Vinyl Lacquer Mastering
Vinyl Lacquer Mastering is the final step in the creative mastering process and the first step in the vinyl record manufacturing process. Every record has to be transferred to disc using a mastering lathe. When cutting from a digital source, we always cut from the native sample rate and bit depth supplied to us. We offer cuts ranging in size from 7”, 10” and 12” at 33 RPM and 45 RPM. This “master” copy is then used for manufacturing further copies of the release. The lacquer undergoes an electro-forming process (typically referred to as ‘plating’) where stampers are created to press the vinyl release at the pressing plant of your choice. We have the ability to ship master lacquer cuts to any vinyl pressing plant/plating facility in North America. If you have a specific engineer in mind for your project, please mention their name when placing your order. Please contact us for shipping outside of the United States of America.
Our rates for Vinyl Master Lacquer Cutting from a WAV/PCM digital source are as follows:
7″ (any RPM) – $125.00/side
10″ and 12″ (any RPM) – $250.00/side
Our rates for Vinyl Master Lacquer Cutting from 1/4″ Analog Tape/Direct Stream Digital (DSD) are as follows:
7″ (any RPM) – $200.00/side + $50/hr. Studio Time
10″ and 12″ (any RPM) – $350.00/side + $50/hr. Studio Time
*All rates USD.
Shipping charges will vary depending on what pressing plant/plating facility is used. This cost will be calculated at the time of shipment. Please call or email us for rates specific to your needs by emailing Clint Holley or calling (276) 494-0141.
Vinyl Reference Digital Test Cuts
Digital test cuts are one-minute snippets of each track cut to a lacquer disc, which are then captured via turntable playback to a high-resolution digital .WAV file that you receive as an email (Default file is 24-bit/44.1k, although higher sample rates are available upon request). This is as close to a pre-test pressing “preview” as you can get in place of reference lacquers. This option also allows the artist or label the opportunity to make any changes if desired before proceeding to the Lacquer Master cut, potentially saving you both time and money. Test cuts are limited up to 10 minutes per two-sided disc. Rate: $60.00
Vinyl Reference Lacquers -$125/side + shipping
Reference lacquers are physical discs that are sent to you for playback on a turntable at home. The entire program length (including track band spacing) is cut to a 12″ lacquer disc that you can play. This is the best option to gauge how your program material will translate to the format (including volume level to disc, etc). This allows the artist or label the opportunity to make any changes if desired before proceeding to the Lacquer Master cut, potentially saving you both time and money.
Digital Master Consultation for the Vinyl LP Format
Do you have questions or concerns in regard to your masters and their readiness for the vinyl format? We would love to help! Our initial consultation and recommendations are 100% free. Please contact us for more information about our Digital Master Consultation services.