Pink Floyd Dark Side of the Moon MFSL Japan Audophile 12" Vinyl LP Album

The Japanese Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab (MFSL) pressing of Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of the Moon is a pinnacle for audiophile collectors. Released in 1979 as part of MFSL’s Original Master Recording series, this 12” vinyl LP was meticulously half-speed mastered and pressed on high-quality JVC Super Vinyl, offering unparalleled sound fidelity. Renowned for its depth and clarity, it captures the iconic album with extraordinary detail.

‘Album cover of Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of the Moon Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab edition, featuring a black background with a white light beam entering a prism, splitting into a rainbow spectrum. A yellow banner at the top reads “ORIGINAL MASTER RECORDING.”’

Album Description:

In the years since its release, "The Dark Side of the Moon" has been re-released and remastered many times. One of the most sought-after versions of the album is the MFSL Japan LP edition. This edition was released in 1982 by the Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab, a company known for producing high-quality audiophile recordings.

The MFSL Japan LP edition of "The Dark Side of the Moon" is highly valued by collectors and audiophiles. The LP was pressed on high-quality virgin vinyl and features a unique mastering process that enhances the sound quality of the original recording. The LP also comes with a custom-designed sleeve and a fold-out poster of the album's iconic cover art.

One of the reasons that the MFSL Japan LP edition of "The Dark Side of the Moon" is so highly regarded is its superior sound quality. The mastering process used by Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab involved creating a special lacquer master from the original master tapes. This master was then used to press the LP, resulting in a record that is free from many of the imperfections that can be found in other pressings of the album.

The sound quality of the MFSL Japan LP edition is particularly notable in the album's use of stereo effects. "The Dark Side of the Moon" features many instances of panning, where sounds move from one speaker to the other. On the MFSL Japan LP edition, these effects are incredibly clear and precise, making the listening experience even more immersive.

Another reason that the MFSL Japan LP edition is so highly valued is its rarity. Only a limited number of these LPs were produced, making them highly sought after by collectors. The LP is also a unique piece of Pink Floyd history, representing a particular moment in the band's recording career and the audiophile recording industry.

The Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab (MFSL) Original Master Recording of Pink Floyd’s ‘The Dark Side of the Moon’ (catalog number MFSL 1-017) is a highly sought-after audiophile edition. Released in 1979, this half-speed mastered LP was pressed in Japan using JVC Super Vinyl, renowned for its durability and superior sound quality.

Music Genre:

Acid, Psych, Progressive Rock

Album Production:

Gatefold/FOC (Fold Open Cover) Album Cover Design. Produced by Pink Floyd. Recorded Abbey Road Studios London. Engineer: Alan Parsons, Peter Jones. Sleeve design: Hipgnosis, George Hardie. All lyrics by Roger Waters

Alan Parsons – Sound engineer, producer, musician

Alan Parsons is my go-to “how does this record sound THAT good?” answer: the studio brain behind classic-era clarity, from Pink Floyd sessions to The Alan Parsons Project’s glossy sci-fi pop-rock. Read more...

Alan Parsons is the guy I picture behind the glass when a record sounds ridiculously clean, wide, and expensive (in the best way). His first big “period” is the Abbey Road years, working as a tape operator and engineer across the late 1960s into the mid-1970s, right in the era when studios were basically science labs with guitars. In 1973 he engineered Pink Floyd’s "The Dark Side of the Moon", and that alone would’ve earned him a lifetime pass to the control room. Then he moved from “genius in the booth” to “name on the cover” as co-founder of The Alan Parsons Project, active from 1975 to 1990, where he blended pristine production with big melodies and concept-album vibes. From the 1990s onward he’s kept the music alive on stage with touring lineups commonly billed as The Alan Parsons Live Project, proving he’s not just a behind-the-scenes wizard but a musician who can carry the material in the real world too.

Alan Parsons Wiki

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Hipgnosis – British album cover art design group

Hipgnosis is my favorite proof that a record sleeve can be a full-on mind game, not just a band photo with better lighting. Read more...

Hipgnosis is the legendary London-based art design group that turned rock sleeves into visual myths. The core duo, Storm Thorgerson and Aubrey "Po" Powell, were childhood friends of the Pink Floyd inner circle in Cambridge—a connection that allowed them to bypass the stiff mandates of EMI’s in-house design department in 1968. Their debut, "A Saucerful of Secrets," was only the second time in EMI history (after The Beatles) that an outside firm was granted creative control. The very name "Hipgnosis" was a piece of found art; Syd Barrett, during one of his more enigmatic phases, scrawled the word in ballpoint pen on the door of the South Kensington flat he shared with the duo. Thorgerson loved the linguistic friction of it: the "Hip" for the new and groovy, and "Gnosis" for the ancient, hidden knowledge. While Peter Christopherson later joined as a third partner in 1974, that initial Barrett-endorsed moniker defined a decade of surrealist mastery for bands like Led Zeppelin, Genesis, and 10cc, before the group dissolved in 1983.

