Frequently Asked Questions

Vinyl Record Manufacturing

1. What is the recommended maximum playing time for each record side?

To achieve maximum level on your record, we recommend the following per side lengths: 12” up to 12:00, 10” up to 9:00, and for 7” up to 4:00.

2. 33 1/3 rpm or 45 rpm, which?

45 rpm is the speed of choice if your program is less than 9:00. Since the disc is rotating at a faster speed when cutting at 45 rpm vs. 33 1/3 rpm, the mechanical waveforms imbedded within the record groove are further apart. As such, when a playback stylus is tracking the disc it can extract more detail and information from the record groove and provide more definition in the reproduced sound with less distortion. On the down side, the play time for the side is reduced by 26% due to the faster rotational speed.

3. What master formats do you accept?

We accept the following master formats: Audio CD, DAT, WAV, AIFF, Sound Designer II, etc.

Analog Reels, ½” or ¼”, 15 ips or 30 ips - $50.00

If analog sources are utilized in conjunction with hourly studio bookings, no additional fee shall apply.

FTP site uploading charge - $75.00/hour

4. How should I prepare my source masters?

Please supply tracks in proper sequence to avoid a sequencing charge, i.e., if you have 3 tracks on the A-side and 2 tracks on the B-side, provide your source with cuts 1-3 appearing first and cuts 4 and 5 next. Or you can provide 2 sources, one source with 3 cuts for the
A-side and one source with 2 cuts for the B-side. Please provide 2-3 seconds of space between tracks.

Levels and EQ from track to track should be uniform. It is recommended that you do not over compress your music as this causes it to sound “squashed”. Do not use a finalizer or similar device that tends to overemphasize certain frequencies that can cause problems in the transfer to vinyl. If your music contains vocals, we suggest you process it through a Deesser.

5. Should I “master” my tracks before submitting them in to be cut?

It is not necessary to “master” before submitting your tracks. Vinyl records store music mechanically unlike the digitized storage medium of CDs. As such, cutting a loud dynamic record presents many challenges not typical to the conventional recording and mixing process. Trutone’s mastering engineers enjoy decades of experience specific to the analog format. This expertise facilitated by their use of our classic, vintage analog tube compressors, limiters and equalizers, afford our engineers the ability to provide all final EQ and level adjustments as your music is being transferred to the analog master. The result? A rich warm sound that transcends the digital phenomena, indicative of why vinyl remains the medium of choice for promoting and marketing music.

6. What is a reference acetate and why do I need it if I’m getting test pressings anyway?

Reference acetate, dub and dub plates are all terms to describe a record proof. These are aluminum based discs coated with a special lacquer. The reference acetate is very similar to the master lacquer that is used to manufacture your records and is cut on the same lathe. It should be noted that the acetate coating is very soft and is subject to wear far more quickly than a vinyl pressing. As such, sonic evaluations of the reference disc should be made within the first few plays. Unlike digital based storage mediums, an analog record is a mechanical storage medium with very different and unique characteristics. It is important to listen to how your digital source transferred to the analog disc format BEFORE commencing with the record manufacturing process. At this juncture EQ and/or sequence changes can be accomplished at a reasonable cost. If the reference were eliminated and a test pressing used to evaluate the sound, changes would require expensive, time consuming additional steps, including re-cutting of master lacquers, re-electroplating, as well as manufacturing new test pressings.

7. Should I replace my cartridge before playing my reference acetate?

An acetate should NOT be played with a brand new stylus. A minimum of 10 hours of playing time on vinyl records is suggested before playing the acetate. It can be played approximately 5 times before it begins to deteriorate sonically.

8. How long will it take to manufacture my records?

Upon receipt of your masters it takes 2-3 business days to obtain a reference acetate (if ordered). Once the acetate is approved, allow 5-7 business days for test pressings. Once test pressings are approved, allow 10-12 business days to manufacture the commercial pressings. Turn times may vary depending on the workload at the time of order placement. Sorry, we cannot accept additional fees for RUSH orders. We will make every attempt to rush your order, but no guarantees for specific dates can be made.

9. How many test pressings are included in the package?

Two test pressings are included with the standard pressing package. Additional copies are available. See price list.

10. What vinyl weight is offered in your standard vinyl package?

120-130 gram vinyl is included with the standard package. 140, 150 and 180 gram are also available at an additional cost.

11. What colors work best on record labels?

The pressing cycle, subjects record labels to 200 tons of pressure and heat. This process causes some colors to change; the lighter the color, the more likely it will be affected. If the possibility of slight color variation is an issue, we recommend staying away from white, pastels, light yellows, light pinks, light blues, or any other PMS color that has a lot of white or yellow in the blend.

12. How many records are packed to a carton?

Records in standard jackets are packed 50 to a carton measuring 13" x 13" x 7", each carton weighing approximately 25 pounds.

13. Can you drop ship records to my distributor and/or record pools?

Yes, we do offer drop shipments to multiple locations, however, there is an additional charge for each location over two.

14. What is meant by the terms “over-run” and “under-run”?

In manufacturing, it is very difficult to produce an exact number-perfect run. All manufacturing is considered complete if the final shipment is plus or minus 10% of the amount ordered for quantities under 10,000 and plus or minus 5% for quantities 10,000 and above. Clients are billed for the over-run or credited for the under-run.

15. How should my records be stored?

Keep records stored in a cool area, away from direct heat or sunlight. It is very important to store cartons on their side to ensure records are not lying on top of one another. Storing cartons flat may cause the records to warp.

16. Payment terms and shipping information.

A 75% deposit is required upon order placement. Balance plus overage and freight charges are due PRIOR to shipment. Final payment must be made by: credit card, cash, money order, or certified check. Sorry, but we cannot accommodate COD deliveries or in-person pick-ups at our pressing plant.