Vinyl pressings
by Don Davis · 2021
The Matrix was first pressed on vinyl in 2021. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
2 pressings came out in 2021, the album's first year. Compare the label and catalog number on your copy, then the codes etched or stamped in the runout groove (the dead wax around the label): they are the surest sign of an early pressing.
VSD-00301 A #6 36827.1(3)... ⋊·MSSide A, etched, variant 1
VSD-00301 B #6 36827.2(3)... ⋊·MSSide B, etched, variant 1
VSD-00301 C #5 36827.3 ⋊·MSSide C, etched, variant 1
VSD-00301 D #6 36827.4(3)... ⋊·MSSide D, etched, variant 1
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | US | Varèse Sarabande 302 066 026 3LP, Album, Limited Edition, Reissue, Remastered · Limited, Colored vinyl | LP, Album, Limited Edition, Reissue, Remastered · Limited, Colored vinyl |
| 2016 | US | Varèse Sarabande 302 066 026 3LP, Album, Limited Edition, Reissue, Remastered · Limited, Colored vinyl | LP, Album, Limited Edition, Reissue, Remastered · Limited, Colored vinyl |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | US | Varèse Sarabande VSD00199LP, Album, Picture Disc, Reissue · Picture disc | LP, Album, Picture Disc, Reissue · Picture disc |
| 2021 | USA & Europe | Varèse Sarabande VSD00470 / Varèse Sarabande VSD00301First yearLP, Limited Edition · Limited | LP, Limited Edition · Limited |
| 2021 | USA & Europe | Varèse Sarabande VSD00301First yearLP, Record Store Day, Deluxe Edition · Colored vinyl | LP, Record Store Day, Deluxe Edition · Colored vinyl |
| 2021 | Europe | Varèse Sarabande 00888072239036LP, Album, Limited Edition, Reissue, Remastered · Limited, Colored vinyl | LP, Album, Limited Edition, Reissue, Remastered · Limited, Colored vinyl |
| 2024 | Europe | Varèse Sarabande VSD00887 / Varèse Sarabande 00888072630185LP, Album, Stereo · Colored vinyl | LP, Album, Stereo · Colored vinyl |
| 2024 | US | Varèse Sarabande VSD00887LP, Album, Limited Edition, Reissue, Stereo · Limited, Colored vinyl | LP, Album, Limited Edition, Reissue, Stereo · Limited, Colored vinyl |
| 2024 | US | Varèse Sarabande VSD00887LP, Album, Limited Edition, Stereo · Limited, Colored vinyl | LP, Album, Limited Edition, Stereo · Limited, Colored vinyl |
| 2026 | Europe | Varèse Sarabande VSD01034 / Varèse Sarabande 00888072770683LP, Album, Stereo · Colored vinyl | LP, Album, Stereo · Colored vinyl |
10 vinyl pressings of The Matrix are listed here, from 3 countries, released between 2016 and 2026.
The earliest pressings are from 2021, in USA & Europe. One of them is Varèse Sarabande VSD00301, released July 17, 2021.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use VSD00301, VSD00470) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, VSD-00301 A #6 36827.1(3)... ⋊·MS and VSD-00301 B #6 36827.2(3)... ⋊·MS. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
It depends on which pressing you have and on the condition of the record and its sleeve. Early pressings from the album's home country in near mint condition are usually worth the most; common later reissues are worth far less. Scan your copy with VinylLens to see its value for every grade.
