• FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

    Your Guide to Vinyl Record Manufacturing
    • How much music fits onto a record? 

    • 7

      7 INCH EPs & SINGLES

      • 7", 33 RPM = 5 min per side BEST // 6 min per side (max)
      • 7", 45 RPM = 3 min. per side BEST // 4 min per side (max)

      12

      12 INCH LPs (FULL LENGTH ALBUMS)

      • 12" 33 RPM = 17 min per side BEST // 22 min per side (max)
      • 12" 45 RPM = 12 min per side BEST // 15 min per side (max)
    • How do I submit music? 

    • We accept audio CD-R, analog tape, and digital WAV or AIFF files. For best results, please submit the highest resolution audio master files possible—as high as 24 bit/192 kHz, but AT LEAST 16 bit/44.1 kHz.

      For details on analog tape submission, please contact us. Please upload WAV or AIFF files only (no MP3 files).

       

      INSTRUCTIONS: MUSIC AND ART UPLOADS 

      DROPBOX

      WE TRANSFER

    • Does my music need to be mastered for vinyl? 

    • AA Mastering

      Yes, even if your digital files are already mastered, they MUST be remastered specifically for vinyl. We prefer uncompressed digital files so there is plenty of frequency room to cut the vinyl master. We accept both digital files and analog tape.

      Mastering, plating and stamper costs have already been built into EVERY package deal, so all we need are your files. We take care of the rest.

       

    • What is a lacquer master? 

    • Hand Drawn Pressing: Vinyl Record Mastering

      The lacquer master is the master "record" we make from the audio source provided by you. This in turn is used to create the stamper; the negative image of the grooves on your record.

      The stamper is what is used to physically press your vinyl records. Think of it as a mold of your audio being created. For any given record, the lacquer master and stamper only get made once. Once they've been created we archive them so that in the event of a re-order you don't need to have new ones made.

    • What are Test Presses? 

    • Hand Drawn Pressing: Test Presses

      Test presses are created for you (and your bandmates) to hear the quality of your mastered vinyl record before we press the entire run. You would listen to the test presses to check for things like volume levels, excess noise, etc.

      All of our orders come with three (3) test pressings for your review. We will not begin manufacturing your order until we receive your approval via- email.

    • What do "140 gram" and "180 gram" mean? 

    • The standard weight for vinyl records varies amongst manufacturers, but is generally around 40 grams for 7 inch, 100 grams for 10 inch, and 125 up to 150 grams for 12 inch records. Anything heavier than 125 grams is generally considered "heavy" weight.

      Hand Drawn Pressing offers 140 gram as our STANDARD WEIGHT for 12 inch records and 180 gram (via- Custom Quote).

      180 gram is often referred to as "audiophile" quality, as it's more substantial weight makes the product more durable against scratching and warping. However, audio quality between 140 and 180 is typically not varied, as the mastering, plating and stamping processes are identical.

    • Does the color of vinyl effect sound quality? 

    • YES, black vinyl has the best playback characteristics - by far. Black vinyl produces the least amount of surface noise and the most resonance and is why it has been the preferred industry standard since it's introduction in 1948.

      Surface noise effects certain music more than others. If your music is very dynamic (jazz, acoustic, classical), this noise will be more noticeable than on a loud rock, metal or dance record.

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