What Is A SHM-CD?
The size and weight of SHM-CDs are identical to regular CDs. The difference comes below the surface.
If you’ve kept an eye on your favorite music retailer, message board or, perhaps, this very website, you’ve likely seen some amazing albums released on SHM-CD. If you’re confused about what even is a SHM-CD and what makes it so special, wonder no further! We’re here to explain everything – and maybe even inspire you to add some SHM-CDs to your collection.
Living in the Material World
“SHM” stands for “Super High Material.” Any CD you would buy in your favorite record store is made from a resilient polycarbonate material. SHM-CDs, however, are made of a purer, high-quality material developed for LCD (liquid crystal display) screens. The size and weight of SHM-CDs are identical to regular CDs; the difference comes below the surface, in ultra-fine detail.
When you put a disc into your CD player, it spins really fast and a laser reads all its data from a series of pits – tiny microscopic indentations – to bring you the music. SHM-CDs work the same way, but the higher-quality material lets the data etch into the disc with even greater precision. That means the music – every cymbal hit, every guitar chord, every note captured by every microphone – sounds cleaner, brighter and fuller. SHM-CDs are specially made: manufactured with their own stampers on their own assembly line in Japan, distinct from standard discs, and pressed in small batches to emphasize quality over quantity.
And the best part? You don’t need to buy any new equipment to hear the difference! SHM-CDs play in your sound system, your car, or anywhere you’ve got a disc drive. Getting the best quality out of the players you already have? Sounds like a good deal!
The Perfect Package
SHM-CDs aren’t just nicer to listen to – the whole experience is actually fun. You’ve got plenty of discs in plastic jewel cases – but SHMs add some pizzazz to your shelf with their packaging. Original LP sleeves are replicated to CD proportions, and a paper obi (which is Japanese for “band” or “sash”) folds around the spine of the jacket with important information like pricing, release series information and other details.
SHM manufacturers know you want your discs to stay high quality, so every part of the packaging is done with care. The discs come with matted plastic or rice paper sleeves that keep them extra clean and avoid rubbing up against the included booklets of liner notes and lyrics (printed in Japanese and English). And everything included – disc, booklet, jacket and obi – is enclosed in a plastic protector so they stay fresh on your shelves. If you want your collection looking as good as it sounds, SHM-CDs have you covered – literally!
Extra! Extra!
Owning a classic album on SHM-CD may mark your first (or second, or third…) time adding it to your collection, but the manufacturers are making sure you’re getting your money’s worth. Many SHM-CD pressings include rare or hard-to-find bonus tracks, expanding your listening experience in the best way. Quality, quantity and packaging that looks great on your shelves? Now’s the time to add some super high material to your super impressive collection with some SHM-CDs.
