Vinyl Mastering · Proper SoundSource Review · Cutting · Test Press

Vinyl mastering.

Vinyl mastering · by Shawn Moon

We review musical balance, side length, low-end phase, highs and sibilance, and prepare the audio for cutting.

Every genre, on vinyl

Across genres.

Jazz and classical, rock, hip-hop, indie, ballads, K-pop and soundtracks. We have mastered more than 200 albums for vinyl.

200+

Albums mastered for vinyl

3 days

Usual turnaround (up to 5)

Revisions included

01Source review

Preparing for the cut.

We identify factors that affect the cut during source review and recommend any adjustments needed.

Side length and level

For 12-inch records at 33⅓ rpm, we recommend keeping each side within 22 minutes and assess the suitable length for your audio. Longer sides may need adjustments to cutting level or low end.

We plan the running order and sides together to keep level loss down.

Low end and phase

Large phase differences in the low end increase vertical groove movement and can make cutting and reliable playback more difficult.

We tidy low-end phase and stereo width so the record cuts cleanly.

Highs and sibilance

Excessive highs and sibilance can cause more noticeable distortion during cutting and playback.

We shape sibilance and high-frequency peaks without losing the character of the music.

Inner grooves

Linear speed decreases towards the centre of the record, where high-frequency distortion can become more noticeable. We consider the character and position of each track.

We look at the density of each song and suggest the best running order.

Loudness

Heavy limiting can restrict cutting levels and make distortion harder to control.

Where possible we work from pre-limiting files and shape the sound specifically for vinyl.

Principle

Only necessary adjustments.

If the review finds nothing that needs changing, we cut it as it is. Even when no mastering is involved, the source review is always part of the job.

Balance × Vinyl

Musical balance.

We consider musical balance and cutting requirements together, preserving the character and dynamics of your music as we prepare the master.

02How we work

From review
to test pressing.

The engineer who reviews your audio also masters it and assesses the cut and test pressing.

01Source reviewWe check running time, phase, low and high balance, distortion and clipping, and share the findings first.
02Side layoutWe set side lengths and running order to balance level and sound quality.
03Vinyl masteringYour audio is prepared for cutting and pressing. Usually 3 days, up to 5.
04Review and revisionsWe send reference files. Two rounds of revisions are included.
05CuttingLacquers are cut at MPO or at our partner cutting studio (SST).
06Test pressing approvalYou listen to an actual pressing and approve it.

03Terms

Quotes & terms.

Mastering is quoted per album on request. It costs less when the record is also pressed through us. We also take projects pressed at other plants, and can deliver cut lacquers to your plant through our partner studio.

Revisions2 included · corrections of our own errors are always freeTurnaroundUsually 3 days, up to 5Configurations1LP to 3LP

04Preparing files

Format: WAV
Resolution: 24-bit / 48 kHz or higher recommended. Send files at their original working resolution. CD quality (16-bit / 44.1 kHz) is also accepted.
State: Pre-limiting files if possible. If a digital master exists, please send it too for reference.
Content: One file per track with a tracklist. Add your preferred side layout if you have one.
Delivery: Download link by email

You receive

Audio: Vinyl masters for cutting, per side
Reference: Listening files and review notes
Cutting: When pressed through us, linked straight to cutting at MPO; lacquer option via our partner studio
Approval: Final approval after listening to the test pressing

05Selected credits