Vinyl Record PressingOur 12" vinyl records are made right here in Montreal! Coloured vinyl now available:
We also offer imported 7", 10", and 12" pressings
Contact us for a quote: 800-777-1927 or 514-878-8273
Steps to make a vinyl record: Vinyl record pressing can be a slow process. Here are the steps involved in making records: Audio Mastering: Your mix engineer or mastering engineer should prepare a mix knowing it will be destined for vinyl. Since vinyl is capable of rendering infinite analogue resolution, a 16-bit CD master is a bit low-fi and not really appropriate to get the best sounding records. For the best results you can supply 24-bit WAV or AIFF files. We can also accept 2-track analog reel-to-reel tape at 15 or 30 inches per second (a transport fee would apply to send your reels to the mastering engineer). File specs: For best results supply one digital file for each side with a cue sheet file. If you supply a separate file for each song you have to tell us if we are supposed to insert extra space between every song. Most file formats and resolutions are supported except 32-bit float. - a normal 12" record is about 16 to 20 minutes per side, and acoustic music can be cut with little compromise. The more extreme your music and the more you exceed 20 minutes, the more you have to be careful in your mix. To get the best sound and playing time on vinyl:
Lacquer Mastering: Your mix has to be cut into a lacquer plate. The primary job of the lacquer-cutting engineer is to transfer your mix with the mininmum amount of compromise and with the best possible sound quality. We have partnered with mastering engineers with many years of experience who are confident in cutting sides up to 30 minutes! If you want audio mastering, sequencing, fades, compression, EQ... that is also available. Dub Plates or Acetates If you want one record for evaluation you can buy a single dub plate. It is almost the same cost to do lacquers as to do dub plates! You can get a discounted rate depending on the chosen mastering engineer and if you commit in advance to a full pressing job. Stampers Your lacquers are sent to an electroplating facility to make metal stampers. One stamper is required for each side of your record, and each stamper is good for about 1000 to 1200 regular-weight vinyl records. If you want to make 2000 records, you must buy 2 stampers per side. For heavy-weight 180-gram records, each stamper is only good for about 500 to 600 records. Test Pressing Once the stampers are ready, it is customary to make test pressings. You can skip this step at your risk (you benefit by saving time and money). !!!!RUSH ORDERS!!!!It seems every 2nd order is a rush order. If you really must have the product by a certain date, be prepared. If a stamper is damaged it takes at least 1 week to get a new stamper. So buy extra stampers in case the first one is damaged. We will replace a damaged stamper at no cost, but it takes about a week for a replacement. So if you are concerned about the delivery date above all else, buy an extra stamper (approx $100 per side). Labels Paper labels are required for each side of your record. You supply the artwork. Please advise if you want 1 colour or full colour labels. Inner Sleeves Plain white paper sleeves are included with your records. You can upgrade to poly-lined sleeves or custom-printed inner sleeves. Jackets We also print full-colour cardboard jackets with your artwork. Our jackets are printed in Canada. Pressing Once you have approved your test pressing the machines are started to press your records. Packaging and shrinkwrap Your records and jackets are then lovingly inspected, assembled, and shrinkwrapped. Boxing and shipping Finally your records are packed into shipping cartons and shipped to you or your distributor. Made in Canada In a fully packaged vinyl project, at least a dozen Canadian and American workers have contributed to producing your records.
Prices Don't hesitate to contact us for a quote on record pressing! 1-800-777-1927 / 514-878-8273 |
