What is a Dubplate?
A dubplate is a custom Lathe Cut Vinyl Record cut one-at-a-time by hand. No pressing plant, no molds — just your audio carved directly into a plastic disc with a diamond stylus. Perfect for DJs, selectors, limited releases, collectors, short runs or one-off gifts.
Lathe Cut Vinyl Pricing & Runtime
Discount ladder: 10% (10), 15% (20), 20% (30), 25% (50). Runtime shown is max total minutes.
| Format | 1–9 | 10 | 20 | 30 | 50 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7″ One Side • 4 min | $12.00 | $10.80 | $10.20 | $9.60 | $9.00 |
| 7″ Two Sides • 8 min | $18.00 | $16.20 | $15.30 | $14.40 | $13.50 |
| 10″ One Side • 6 min @ 45 RPM | $15.00 | $13.50 | $12.75 | $12.00 | $11.25 |
| 10″ Two Sides • 12 min @ 45 RPM | $25.00 | $22.50 | $21.25 | $20.00 | $18.75 |
| 10″ One Side • 10 min @ 33⅓ RPM | $18.00 | $16.20 | $15.30 | $14.40 | $13.50 |
| 10″ Two Sides • 20 min @ 33⅓ RPM | $30.00 | $27.00 | $25.50 | $24.00 | $22.50 |
| 12″ One Side • 8 min @ 45 RPM | $20.00 | $18.00 | $17.00 | $16.00 | — |
| 12″ Two Sides • 16 min @ 45 RPM | $35.00 | $31.50 | $29.75 | $28.00 | — |
| 12″ One Side • 15 min @ 33⅓ RPM | $24.00 | $21.60 | $20.40 | $19.20 | — |
| 12″ Two Sides • 30 min @ 33⅓ RPM | $42.00 | $37.80 | $35.70 | $33.60 | — |
Bulk discounts are automatically applied at checkout—no code needed.
Tiers: 10+ (10% off), 20+ (15% off), 30+ (20% off), 50+ (25% off).
Discount applies to qualifying items in a single order before shipping/taxes.
Audio Requirements
Audio Requirements
Please prep your premaster with the guidelines below to ensure the cleanest possible cut.
Format
WAV. 24-bit preferred (16-bit OK), 44.1 kHz or higher. No MP3s. Upload two files:
Artist_SideA.wav and Artist_SideB.wav.
Limiting
Avoid brickwall limiting. Pre-limited is fine, but dynamic mixes cut louder and cleaner.
Bass & Low-End Phase
Center all bass below ~150 Hz (100% mono / +1.0 correlation). We can mono lows in pre-master if needed.
Phase & Stereo Imaging
Keep stereo correlation positive (above 0) in the 150 Hz–4 kHz range to avoid cancellations. Above ~10 kHz, very wide stereo can cause splash; use with care. Always check mixes in mono.
Sibilance
Control harsh “S” sounds. De-ess in mix or we’ll address during pre-mastering where possible.
Clipping
Don’t clip. Square-wave distortion is amplified on vinyl and is hard on the cutting head.
Highs
Avoid heavy boosts above 10 kHz. Content above ~15 kHz can distort or splash during cutting.
Sequencing & Length
Longer sides require lower volume (more surface noise). Inner grooves lose high-end and distort more on bright/loud material. Put the most detailed/high-freq tracks first; save quieter/less-bright tracks for the end.
Max side lengths typically used: 7″ up to 4 min • 10″ 6–10 min (45/33⅓) • 12″ 8–15 min (45/33⅓).
Reference Level
All audio is aligned to DIN 45 541 calibration:
0 dB reference = 1 kHz tone at 5 cm/s RMS lateral velocity.
For premaster files, this translates to roughly -20 dBFS RMS.
Keeping peaks conservative helps ensure headroom and proper groove translation.
0 dB reference = 1 kHz tone at 5 cm/s RMS lateral velocity.
For premaster files, this translates to roughly -20 dBFS RMS.
Keeping peaks conservative helps ensure headroom and proper groove translation.
How do I upload my audio?
File Upload Instructions
We use an uploader built directly into the cart. While placing your order, you’ll see a section where you can click or drop your files using the “Hot Pink” button.
