The 2009 remaster was overseen by original producer Colin Thurston and renowned mastering engineer Simon Heyworth. Unlike earlier CD transfers (notably the harsh 1983 and 1990s issues), the 2009 remaster uses the original analogue tapes. The result is breathtaking:
Duran Duran’s Rio is one of the defining pop/rock albums of the 1980s. The 2009 RM (remaster) 2xCD limited-edition release revisits that era with improved sound, extra content, and collectible packaging that appeals to longtime fans and newcomers alike. This post breaks down what the release is, what’s new or different, why it matters, and whether it’s worth seeking out.
In the pantheon of New Romantic and Second British Invasion albums, few shine as brightly—or as timelessly—as Duran Duran’s 1982 masterpiece, Rio. For decades, the album has been the benchmark for sophisticated synth-pop, marrying Chic-inspired basslines, noirish saxophone, and Martin Ansell’s iconic, Patrick Nagel-illustrated art direction. Download Duran Duran 1982 Rio -2009 RM- 2xCD- Limited Edtion
But for the discerning collector and the dedicated audiophile, there is one version that stands head and shoulders above the rest: the 2009 Remastered 2xCD Limited Edition.
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In the popular imagination, Duran Duran’s Rio is the album that plays in the background of a yacht sailing through the Caribbean, soundtracked by the lush, synth-laden title track and the frantic, club-ready groove of "Hungry Like the Wolf." It is the quintessential 1982 pop artifact.
But for audiophiles and collectors, the "real" Rio has always been something of a phantom. For decades, fans chased the specific mixes heard on the original US vinyl or the elusive "Kershenbaum" dance edits. That chase ended in 2009, when EMI released the Limited Edition 2xCD set, a super-package that didn't just remaster the album—it restored it to its intended glory, utilizing the warmth of SBM (Super Bit Mapping) technology. The 2009 remaster was overseen by original producer
As the demand for high-fidelity physical media surges, the 2009 Rio reissue stands as a masterclass in how to honor a pop masterpiece.
While convenient, Apple’s AAC files are lossy (256 kbps). For an archive of a “Limited Edition,” you want lossless (ALAC or FLAC). Use iTunes only if you cannot access Qobuz or 7digital. The 2009 RM (remaster) 2xCD limited-edition release revisits
One of the most specific and praised technical aspects of this 2009 release is the mastering process. For the uninitiated, the designation RM (often associated with Super Bit Mapping or SBM in this context) refers to a mastering technique that optimizes the 20-bit digital signal for the standard 16-bit CD format.
Why does this matter? The "Loudness Wars" of the 2000s ruined many classic reissues, crushing the dynamic range to make the music sound louder, but flatter and lifeless. The 2009 Rio edition, however, utilizes this high-resolution mapping to retain dynamic breath. You can hear the snap of Roger Taylor’s drums and the textured buzz of John Taylor’s bass lines without the distortion that plagues modern digital streams. It is a transfer that feels analog—warm, spacious, and vibrant.