short-run custom vinyl guide

overview

We do NOT press records. All cuts are direct‑to‑disc (hand‑lathe) using the Sillitoe SDMS Master Disk Recording System. We cut one‑offs, dubplates, and short runs. Every order requires a pre‑cut consultation to confirm scope, inventory, and turnaround.

audio — required prep

  • Must be mastered for vinyl. We strongly recommend a mastering engineer experienced with vinyl.
    • Preferred file: 24‑bit / 96 kHz WAV or AIFF. Acceptable down to 16‑bit / 44.1 kHz. DO NOT upsample. No MP3s or lossy files.
      • One continuous stereo file per side with 2 seconds silence between tracks.
        • Provide a plain‑text tracklist with runtimes, e.g.: A1 — Title — 4:05 A2 — Title — 2:35 | B1 — Title — 3:40 B2 — Title — 4:12
          • File naming: SIDE_A_projectname.wav, SIDE_B_projectname.wav.
            • Leave ≥ −6 dB headroom. Do not clip or submit square waves. Avoid excessive limiting.

              mastering & technical tips

              • Centre low frequencies (mono below ~150 Hz).
                • Check and fix phase issues (especially LF).
                  • Address sibilance; avoid excessive energy above ~10 kHz.
                    • Preserve dynamics (crest factor) — avoid a hard ceiling at 0 dBFS.
                      • Longer sides reduce achievable loudness and high‑end toward the center; sequence accordingly.

                        side length / RPM guide

                        • 7" — 33 rpm: ~8min; 45 rpm: ~5 min (33 rpm generally discouraged).
                          • 10" — 33 rpm: ~15 min; 45 rpm: ~8 min.
                            • 12" — 33 rpm: ~20 min; 45 rpm: ~10 min (>18mins generally discouraged).
                              • If >14 min/side, place quieter/low‑treble tracks towards the inner grooves.

                                test cuts, QA & playability

                                • We check source files before cutting and will contact you if issues are found.
                                  • We will not cut audio that could damage the cutter — we’ll request revised mixes if necessary.
                                    • Lathe cuts are hand‑cut; manual tonearm placement and proper tracking weight are recommended. Auto‑players, jukeboxes, and non‑weighted arms may not track reliably.
                                      • Expect small handmade variations; occasional surface noise/clicks can occur.
                                        • Strongly recommended: order a test cut (one‑off) and approve in writing. Once approved, changes require new cuts.

                                          technical & creative options

                                          • Disc sizes: 12", 10", 7".
                                            • Speeds: 16, 22, 33⅓, 45 RPM (specify on order or we’ll select best fit).
                                              • Playback features: inside‑out grooves, concentric grooves, locked grooves (extra fee per feature).
                                                • Disc finishes: multiple colours/transparencies in stock; special colours by order.
                                                  • Mechanical/custom: offset centre holes, custom CNC shape‑cutting, direct‑to‑disc CNC engraving.
                                                    • Signal path: hybrid digital/analog workflow; lacquer‑style chain for best fidelity where applicable.

                                                      packaging & print‑ready artwork

                                                      • Preferred file: PDF. Acceptable: high‑res TIFF, EPS, AI for vectors.
                                                        • Colour: CMYK (convert RGB).
                                                          • Resolution: 300 dpi at final print size for raster images. Vectors for text/logos recommended.
                                                            • Fonts: embed or outline.
                                                              • Images: embed (do not link) and avoid upscaling.
                                                                • Bleed:
                                                                  • Min. 3 mm (0.125 in); prefer 5 mm for heavy bleed.
                                                                    • Safe zone: keep key text ≥ 6 mm (0.25 in) inside trim.
                                                                      • Mark trim boundary on a non-printing layer.
                                                                      • Centre labels:
                                                                        • Circular vector file (AI/EPS/PDF) at final diameter.
                                                                          • Mark center hole and outer diameter trim on a non‑printing layer; allow ±1–2 mm registration tolerance; keep critical text out of hole area.
                                                                            • Outer diameter: 10”, 12”: 100mm/4” | 7”: 90mm/3.5”
                                                                            • Stickers/inserts/posters: final size + 2–3 mm bleed; 300 dpi (confirm large‑format dpi with printer).
                                                                              • Templates available on request.