Hipgnosis Gallery

Record Label:

Original Master Recording MFSL Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab MFSL 1-1017

Vinyl Record Format: 1

2" LP Vinyl Gramophone Record

Year and Country:

1973 Made in Japan (Recorded in England)

Band Members and Musicianson: Pink Floyd Dark Side of the Moon MFSL Japan Audophile

Roger Waters - bass, vocals
Roger Waters – Bass, vocals, songwriter
Roger Waters is the guy I blame (politely) when a Pink Floyd song stops being “spacey vibes” and starts staring straight through you with lyrics that feel like a courtroom cross-examination. Read more...
Roger Waters is, to my ears, Pink Floyd’s razor-edged storyteller: bassist, singer, and the main lyric engine who pushed the band from psychedelic drift into big, human-scale themes. His key band period is Pink Floyd (1965–1985), where he became the dominant writer through the 1970s and early 1980s, before leaving and launching a long solo career (1984–present). After years of public tension, he briefly reunited with Pink Floyd for a one-off performance at Live 8 in London on 2 July 2005—basically the musical equivalent of spotting a comet: rare, bright, and gone again. Since the late 1990s he’s toured extensively under his own name, staging huge concept-driven shows that revisit Floyd classics like "The Dark Side of the Moon" (notably on the 2006–2008 tour) and "The Wall" (2010–2013), because apparently subtlety is not the point when you’ve got something to say.
Roger Waters Wiki
Nick Mason - percusssion
Nick Mason – Drums, percussion
Nick Mason is the steady heartbeat I always come back to in Pink Floyd: the only constant member since the band formed in 1965, quietly holding the whole weird universe together while the rest of the planet argues about everything else. Read more...
Nick Mason is Pink Floyd’s drummer, co-founder, and the one guy who never clocked out: his main performing period with Pink Floyd runs from 1965 to the present, and he’s the only member to appear across every Pink Floyd album. Outside the mothership, he’s had a very “I’m not done yet” second act: in 2018 he formed Nick Mason’s Saucerful of Secrets (2018–present) to bring the band’s early psychedelic years back to the stage. He’s also stepped out under his own name with projects like the solo album "Nick Mason’s Fictitious Sports" (released 1981), which is basically him taking a left turn into jazz-rock just to prove he can. And yes, he was part of that blink-and-you-miss-it full-band moment at Live 8 in London in 2005, when the classic lineup briefly reunited and reminded everyone why this band still haunts people.
Nick Mason Wiki
Dave Gilmour - Guitar, vocals
David Gilmour – Guitar, vocals
David Gilmour is the voice-and-fingers combo I hear whenever Pink Floyd turns from “spacey” into straight-up cinematic: he joined in 1967 and basically helped define what “guitar tone with emotions” even means. Read more...
David Gilmour is, for me, the calm center of Pink Floyd’s storm: an English guitarist, singer, and songwriter whose playing can feel gentle and devastating in the same bar. His earliest band period worth name-dropping is Jokers Wild (1964–1967), before he stepped into Pink Floyd in 1967 as Syd Barrett’s situation unraveled. From there his main performing era is Pink Floyd (1967–1995), including the post-Roger Waters years where the band continued under his leadership and released "A Momentary Lapse of Reason" (1987) and "The Division Bell" (1994), with a later studio coda in "The Endless River" (2014). Outside Floyd, he’s had a long solo run (1978–present) with albums ranging from "David Gilmour" (1978) to "Luck and Strange" (2024), and he even did a sharp side-quest in 1985 with Pete Townshend’s short-lived supergroup Deep End. And for one historic night, the classic lineup reunited at Live 8 in Hyde Park, London on 2 July 2005—one of those “you had to be there (or at least press play)” moments.
David Gilmour Wiki
Richard Wright - keyboards, vocals
Richard Wright – Keyboards, vocals
Richard Wright is the secret atmosphere machine in Pink Floyd: the guy who can make one chord feel like a whole weather system, and then casually add a vocal harmony that makes it hit even harder. Read more...
Richard Wright (born Richard William Wright) is, for me, the understated genius of Pink Floyd: co-founder, keyboardist, and occasional lead vocalist whose textures are basically baked into the band’s DNA. His main performing period with Pink Floyd runs from 1965 to 1981 (including the early albums through the massive arena years), then he returned as a full member again from 1987 to 1994 for the later era tours and albums. In between those chapters, he didn’t just vanish into a fog machine: he released a solo album, "Wet Dream" (1978), and later "Broken China" (1996), and he also had a proper side-project moment with Zee (1983–1984), which produced the album "Identity" (1984). He passed away in 2008, but his playing still feels like the part of Pink Floyd that makes the air shimmer.
Richard Wright Wiki
Guest performers:
Dick Parry
Dick Parry – Saxophone, session musician
Dick Parry is the reason “Money” and “Us and Them” don’t just groove… they glow. He’s that classy, human burst of sax that turns Pink Floyd’s big cosmic machine into something that breathes. Read more...
Dick Parry (real name: Richard Parry) is an English saxophonist and lifelong “secret weapon” in the Pink Floyd universe. His main performing timeline starts with his early career in the Cambridge scene (he began with The Soul Committee in the mid-1960s), and then the famous chapter: Pink Floyd brought him in for landmark studio moments, including the sax parts on "Money" and "Us and Them" on "The Dark Side of the Moon" (1973), plus "Shine On You Crazy Diamond" on "Wish You Were Here" (1975). Live-wise, he wasn’t a one-night cameo either: he played in Pink Floyd’s live shows between 1973 and 1977, returned for the 1994 world tour, and even added keyboards on parts of the 1977 "In the Flesh" tour. Outside Floyd-land, he also toured as part of The Who’s brass section on their 1979–1980 tours, because apparently he collects legendary bands the way I collect pressings.
Dick Parry Wiki
Doris Troy
Leslie Duncan
Liza Strike
Barry St John
Clare Torry