Accepted file types:
.wav— Audio.aiff— Audio.png— Artwork.pdf— Artwork / Labels.jpeg/.jpg— Artwork.zip— Bundled files
File Requirements
- Format: WAV or AIFF for audio
- Sample rate / bit depth: 44.1 kHz, 16-bit or higher
- Maximum total size: 200 MB
- One file per side — Side A & Side B
Files too large? Send via WeTransfer.com to info@lathecutvinylrecords.com.
How long does production and delivery take?
Each record is handmade, cut, and assembled in-house with care and precision. Printed components such as jackets, inserts, or specialty finishes are coordinated through our trusted print partners. Production time varies depending on whether your order includes custom artwork, engraving, or additional assembly steps.
- Standard Vinyl Records: Cut, inspected, and packed within 14 business days once your final audio is approved.
- Assembled Vinyl Editions (with Jackets or Stickers): Orders that include printed artwork, jackets, or applied stickers may require an additional 1–2 weeks for design setup, proofing, and print approval before cutting and assembly. Turnaround depends on artwork complexity and approval time on your end.
- Engraved Discs: Engraving is completed before audio cutting and may add up to one additional week to your turnaround if combined with custom artwork or assembly.
- Vinyl Postcards (5×7″): Typically ship within 14 business days. Postcards with printed backers or custom artwork may add up to one additional week for print setup.
- Label & Artist Editions: Production windows vary by project size, color complexity, and label scheduling. Estimated timelines are provided during booking.
We’ll always email when your order moves into production and again once it ships with full tracking details. Every project is handmade — please allow for these timeframes to ensure accuracy and quality.
Note: Choosing faster shipping does not shorten production or print approval times. Shipping speed applies only after your order has been completed and dispatched.
Shipping & Returns
Most orders are shipped separately by item type to protect handmade items and comply with postal classifications. Fully assembled vinyl releases (record + jacket + art) qualify as recorded media and can ship together in one package.
- Standard Vinyl Records (7″, 10″, 12″): Shipped in white paper sleeves inside premium vinyl mailers (up to 10 records per mailer). U.S. record orders use USPS Media Mail for affordable, compliant delivery. Priority upgrades are available upon request but do not shorten production times.
- Assembled Vinyl Editions (Gold Records & Jacket Bundles): Products listed as including a record with jacket, sticker, and artwork assembled ship as a single LP package. These qualify as recorded media under USPS and can be mailed via Media Mail in the U.S.
- Engraved Discs: Engraving is done before cutting and ships with the record in the same mailer.
- Vinyl Postcards (5×7″ Playable Records): Shipped flat in reinforced envelopes as letter mail. U.S. postage averages around $1.27 per postcard; international letter postage averages $4.00 USD. These ship separately from full-size records to reduce postage costs and prevent damage.
-
Stickers, Center Labels, Jackets, Lyric Sheets (Standalone or Add-Ons):
When ordered alone, these ship separately in flat mailers or boxes.
Important: These items are not classified as recorded media and cannot ship via Media Mail. All U.S. and international shipments use USPS First-Class or USPS Priority Mail International as applicable. - Label Releases & Artist Editions: All label and artist products are produced and fulfilled in-house using the same shipping process as custom orders.
Orders that include both records and printed materials often ship in two or more packages, except when sold as a full vinyl edition. Each shipment includes its own tracking number emailed automatically when dispatched.
Carrier Coverage: USPS Priority Mail and USPS International services include up to $100 of coverage. USPS Media Mail does not include insurance. Once a shipment is marked “Delivered,” responsibility transfers to the buyer.
Import Duties & Taxes (International): International buyers are responsible for any customs duties, VAT, or import taxes charged by their government. These fees are billed directly by USPS or the destination country’s postal system and are not included in our product or shipping prices. We declare qualifying shipments as “Handmade Vinyl Record – Origin USA” to minimize or eliminate duty whenever possible. Custom-made orders returned due to unpaid import fees are not eligible for refund, but can be reshipped if returned safely and new postage is covered.
Returns & Order Issues
Because each record, engraved disc, postcard, and printed piece is custom made to order, all sales are final. We do not accept returns, refunds, or exchanges once production has started.
If your order arrives damaged in transit or shows a verified production defect (playback or printing), please email info@lathecutvinylrecords.com within 7 days of delivery with clear photos or video so we can review and determine the best solution.
We are not responsible for postal delays, customs processing times, or packages marked as “Delivered.” Tracking numbers for each shipment are provided automatically once your order ships.
By placing an order, you agree to these terms and acknowledge that handmade and custom items are exempt from standard return or cancellation policies under U.S. and international consume
