How to Prepare Files for Vinyl Production

Please read the following instructions carefully. Before sending audio material, make sure it meets all our technical requirements. The audio we receive goes into the production queue and is checked by our technical department only when its turn comes, so you might be notified about any incompatibility with the required criteria only several days after placing an order.

Maximum Length

12 inches:
33⅓ rpm – recommended/optimal 19:30 min per side (max. length: 23:00 min per side)*
45 rpm – recommended/optimal 12:00 min per side (max length: 14:30 min per side)*

10 inches:
33⅓ rpm – recommended/optimal 13:30 min per side
45 rpm – recommended/optimal 10:00 min per side

7 inches:
33⅓ rpm – 6:40 min per side*
45 rpm – 5:00 min per side*

* if the optimal time is exceeded, we reserve the right to refuse any complaints regarding the sound quality

Maximum Level of Digital Source Signal

The maximum level of the digital source signal should not exceed 0.0 dB True Peak. The True Peak Level is not Peak Level.

Approved Frequency Bandwidth

Both ends of audible bandwidth (below 30 Hz and above 18 KHz) should be kept on a level not exceeding the rest of the audible spectrum. One should also realize the bandwidth of high frequencies is limited toward the end of a disc side. Especially on 7’’ discs played at 33 1/3 rpm. This phenomenon is inevitable and can not be solved by pre-emphasis / de-emphasis means.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Demanding sound tracks should be placed at the beginning of the side, not at its end. Playback conditions worsen when closer to the center of a record. In other words, important works should be positioned closer to the outer edge of the disc. The worst format for playback quality is 7″, recorded at a speed of 33 1/3 rpm. The playback is worsened as the linear speed of the record decreases as the needle stylus approaches the center. This affects the sound by worsening high frequencies. The quality will also depend then on the technical capabilities of playback devices.

Sibilants

Too high level of sibilants (like: sss, shhh, zzzz, etc.) and the upper band contents (like hi-hats) are not suitable for vinyl and could cause cross-modulation effects, which sounds like distortion and unstable stereo imaging. It is strongly recommended to mitigate these sounds by using de-essers and other means during the pre-mastering process.

Phase & Correlation

The overall correlation of stereo should not exceed 90% (0% equals mono, 180% means anti-phase). The correlation of bandwidth below 200 Hz should be even narrower, and below 100 Hz should be 0% (mono). It is highly probable that additional click, crackles and distortion will occur if these specs are overridden.

Dynamics & Non-Linear Distortion

It is strongly recommended not to overuse maximizers during the pre-mastering process. The loudness level of -10 dB LUSF seems to be enough for a really loud undistorted vinyl sound.

The process of cutting and vinyl reproduction is analog by nature. It brings its own non-linear distortion to reproduced sound. Therefore, all non-linear effects could add new, sometimes unpredictable flavors on vinyl, which should be taken into account.

Approved File Formats for Vinyl (and Track List for Lacquer Cutting)

We approve two types of files: .wav and .aiff. Sampling frequencies and bit depths: 44.1 KHz / 16/24 bits; 48 KHz / 16/24 bits; 88 KHz / 24 bits; 96 KHz / 24 bits. The preferred file format for vinyl is 24-bit single WAV files for each side (2 files for single double-sided vinyl disc). Files at 192 KHz / 24 bits will require special approval.

If you submit separate files, they should be named in such a way that the computer browser could line them up alphabetically in the right sequence. For instance: A_01 A_02 B_01 B_02 C_01 C_02 D_01 D_02. Thus, when you put your files into one folder, anyone would know what the right order is and which songs belongs to side A, B, C or D of your album. The names should not contain diacritic characters.

The files should be submitted with a filled-out Vinyl Master Specifications for Lacquer Cutting track list document (available here). Such track list determines the positioning of VMTs – the Visual Marker Track/Time – the “visual” breaks between tracks on the record (in the form of a widened groove). As is standard, VMTs are placed on every vinyl LP. If the customer does not want to place VMTs, it should be noted on the order form.

NOTE: Pauses between tracks should be included in the sent files (they should be built into the material). VMTs do not cause any breaks in the audio signal. Uninterrupted music will play over them.

Any interference into the material (including adding pauses, equalizing pauses) must be agreed to with Pressing Business. If the order form does not include any information about the above, the ordered material will be pressed according to the original files submitted by the client.

ATTENTION! Please thoroughly check and label masters before sending them – the number of tracks, their sequence, titles and times must be the same in all components – master, label, printing parts. Folders and files transmitted via the Internet must be clearly marked, indicating the information regarding the component they are including. The information about the sent materials via courier or transmitting them by the Internet must be provided to sales. Any claims relating to the final product, caused by errors and defects of source materials will not be considered.

You may ask for a personalized matrix name on the disc. The number of characters on a matrix cannot exceed 60. Such alteration will incur an extra charge of $15.

Contact service to find out where the zip containing audio files with the track list should be sent to.

Final Notes

In some cases, vinyl changes the way your digital pre-master sounds because of its physical nature. Sometimes it is a change for good, sometimes it is a change for strange. In the digital realm, we can produce sounds vinyl cannot reproduce. If this happens, you have two ways to look at it: love it or produce your master with the above specs in mind.

Our vinyl production has a tolerance of -/+ 5%, i.e., you may receive slightly more or slightly fewer discs (but no more than 5% of the overall quantity).