                                                                                packaging options & finishes (examples)

                                                                                • Sleeves & jackets: chipboard jackets (various coatings), outer sleeves (PE/PP/PVC clear), inner sleeves (paper or poly-lined in many colours).
                                                                                  • Labels: many adhesive papers and vinyls available.
                                                                                    • Special finishing: die‑cut, laser‑etch, plotter drawing, screen‑print/riso brokering, stamp-making

                                                                                      runs, scheduling & turnaround

                                                                                      • Typical short runs: 1 (one‑off) to 2–20 copies. Larger editions available by arrangement.
                                                                                        • Queue: typically ~1 month (first‑come, first‑serve). Turnaround begins only after we receive final audio, artwork, approvals, and deposit/payment.
                                                                                          • Time estimates on invoice; delays can occur due to supply, inventory, or maintenance. Rush/express options available for an extra fee (example: 3 business‑day small runs available subject to stock +50%).
                                                                                            • Format & side length affect turnaround — long 12" sides take longer.

                                                                                              ordering process & consultation

                                                                                              • Submit: project summary, final audio files, artwork, desired disc size/RPM, test cut request, shipping & billing addresses.
                                                                                                • We’ll check files, confirm issues, send a job order/quote, and schedule the cut after deposit.
                                                                                                  • All orders require direct consultation to confirm scope, sequencing and lead times.

                                                                                                    payment, cancellation & staged options

                                                                                                    • One promo photo of finished product from dub.4mt included.
                                                                                                      • 50% deposit required to begin; balance due on delivery.
                                                                                                        • Cancellation:
                                                                                                          • Full refund >14 days before production;
                                                                                                            • 50% refund 7–14 days;
                                                                                                              • non‑refundable <7 days.
                                                                                                                • If you cancel after job order approval and payment, 25% cancellation fee applies (i.e., 75% refund in that scenario).
                                                                                                                • Staged / cut‑on‑demand options available to reduce upfront costs:
                                                                                                                  • pay for mastering/setup/test cuts and initial copy;
                                                                                                                    • repeat runs may skip initial setup fees later (minimums apply).

                                                                                                                    shipping, returns & faults

                                                                                                                    • Shipping: Canada Post or courier tracked + insured to declared value unless otherwise arranged. Clients are responsible for import/customs fees and taxes.
                                                                                                                      • We will arrange local deliveries or pickups whenever possible.
                                                                                                                        • Inspection: we spot‑check each cut on a turntable before shipping. Check tonearm weight before playback.
                                                                                                                          • Faults:
                                                                                                                            • report within 7 days with clear details.
                                                                                                                              • For refund/replacement, return affected copies within 14 days via recorded delivery.
                                                                                                                                • Exchanges/refunds only for manufacturing faults (skips, severe warping, wrong order).
                                                                                                                                • We cannot be held liable for release‑date misses; we prioritize quality over guaranteed deadlines.

                                                                                                                                  legal & content policy

                                                                                                                                  • Client owns masters and rights. We reserve the right to use short promotional excerpts/images unless you request otherwise in writing.
                                                                                                                                    • You must ensure you have copyright/clearance for audio and artwork.
                                                                                                                                      • We will refuse projects containing hate speech or unlawful content.

                                                                                                                                        maintenance & care notes (post‑delivery)

                                                                                                                                        • Clean lathe cuts with a super‑soft dry microfiber cloth only. Do not use cleaning solutions (they can damage lathe‑cut surfaces).
                                                                                                                                          • Some records may require slightly higher tracking weight for reliable playback.

                                                                                                                                            useful recommendations

                                                                                                                                            • Order a test cut before committing to an edition — strongly recommended for best results.
                                                                                                                                              • Provide highest‑quality masters at native sample rate (do not upconvert).
                                                                                                                                                • For long sides, sequence quieter/low‑treble tracks toward the inner grooves.
                                                                                                                                                  • If unsure about levels or sequencing, request a pre‑cut consultation and file check.

                                                                                                                                                    how to start

                                                                                                                                                    • See the price lists.
                                                                                                                                                      • Determine your order from the given options.
                                                                                                                                                        • Email for project summary, questions, and files or request an upload link.
                                                                                                                                                          • We’ll send the GDrive upload link, check your files, provide a quote and timeline, and schedule your consultation.