We do lathe-cut vinyl records, one by one, in real time. Read more about it here
Our blanks are made from high-grade PVC, which, if cared for, will last just as long as an ordinary vinyl record. Thickness can be 1.5 mm or 2.0 mm, which corresponds, in 12” size, to 150 and 180 gms respectively.
Slimmer records are lighter and less prone to break, while the heavier ones are more resistant to bending and warping. The quality (depth) of the cut is the same for both sizes.
The following are the maximum recording times (per side). As a basic rule, less time means that we can cut louder, and 45 RPM has better definition in the higher frequencies compared to 33RPM
12″: 33rpm: 20 Minutes 45rpm: 13 Minutes
10″: 33rpm: 12 Minutes 45rpm: 8 Minutes
7″: 45rpm: 5 Minutes (recording at 33rpm is not recommended on 7” records). For a LOUD cut, don’t exceed 3 minutes 30 seconds.
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In a word, yes. We need to adjust your audio to our cutter head’s profile, so we can be certain that it is at its best before cutting. That may implicate doing certain processes to ensure the best possible translation between your music and what is recorded to disc.
However, by following the guidelines stated below, you can make sure any changes we need to make are kept to a minimum.
If your music has already been mastered specifically for vinyl, just let us know, and we will keep this in mind when preparing the cut.
Vinyl records have certain characteristics that need to be kept in mind while preparing the audio for a cut. If you are unsure about how to go about this, don’t worry- just send us your audio files without any modifications, and we’ll do our best to work from there.
Here are a few basic rules to follow when mastering for vinyl:
– Make sure you have a healthy amount of headroom, without any peaking above -3dB.
– Avoid stereo effects on the bass frequencies, and make sure that the higher energy sounds in lower end of the spectrum (kicks, bass) are centered in the stereo field.
– Bass frequencies below 35-40 Hz may resonate with the tonearm of the turntable during playback, so also avoid a lot of energy in that area.
– Harsh mid/trebles don’t translate well into vinyl. Pay extra attention to those frequencies.
– Avoid excessive compression and loudness maximization- unless it’s part of the aesthetic. It won’t necessarily translate to a louder cut;
If your record has more than one track per side, we will have to assemble all tracks that go on each side together, to be cut in one go. You can speed up the mastering process by sending a single file per record-side, with all the audio already lined up.
If you send the files individually, Please write a clear track list for each side including the record side (A or B), track order and amount of silence between tracks. Remember that the total time must include the gaps between tracks.
You can send us your audio as digital files, using a file transfer service.
We prefer using .WAV or .AIFF formats, in order to retain as much quality as possible, but most formats will do, including MP3.
All sample rates are supported up to 384KHz, 24 bit resolution preferred.
1-bit DSD is also accepted.
No. A Master Cut is simply our first cut of the audio material onto vinyl.
To get the sound right, we need to perform a series of test cuts at different settings. When we find that sweet spot, we do our first cut – the Master Cut. We then store the digital file, taking note of the cutting machine’s settings, and use that for the additional cuts.
So, in spite of each record being unique, there’s no difference in audio quality between a master cut and an additional cut.
A Test Cut is the same as a Master Cut, but made in advance of a small run of vinyls.
When ordering a small run of records, it can make sense to order a single record first, to make sure everything is to your satisfaction. By doing this, there is still time and opportunity to make adjustments before committing to the whole order.
A Test Cut will be sent to you and, if approved, will count as the Master Cut. We can then proceed with the additional cuts from the digital master.
If the Test Cut is not approved, we will do a new one according to your feedback.
If the problem is of physical nature (skips, cuts, warping), or due to our mastering process, we will perform one additional Test Cut at no extra cost. In this case, we will refine the cut, based on your feedback, using the same files we were sent.
However, if the issue cannot be resolved with the original files, and different material is to be used for the cut, a new Test Cut will have to be purchased.
There is no minimum amount of records, but we do have limits to how many records we can make per order. These are, roughly:
7″ – 50 records
10″ – 35 records
12″ – 20 records
This is, on one hand, to assure some consistency throughout the series, and, on the other hand, to minimize operators’ fatigue. Remember, it’s all done, and monitored, in real-time.
We can do as many runs as necessary, but we have to stop at these points to relax, and deal with maintenance work, as well as other orders.
We keep the digital master files for approximately one year, allowing you to order additional cuts without requiring a new Master Cut.
However, this is not a contractual agreement. In the event of data loss or significant changes to the cutting process that make the master files obsolete, a new Master Cut may be necessary.
Single custom sleeves are printed on matte laminated cardboard. This makes them especially strong and resistant to wear, while being able to hold vibrant colors.
For Small Runs we can provide heavy cardboard jackets, produced by a 3rd party. Prices will vary with quantity. Please ask us for an updated quote.
You can send us your image files as compressed .zip files. If you can work with .psd templates, we’ll send you a template file so you can insert your own art. In most cases, all you need to do is send us the files as .pdf / .psd, or simply a jpeg or tiff, and we’ll work out the layout for you.
It’s important that you name all files clearly (front, back, label side a, label side b, etc), and that the resolution is high enough to be scaled to the actual size without pixellation.
We accept Bank Transfer or PayPal. The details will be on the quote.
One-Off records, as well as printed materials, must be paid in advance.
For Small Runs: Master Cuts must be paid in advance. For the Additional Cuts, a deposit of at least 50% of the total amount is required on order, with the remainder to be paid before shipping.
Our standard delivery time is 3 weeks, although we try to complete each order as soon as possible.
If you have a strict deadline for your project, we provide a priority service, for a fee:
2-3 days – 70% over total
4-7 days – 50% over total
7-14 days – 30% over total
Please note that Priority Service is subject to availablity. Printed materials may not be eligible for Prority Service
Because of the individual nature of custom-made records, we do not accept returns. All sales are final.
If the records are physically damaged on arrival, or present audio errors such as skips, dropouts or excessive distortion, we will replace them. We may ask that you send us the faulty record in order to understand the cause of the damage.
Copyright laws and regulations differ from country to country. Please make sure that no part of your music is in breach of any kind of copyright law.
If in doubt, contact us.
Please note that we reserve the right to refuse any job that we feel uncomfortable with.