Complete Track Listing of: Pink Floyd Dark Side of the Moon MFSL Japan Audophile

Speak To Me
Breathe
On the Run
Time
The Great Gig in the Sky

Money
US and Them
Any Colour You Like
Brain Damage
Eclipse

Photos of the LP's cover: Pink Floyd Dark Side of the Moon MFSL Japan Audophile

Photo of Pink Floyd Dark Side of the Moon MFSL Japan Audophile Album's Front Cover

‘Album cover of Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of the Moon Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab edition, featuring a black background with a white light beam entering a prism, splitting into a rainbow spectrum. A yellow banner at the top reads “ORIGINAL MASTER RECORDING.”’ — This album cover for The Dark Side of the Moon by Pink Floyd, in the Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab (MFSL) Original Master Recording edition, features the iconic prism design. A white beam of light enters from the left, hitting a triangular prism at the center, which splits the light into a vibrant spectrum of colors flowing to the right. Above, a yellow strip bears the text ‘ORIGINAL MASTER RECORDING,’ signifying the high-fidelity MFSL pressing of this classic album. The minimalist design and deep black background emphasize the timeless elegance of this legendary album art.

Photo of Pink Floyd Dark Side of the Moon MFSL Japan Audophile Album's Back Cover

High Resolution Photo #3 PINK FLOYD Dark Side Moon MFSL Japan

High Resolution Photo of the Inside Page of the Gatefold Cover Side One

High Resolution Photo #4 PINK FLOYD Dark Side Moon MFSL Japan

High Resolution Photo of the Inside Page of the Gatefold Cover Side Two

High Resolution Photo #5 PINK FLOYD Dark Side Moon MFSL Japan

Photo of Original Masters Insert

‘Black-and-white promotional image featuring four men dressed in historical costumes holding vinyl albums. From left to right: a man with long hair and a beard holding Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of the Moon, a man in a top hat with Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana, a man in a Renaissance outfit holding The Beatles’ Magical Mystery Tour, and a man in Elizabethan attire holding Kenny Rogers’ Greatest Hits. Text below reads “Limited Editions from the Original Masters.”’ — This black-and-white promotional image for Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab (MFSL) features four men dressed in historical costumes from different eras, each holding a vinyl album. The man on the far left, resembling a figure in a classical or biblical style, holds Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of the Moon. Next, a bearded man with a top hat holds Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana. In the center, a man in a Renaissance outfit displays The Beatles’ Magical Mystery Tour. Finally, a man in Elizabethan attire on the right presents Kenny Rogers’ Greatest Hits. The banner below reads, ‘Limited Editions from the Original Masters,’ promoting MFSL’s high-quality, audiophile-grade releases as key components for enhancing any stereo system. The image emphasizes the timeless appeal and quality of these carefully crafted records.

Photo of Pink Floyd Dark Side of the Moon MFSL Japan Audophile Record Label

This record label is from the Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab (MFSL) Original Master Recording of Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of the Moon, catalog number MFSL 1-017. The label is predominantly white with a triangular prism design in the center. The text at the top reads ‘Original Master Recording’ and ‘Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab’ in gold, indicating the premium audiophile quality of this pressing. To the left, ‘Pink Floyd’ is printed, and on the right, the album title The Dark Side of the Moon along with the catalog number are listed. Along the bottom edge, the label notes ‘Side One Stereophonic (MFSL 1-017-A2) Pressed in Japan,’ highlighting the high standards and Japanese pressing associated with MFSL’s release. The iconic Harvest Records logo is also featured.

Note: The images on this page are photos of the actual album. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone ).

