatively shallow compared to lacquer-derived vinyl pressing. Taken from my personal copy with SIDES ONE/TWO matrix numbers P AL-40599-2A-DMM-1  EDP M1SF2SM1/P BL-40599-1A-DMM 3  EDP M1SF2SM3.

The LIVE box was, as the previous release BORN IN THE U.S.A., mastered by Robert "Bob" Ludwig at Masterdisk Studios, Inc., located back then in Peekskill, New York. However, as indicated by "DMM" (Direct Metal Mastering), this live album employed the then-new technology (developed in 1982) for cutting vinyl audio masters. Unlike conventional disc mastering, DMM engraves the audio signal directly onto a hard, copper-coated metal disc instead of a soft, lacquer (nitrocellulose)-coated aluminum disc, explaining why matrix inscriptions are generally shallower for DMM-processed vinyl pressings. Although I'm not technically familiar with vinyl manufacturing (so don't go into the details), DMM bypasses the early electro-galvanizing processes necessary for lacquers (to make a master disc and then from which mother discs), thus reducing the surface noise and the risk of introducing errors during processing.

Found in the advertised section in a 1986
issue of Billboard Magazine.

Another code, "EDP," refers to Europadisk, Ltd., a New York/Long Island-based record/CD/cassette manufacturer (ceased in 2005), also known as the last U.S. company that owned its DMM-cutting facility. As far as I recognize, I have not seen or been aware of this three-letter code on any vinyl pressings of the previous seven albums. Although not credited anywhere in the booklet or the box package, the "EDP" code in the matrix numbers most probably means its involvement in the vinyl-manufacturing processes following DMM engraving, such as galvanization and stamper making, because DMM cutting was done at Masterdisk, as noted above. There is one more code, "M1SF2SM1," which I have no idea what it indicates (Maybe a stamper number?).

My three copies of the U.S. edition of the LIVE promo single compilation 
LP show a few variations (i.e., two label variants; w/ or w/o a promo
 stamp). However, SIDES ONE/TWO matrix numbers are identical among
the three (P XSS-175515-1A DMM  2    EDP    M1SF1SM3    MASTERDISK /
P XSS-175516-1A DMM EDP    M1SF1SM3    MASTERDISK). So, the masters
were cut at MASTERDISK (NY), the stampers were made at Europadisk
(NY), and vinyls were pressed at Columbia Records' Pitman (NJ).

Recently, I obtained a U.S. test pressing for this multi-volume set. In good agreement with the dead-wax "EDP" inscribed on the regular commercial discs, the obtained copy came with Europadisk labels specifically designed for test pressings manufactured at this company (see the top image). At first, I simply thought this was just a test pressing for the promotion-only 8-track excerpt LP (Columbia CAS 2543, shown left). No, it was a sort of one of the five discs in the box set, but there were a few interesting differences between this test record and standard discs. 

— To be continued to Part 2.