All about vinyl mastering and the enhancement process in our studio. Learn which files need to be delivered for the pressing. First some details about the history. The vinyl format was first introduced by Columbia Records in 1948. Vinyl was soon the standard recording format at the time! Now it is celebrating its big comeback!
During the optimization process we will apply certain cuts on the low frequency & high frequency range as well as keep a natural dynamic range. Our engineer will make sure that all is in phase so no phasing errors can occur.
Furthermore he is going to set the optimum loudness & volume level for the final lacquer cut in the pressing plant. This is crucial for the cutting stylus staying in the grooves. Otherwise it will jump and create errors while cutting.
During the session our audio engineer will be enhancing your songs according to special guidelines for vinyl cutting & the direct metal process (if the lp is cut direct metal in the pressing plant).
This way your music will be able to be pressed on the vinyl format giving the cutting engineer the best quality possible.
We also can master for multiple formats for the same release such as mastered for iTunes and more or restore and remaster older projects.
These rules are important when you are using online mixing services for vinyl!
In order for the playback stylus to stay in the groove of the cutting lathe please be aware of our guidelines. We alway recommend test pressings of the vinyl master. Please contact your cutting engineer before the record pressing.
Vinyl requires to be careful with harsh cymbal crashes and hi hats. De-ess the vocals as sharp sibilance’s like “s” can cause huge problems.
Make sure the bass is mono and in phase. Your music should be mono compatible and not have any distortion.
Please don’t use any stereo imaging effects on your master output, this also has a negative effect on vinyl masters. No heavy Cymbal crashes.
It is a good idea to leave one minute free space on each side to enhance the quality. The bass heavier your music is the less will fit on vinyl.
45 rpm
12″= 11-14 Minutes
12″Single= 6-10 Minutes
10″= 7-9 Minutes
7″= 3-5 Minutes
33 rpm
12″= 17-22 Minutes
10″= 12-14 Minutes
7″= 5-7 Minutes