General Information Artist: AC/DC Album: Back In Black Year: 1980 Catalog Number: SD 16018 Pressing: US First Edition (Allied Record Co.) Mastering: Robert Ludwig (Masterdisk) Description This is a 12-inch vinyl LP. The record features the classic Atlantic green, orange, and white labels with the AR suffix, indicating it was pressed at the Allied Record Co. plant in Los Angeles. The outer sleeve is the original 1980 version, featuring embossed (raised) lettering for both the band logo and the album title. It includes the original printed inner sleeve with band photos and credits. Condition Vinyl: Near Mint (NM) Cover: Excellent (EX) Notes for collectors This is a highly sought-after original 1980 US first edition pressing. "Back In Black" remains one of the best-selling albums of all time, recorded as a tribute to the band's late vocalist Bon Scott and marking the incredible debut of Brian Johnson. What makes this specific copy a "holy grail" for collectors is the RL initials etched in the deadwax on both sides. This signifies that the record was mastered by the legendary Robert Ludwig at Masterdisk. The "Ludwig Cut" is famous among audiophiles for its superior dynamic range, deep bass, and overall "hot" level that later reissues and international pressings failed to replicate. Finding a clean original US pressing with the RL stamp is the definitive way to experience this album. Matrix/labels Matrix Side 1: ST-A-804517-E MASTERDISK RL Matrix Side 2: ST-A-804518-E MASTERDISK RL Label Details: SD 16018 / ST-A-804517-AR