Submit one completed audio file for Side A and one completed audio file for Side B. Your files should already contain the songs in the exact order you want them to play.
Place the songs in the exact order you want them to play and create one continuous Side A file and one continuous Side B file.
Export the completed sides as:
Side A.wav
Side B.wav
WAV or AIFF only. 44.1 kHz – 192 kHz. 24-bit preferred. 16-bit accepted.
Upload both completed audio files at checkout and name them clearly:
Artist_SideA.wav
Artist_SideB.wav
Large files may be sent by WeTransfer after checkout.
If a side contains multiple songs, leave approximately 2 seconds of silence between songs. We use those silent sections to identify the track changes and create the physical track bands while cutting the record.
The silence in your audio is a production guide. The physical separation on the finished record is created by the lathe during cutting and may vary. It is not guaranteed to match the exact duration of silence in your digital file.
You do not need to create a special loudness master for us. We do not require a specific LUFS target. Send the best-quality version of your mix at its original resolution. Better source material gives us more room to produce a clean, stable lathe cut.
Included vinyl premastering may involve adjustments to overall cutting level, groove spacing, fades, filtering, stereo bass management, de-essing, and other technical parameters required for reliable cutting and playback.
Vinyl premastering is applied to the entire completed side as one continuous program, not independently to every song. The loudest, brightest, most distorted, or bass-heaviest song can determine the maximum safe cutting level for the entire side.
Every mix is different. Sub-bass, vocal sibilance, stereo information, clipping, limiting, distortion, crest factor, frequency content, and playing time all affect how a record can be cut.
In many cases, sending us a more dynamic mix without aggressive final limiting gives us a better source for vinyl than attempting to repair an already over-limited master.
If you only have individual songs instead of completed Side A and Side B files, purchase Side Sequencing or Vinyl Mastering.
When we sequence individual songs for you, we build the completed Side A and Side B files and send those files back to you for approval before cutting.
Standard orders where you submit your own completed Side A and Side B files do not receive an additional sequencing approval. Your submitted files are treated as your approved sequence.
If your files exceed the checkout upload limit, use WeTransfer and include your order number.
The checkout uploader includes three upload slots.
Title_SideA.wav
WAV or AIFF
Title_SideB.wav
WAV or AIFF
Upload artwork, a PQ Sheet, or a ZIP containing additional production materials when applicable.
Each Side A + Side B program is its own production order. We receive and check the files, vinyl-premaster the completed sides, prepare the program for cutting, manufacture the records, package them, and fulfill that order.
Our standard $10 USPS Media Mail shipping/handling charge is per mailer, per program/order.
If you order another record with different audio, that is a different program and requires a separate checkout with its own shipping/handling.
Audio containing harsh noise, continuous full-spectrum noise, excessive distortion, sustained high-frequency energy, feedback, brickwall limiting, little to no crest factor, clipping, or other extreme sonic characteristics may be considered unsafe for the lathe-cutting process.
If submitted audio is determined to pose a risk to the cutter head, stylus, or cutting system, we reserve the right to reduce the cutting level, apply filtering or other mastering adjustments, shorten the program, or decline the project. Our primary responsibility is protecting the cutting system while producing the highest-quality record possible.
Preparing artwork for a lathe-cut record does not need to be complicated. Use the guides below for our standard center labels, jackets and CNC engraving. We handle the final sizing and production preparation.
7" records use 3.5" center-label artwork.
12" records use 4" center-label artwork.
Submit Side A and Side B artwork separately.
Do not add the .313" center hole.
We add the center hole during production.
7" jackets: 7" × 7" front and back artwork.
Our 7" package uses two printed cardstock panels inside a
clear slip-on outer sleeve.
12" jackets: 12" × 12" front and back artwork
applied to a tip-on jacket with a spine.
You do not need to add bleed. Your artwork does not have to be built to commercial print-shop specifications or fit our dimensions perfectly. We size, stretch, crop or adjust the artwork as needed to fit our production format.
Because artwork may need minor sizing or cropping, keep important text, logos, faces and other critical design elements away from the extreme edges. 300 DPI PNG or PDF files are preferred.
Have something different in mind? We can work with picture discs, UV printing, CNC engraving, specialty materials, mirror or reflective finishes, holographic effects, custom shapes, multi-hole designs, zoetrope artwork, inserts, lyric sheets and specialty packaging.
Multiple processes can be combined. Send us your concept and we can determine the best way to manufacture it.
All records are individually cut and assembled in-house. Production begins once the materials required for your order are received.
All records are individually cut and assembled in-house. Production begins once the required audio, artwork, order details, and approvals for your project have been received.