PINK FLOYD - Dark Side of the Moon (Index Page)

PINK FLOYD - Dark Side of the Moon France 12" LP

Thumbnail of PINK FLOYD Dark Side of the Moon France album front cover

EMI 2C 068-05.249 , 1973 , Made in France

The French release LP of Pink Floyd's 'Dark Side of the Moon' is unique for its distinct artwork featuring a prism and the inclusion of an additional track, "Eclipse." It had a significant impact on music culture, cementing Pink Floyd's reputation as an innovative and experimental band.

DSOTM French Release Details

PINK FLOYD - Dark Side of the Moon First Release 12" LP

Thumbnail of PINK FLOYD Dark Side of the Moon First Release album front cover

EMI Harvest 1C 062-05 249 , 1973 , Made in Germany

This German 1st release LP of Pink Floyd's "The Dark Side of the Moon" is a significant piece of music history. The album's success in Germany helped solidify Pink Floyd's status as one of the most influential bands of all time.

DSOTM 1st German Release Details

PINK FLOYD - The Dark Side Of The Moon Quadraphonic 12" LP

EMI 1C 062-05 249 Q Quadrophonie , 1973 , Germany

The quadrophonic LP album of Pink Floyd's "The Dark Side of the Moon" was released in Germany in 1973, showcasing the potential for new listening experiences and Pink Floyd's experimentation with sound. Its unique mix and quadraphonic sound technology make it a valuable collector's item.

DSOTM Quadrophonic Release Details

PINK FLOYD - Dark Side Of The Moon White Vinyl 12" LP

Thumbnail of PINK FLOYD - Dark Side Of The Moon White Vinyl album front cover

EMI Harvest 1C 064-05 249 , 1977 , Germany

The white vinyl LP German release of "The Dark Side of the Moon" by Pink Floyd is a valuable and sought-after collector's item. The white vinyl LP added a unique aesthetic to the iconic album, and its rarity has made it a valuable addition to any Pink Floyd collection.

DSOTM White Vinyl LP Release Details

PINK FLOYD - Dark Side Of The Moon Italy 12" LP

Thumbnail of PINK FLOYD - Dark Side Of The Moon Italy album front cover

Harvest 3c 064-05249 , 1973 , Made in Italy

The Italian LP release of Pink Floyd's "Dark Side of the Moon" in 1973 featured a unique cover art, label design. The value of the Italian LP release varies depending on its condition and rarity. Mint condition copies can sell for several hundred dollars

DSOTM Italian Release Details

Pink Floyd - Dark Side of the Moon Japan 12" LP

Thumbnail of Pink Floyd Dark Side of the Moon Japan album front cover

Toshiba-EMI EMS-80324 , 1973 , Japan

The Japanese release of Pink Floyd's "Dark Side of the Moon" on the Toshiba LP is a unique and significant release in the history of the album. It featured a different cover, gatefold sleeve, lyrics and liner notes in both Japanese and English, a unique poster, and superior sound quality.

DSOTM Japanese Release Details

PINK FLOYD - Dark Side of the Moon MFSL Japan 12" LP

Thumbnail of PINK FLOYD - Dark Side of the Moon MFSL Japan
album front cover

MFSL 1-1017 , 1973 , Made in Japan

DSOTM Japanese MFSL Release Details

PINK FLOYD - Dark Side Of The Moon Swiss Limited Edition 12" LP

Thumbnail of PINK FLOYD - Dark Side Of The Moon Swiss Limited Edition album front cover

EMI F 667 332 , 1973 , Switzerland

The Swiss limited edition LP release of Pink Floyd's "Dark Side of the Moon" is a unique version of the classic album, featuring a bonus track and special features. Its innovative production and timeless themes have made it a cultural phenomenon and classic work of art.

DSOTM Swiss Limited Edition Release Details

PINK FLOYD - Dark Side Of The Moon USA 12" LP

Thumbnail of PINK FLOYD - Dark Side Of The Moon USA album front cover

Harvest SMAS-11163 The Gramophone Company Ltd , 1973 , USA

Pink Floyd's 1973 USA release of "Dark Side of the Moon" is an iconic album that has left an indelible mark on the history of music. The album has been recognized as one of the greatest albums of all time, selling over 15 million copies in the United States alone.

DSOTM USA Release Details

PINK FLOYD - Dark Side of the Moon MFSL GOLD Ultradisc II

UDCD 517 , - , USA

This is the enhanced USA version of DSOTM, produced with the Ultradisc II process (not the Japanese Ultradisc). The MFSL GOLD Ultradisc II edition of Pink Floyd's "Dark Side of the Moon" is a highly sought-after version among audiophiles and music enthusiasts. Its gold disc and Ultradisc II pressing process result in a clean and accurate sound reproduction.

DSOTM MFSL Gold Ultradisc Release Details