Why vinyl needs its own master
A streaming master and a vinyl master aren't the same file. Vinyl has physical limits on low end, stereo width and loudness, and a master that ignores them can distort or make the needle skip.
A vinyl master keeps your record sounding right within those limits, ready for the pressing plant.
What to send
Send a 16, 24 or 32-bit WAV or AIFF, ideally at the sample rate of your original session. Leave around -3 to -6 dB of headroom, and turn off any limiting on the master bus.
Tell me it's for vinyl when you start the project, and the format your plant asks for.
Turnaround and revisions
Most projects are delivered within 2 to 3 business days, with rush options if you're on a deadline. Each track includes 2 rounds of revisions within 7 days of your first master.
Questions
Can I use my streaming master for vinyl?
It's best not to. Vinyl has physical limits a streaming master doesn't, so it gets its own master to press cleanly.
What format do you deliver for vinyl?
The format agreed when you book, such as DDP or high-resolution WAV, to match what your pressing plant needs.