Shipping methods and rates vary by product. Custom records, record blanks, diamond cutting styli, artwork, and specialty products may use different shipping services.
Qualifying U.S. custom record orders normally ship via USPS Media Mail.
Orders requiring more than one mailer are charged $10 for each required mailer.
Shipping time begins after production is complete. Tracking is provided when available after your order ships.
Record blanks, diamond cutting styli, artwork, supplies, and specialty products may use different shipping methods and rates.
Available shipping options are shown on the applicable product page, at checkout, or on your custom invoice.
Eligible products may also be available for international shipping.
Because many of our products are custom-made, customer-specific, specialty products, or professional tools, all sales are final except where otherwise required by law.
If your order arrives damaged or you believe it has a manufacturing defect, contact info@lathecutvinylrecords.com within 7 days of delivery.
Production time and shipping time are separate. Faster shipping does not shorten production time unless rush production has also been approved. Customer-supplied shipping labels may be accepted for eligible orders. Large, bulk, and specialty orders may require custom packaging or shipping arrangements.
Ordering a custom record should not be confusing. These answers cover ordering, audio preparation, track limits, artwork, specialty records, production, shipping, and Rush service.
Please do not check out while you are still waiting for, recording, mixing, mastering, or collecting your audio. Upload your completed files at checkout or have them ready to send immediately by WeTransfer.
One record program, quantities, discounts, and separate projects.
No. Quantity means identical copies of the same record.
We call the complete audio for one record a program. Side A + Side B together are one program.
If you order 10 copies, all 10 records contain the same Side A and Side B program.
If you want records containing different audio, each different program must be ordered separately.
A program is the complete audio contained on one record. Side A + Side B together make one program.
A side can contain one song or several songs. That does not create additional programs. It is still one record program.
When you increase the quantity, we manufacture additional identical copies of that same program.
Complete a separate website order for each different record.
Finish and pay for the first record, then return to the website and place the next order.
Each unique record receives its own order number, audio submission, production preparation, handling, and fulfillment.
Different audio does not automatically require a custom quote. If the size, runtime, quantity, material, and options you need are available on the website, simply order each different record separately.
No. Use one completed checkout per unique record program.
This keeps the audio, artwork, quantity, production setup, shipping/handling, and fulfillment connected to the correct order.
Quantity discounts apply to identical copies of the same record program.
Different records cannot be combined to reach a larger quantity tier.
For example, three different records with 10 copies of each are three separate 10-copy orders — not one 30-copy order.
Our standard checkout uses a $10 USPS Media Mail shipping/handling charge per mailer.
A standard record mailer holds up to:
Orders requiring additional mailers are charged accordingly.
The charge is not simply the cost printed on a USPS postage label. It also helps cover production handling, packaging, shipping preparation, and fulfillment.
Multiple completed orders going to the same customer and address may sometimes be physically consolidated into a larger shipping box when practical. Each unique record is still its own production order.
Rights, formats, uploads, track gaps, PQ sheets, and production-ready audio.
Yes.
You must own the rights or have permission, licensing, or authorization to reproduce all audio submitted for vinyl production.
By submitting audio and placing an order, you confirm that you have the legal right to reproduce the material.
We do not use YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music, or other streaming links as production audio or as authorization to reproduce copyrighted music.
Yes. Your audio must be ready when you order.
Do not place an order planning to send the audio several days or weeks later.
Your completed production audio should be uploaded during checkout or ready to send immediately by WeTransfer if the files are too large or your project requires multiple individual song files.
Complete, usable production files should be received within 48 hours of checkout.
We prefer:
Whenever possible, submit your original lossless master rather than a compressed audio file.
Yes. If the MP3 is truly your best available source, convert it to a 16-bit WAV before submitting it.
Converting an MP3 to WAV does not improve its sound quality or restore information removed during MP3 compression. It simply converts the file into the production format we need.
If an original WAV, AIFF, or other lossless master exists, please use that instead.
Our pink website uploader is the preferred method.
Use WeTransfer when your files are too large for the uploader or when you need to send multiple individual songs, multiple artwork files, or files for Side Sequencing / Vinyl Mastering.
Production files need to be immediately downloadable when we receive them.
For a standard order, please submit one completed Side A file and one completed Side B file.
Arrange your songs in the correct order and place approximately two seconds of silence wherever you want a track separation.
If you want us to assemble individual songs into Side A and Side B, purchase our Side Sequencing service.
A PQ sheet is generally optional when you provide your own completed Side A and Side B files and the intended track gaps are clearly identifiable in the audio.
Submit a PQ sheet if exact song starts, endings, gap locations, or physical track-band placement matter to your project.
