Introduction:
- Vinyl is very popular
- Physical
- Artists wants it
- Maybe not a business opportunity
Practical things to think about:
- Copyright: https://www.stim.se/en/find-an-answer/frequently-asked-questions/how-do-i-get-license-release-records, https://www.ncb.dk/index.php?page_id=4514#calculate, https://www.stim.se/en/payment-and-remuneration/distribution-categories/ncb-royalties, http://www.ncb.dk/index.php?page_id=4943 Ca 1100 kr per 100 ex.
- Vinyl Master (Not a normal mastering)
- Artwork (Templates, back side, made for printing) https://www.spinroadvinyl.com/templates/
- Delivery Times
- Financial structure (the template that costs, the more you print the lesser the unit price)
- Ordering Info: Formats: 12″, 7″, Color, RPM, Sleeves (Inner/Outer), Sleeve Finish, Engraving
- Test Pressing. We recommend to do that
- Test pressings are something that we recommend if you want to check the overall quality of the cut that we have made before we produce the whole amount. In general we send you 5 test pressings that you need to approve. Once these have been approved then we can continue with the rest of the production.
Terminology:
What are labels?
Answer:
Labels are the paper information circles that are physically bonded to the centre of each record.
What is cardboard finishing?
Answer:
This is a protective layer that is applied to the surface of printed parts.
What is an inner bag?
Answer:
An inner bag is used for packaging every record, unless disco bags are used (these are outer sleeves made of carton which is shiny on the inside, so an inner sleeve is not necessary). We
What are sleeves (covers)?
Answer:
You can get either plain white, plain black outer covers or printed outer covers
What are the types of vinyl?
Answer:
|
Size |
Standard |
Heavy |
Picture disk |
|
7″ |
40g |
70g |
65g |
|
10″ |
110g |
– |
106g |
|
12″ |
140g |
180g |
157g |
Does 180gram vinyl sound better? #
The technical standard for cutting grooves to vinyl master discs are exactly the same for all vinyl records regardless of weight. Therefore, the weight of a vinyl record has little to no impact on sound quality. Also, the stylus tip in the groove is only capable of reading a limited depth anyway, and thus anything below a certain point is missed.
The Sound quality of a given record is mostly determined by the quality of the source material and the mastering process — alongside to pressing process, of course.
So what’s all the fuss about 180g? #
The benefit of thicker weight vinyl are mostly twofold: 1) They’re more satisfying to handle — more substantial, and 2) They’re more resilient to damage over time, including breakage and warping. In addition, many argue heavier grade vinyl provides a more stable platform for your stylus and cantilever whilst also better isolating the stylus from unwanted vibration.
Maximum lenght
12 inches
33⅓ rpm – recommended/optimal 19:30 min per side (max. lenght: 23:00 min per side)
45 rpm – 12:00 min per side
7 inches
33⅓ rpm – 7:00 min per side
45 rpm – 5:00 min per side
Timelog: This is a document which shows the start/end/duration of each track or “song” on a record. Very similar to a PQ log for CD audio – however, the document should start over at zero at the beginning of each side. This document is particularly useful when cutting lacquers from a digital source, and is needed to accurately place Track Bands.
UPC/Bar Code: As with most any consumer product, many records have bar codes. You can order these from GGR. If you have a bar code on your record at all (some records do not), it does need to be unique to that record — not the same as your CD release. Also, if you work with a distributor, most distributors prefer each color/variant of the same release to have its own unique bar code.
How a vinyl is produced industrially #
Vinyl production in a nutshell:
- Audio transfer from the audio master to the lacquer. Two laquers are used to engrave side A and side B. One for each side.
- Through the processes of silvering and galvanic baths, matrices (positive and negative) are produced from the lacquers. One for each side.
- After having their centres drilled, the negative matrices are cut to size and checked before being used for printing. Positive matrices are used as mother moulds to generate other positive matrices for reprinting.
- Test pressings are usually produced before going to press. The test pressingis simply a printing test run produced in a few copies (numbers may vary depending on the printing house) to verify that the product does not present any defects. It is important to know that the test pressingproduces a printed vinyl exactly like the ones that will be produced in series afterwards. Therefore, if there are defects it is necessary to start the entire production from the beginning
- In the meantime, round labels are produced and placed in the center of the vinyl. The labels are printed on a special paper that is resistant to high temperatures.
- Negative matrices, stampers or printers (side A and B) are placed in a press that injects vinyl between the two matrices. High pressure and temperatures press the vinyl paste. The doily (label or label) is “glued” during the press.
- The vinyl, still in the press, is trimmed to size.
- After being removed from the press, the vinyl is wrapped in the inner casing and left to cool for approximately 24 hours.
- Some printers automatically insert the vinyl into the case fresh off the press, other printers insert the vinyl in the case after 24 hours.