Lathe Cut Records FAQ
Audio File Preparation (PDF)
Center Label Directions (PDF)
Do not bother contacting me to make your record if your music promotes senseless violence, racism, sexism, homophobia, or any other related hatred. I will refuse your order.
Playback Notes:
Lathe cut records are cut manually, meaning the drop of the cutting needle is done by hand. This means that auto-players will not always track the beginning grooves. I'd highly suggest manually placing the tonearm in the groove. For the same reason, my records are not guaranteed to work with all jukeboxes, auto-return players, or turntables with cheap non-weighted arms.
What is the difference between HIFI and LOFI?
My HIFI cuts are made on two Vinyl Recorder systems, the cuts are stereo, high frequency range (30hz-15kHz+), with very low surface noise. These are nearly comparable to pressed records with a properly prepared master. My LOFI cuts are embossed on a 1940s era Presto 6N with Olson cutting head. While great for the time, the cuts are mono, frequency response is limited (40hz-12kHz), with an amount of surface noise. I highly suggest a test cut if you’re going the LOFI route.
Also listen here to some examples: www.audiogeography.com/audiosamples
How do these records sound?
LOFI: The records I make are mono, and 'embossed' onto plastic in real time. They are not the same as pressed vinyl records. There is an amount of surface noise on these records, similar to that of an old, dirty record. Each song has the opportunity to cut really well, or really poorly. I do what I can to optimize the system for each track, though some tracks come out better than others. Please note that these records are mono, and any intense stereo imaging will not translate well. Check the mono compatibility of your tracks before sending. I recommend requesting a test cut of your material before making an order, especially if you've never heard a lathe cut record before.
HIFI: the HIFI cuts are near the quality of pressed records. They're stereo, extended frequency response, and comparatively low noise. Give a listen to the sample page, or request a HIFI test if you're interested.
How many songs can I fit on a side?
Each song is different, and keep in mind that most albums don’t split up into two perfectly even sides. Get in touch if you have questions about side length.
Here are the max time limits per side:
3inch 33 RPM only, 2:30min
5inch 33 RPM only, 2:30min
7inch 45 RPM 4:30min
7inch 33 RPM 7:00 min, 5:00 min suggested
10inch 45 RPM 12:00 min
10inch 33 RPM 15:00 min, 13:00 min suggested
12inch 45 RPM 15:00 min
12inch 33 RPM 20:00 min, 18:00 min suggested
My record sounds really quiet, what gives?
Volume on a physical record is determined by a number of factors. The short answer is, if your side is longer than 4-5 minutes (7in), I won't be able to cut it as loud. Similarly, bass heavy recordings, and those with heavy sibilant sounds restrict the headroom available to make a cut with minimal distortion. I always err on the side of quality cut vs loudness.
Why is the turnaround so long? I need my records next week!
As it says elsewhere on the site, these records are made one at a time, in real time. This is a one person operation, and I juggle a lot of things at once. Normal production time is about 10 weeks (check the announcement bar up top for current production time!) which compared to pressed records (4-6 months) is pretty quick. Even though you may be ordering a small batch from me, there are probably more than a few hundred records I have to cut before I get to yours. Please be patient and trust that the time frame we discuss is the best I can do. In that same regard, if you neglect to give me certain info, or your files aren't quite right, I will ask you to clarify so I can get the order done RIGHT rather than QUICK.
You can request RUSH production on your order when checking out on the order page, which is a variable fee based on workload and your chosen date, minimum $35.
Can I make the order before my files are ready?
Sure! Make the order as soon as you’ve decided on quantity and have the final track lengths available. Send masters whenever they’re ready, as late as two weeks before ship date without incurring any additional time for production. Print materials preferred one month before ship date. Any changes or delays due to incorrect track times, or wrong files are the responsibility of the client.
What file types do you accept?
Please send all files through my dropbox link, or to my email through google drive, dropbox or wetransfer. For the safety of my computer, I will not accept files from any other sites. I prefer CD quality WAV 24bit/44.1kHz sample rate, or 320 kbps MP3. Send the highest quality, smallest file you can. If you’ve recorded at a higher sample rate, please contact me before sending.
How long do they last?
Lathe cut records should last as long as pressed records, I've played certain lathe cuts around 100 times with no degradation. That being said, they are no less susceptible to collecting dust, scratches and dings. Treat your records well!
Are the edges smooth?
Yes, they are smooth. I round the edges with a de-burring tool for plastic.
My record sounds heavily distorted, and barely intelligible, what's wrong?
Sometimes with lathe cut records, the playback needle isn't sitting right in the groove. If your record is sounding overly distorted, and it's impossible to make out any musical elements, give your playback needle a little nudge to sit down properly in the groove. This is a common occurrence, and there is nothing wrong with your record. Increased tracking weight normally helps with distortion problems, and the needle sits in the groove more readily.
Can you cut me a record on ______ material?
I have done some testing on alternative materials such as picnic plates, cd-rs, and laser discs. They don't sound as good as the plastic, but they do work. Get in touch if you are considering using a different material, as my lathe setup will need to change. There will be an additional setup fee, and turnaround for custom jobs will be increased.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes! I'll ship orders anywhere. Keep in mind that once your order leaves the US, there's not much I can do about tracking. If you know your post office is unreliable, let me know so we can send your order through a private shipper. INTL customers should email before making an order so I can send you an estimate for shipping costs.
Are there any discounts for quantity?
Yeah! Enter code “FIFTYORMORE” at checkout for orders of 50 or more. Not applicable for tape orders, or multiple titles of smaller quantity that add up to 50.
Can you cut noise music?
Yes, I can cut noise music. A lot of times I end up having to turn down the cut by a large margin, for the safety of my equipment. If you submit a very distorted or very noisy track, please know that I'll do my best to make it loud without risking my equipment. I'd suggest a test cut to make sure this will work for your particular track.