If you send us a folder containing individual songs, we need the PQ sheet to tell us the correct song order, which songs belong on Side A and Side B, and the intended sequence.
We cannot determine your intended album sequence from a folder of individual song files.
Leave approximately 2 seconds of silence wherever you want a track separation.
That silence gives us an identifiable location for the physical track band.
The digital silence is a production guide. The exact appearance and physical width of the space on the finished record may vary.
If a track location is not clearly identifiable in the audio, identify the exact location on a PQ sheet.
How much music fits, track-band limits, and what makes a good cut.
Our standard production limit is 5 identifiable tracks per side, or up to 10 tracks total on a two-sided record.
That means a maximum of 4 physical track gaps per side.
You can technically have more than 10 individual songs if some songs flow directly into one another and are treated as one continuous track section.
If you need more than five separately identifiable track bands on one side, contact us before ordering to see whether specialty cutting is currently available.
Runtime depends on the record size, RPM, and product you purchase.
Always follow the runtime listed on the product page you are ordering.
Longer sides require more cutting time and tighter groove spacing. The technical ability to fit additional audio does not mean that additional runtime is included in every product price.
The runtime published on the product page is the runtime included with that product.
If submitted audio exceeds the purchased runtime, we may need to shorten or fade the program at the purchased maximum, or contact you if the project requires a different product or specialty service.
Please choose the correct product before ordering.
Clean, dynamic audio generally gives us the most flexibility when cutting.
You do not need to create a special loudness master or hit a specific LUFS target for us.
Avoid unnecessary clipping, extreme limiting, or distortion unless those sounds are intentionally part of the music.
Our vinyl premaster can prepare your supplied program for cutting, but it cannot restore musical information already destroyed by clipping or excessive limiting.
Usually, yes.
Bass level, stereo bass information, high frequencies, sibilance, overall level, runtime, and program material all affect how a record needs to be cut.
We may make appropriate vinyl-premastering and cutting adjustments to produce a playable record.
Only if you intentionally want that sound permanently included in your music.
Any crackle, hiss, distortion, noise, or vinyl simulation contained in your submitted audio becomes part of the program we cut.
For the cleanest result, send us the cleanest source available.
No physical record is identical to digital playback.
Groove spacing, runtime, cutting level, bass, high-frequency content, playback stylus, cartridge, turntable setup, and other physical variables affect vinyl playback.
Shorter sides generally allow more room for groove spacing and level. Longer sides require more audio to fit into the available cutting area.
These are three different parts of record production.
Yes.
Basic vinyl premastering of your completed Side A / Side B program is included with our record production.
We treat each completed side as one continuous program and may make appropriate cutting adjustments such as overall level, filtering, stereo bass management, de-essing, fades, and other preparation needed for lathe cutting.
Side Sequencing is for customers who have individual finished songs but have not assembled them into completed Side A and Side B files.
We arrange the supplied songs in the order shown on your PQ sheet and create the completed record sides.
Standard spacing is approximately two seconds between tracks unless your PQ sheet specifies something different.
A PQ sheet is required for multi-song Side Sequencing.
Vinyl Mastering is for individual stereo mixes that need to be mastered before the final record sides are assembled.
This is separate from the free vinyl premastering applied to a completed Side A / Side B program.
Our standard Vinyl Mastering service is currently $5 per song.
For a multi-song mastering project, submit the individual song files and a PQ sheet showing song order and side assignment.
Unusual grooves, playback formats, materials, and experimental projects.
Yes — when the service is currently available.
Depending on our equipment, materials, workload, and current product offerings, specialty projects may include:
Our ability to make something does not necessarily mean it is a standard product currently available for purchase.
No.
Ordering a standard product does not automatically include unpurchased specialty cutting, additional runtime, different materials, unusual groove configurations, or other upgrades.
Notes, emails, artwork, file names, or audio submissions do not add products or specialty services to an order.
If your project requires something that is not currently listed, contact us before checkout.
We work with a variety of physical-media processes depending on current materials and production availability.
These can include picture discs, colored materials, CNC engraving, shaped records, UV printing, specialty artwork, record postcards, liquid discs, zoetrope artwork, chocolate records, and other experimental formats.
Check the products currently listed on our website first.
Contact us before ordering and we can tell you whether the specialty option is currently available.
Absolutely.
DIY artwork is welcome. You can prepare your own labels, jackets, inserts, and other artwork as long as the files meet the requirements for the product you purchase.
Please review the artwork specifications on the applicable product page before submitting your files.
Basic questions about whether an idea is possible are welcome.
If your project requires us to create or substantially modify artwork, build mockups, prepare complex files, prototype a concept, develop an unusual cutting format, or spend significant time developing the project, that work may require a design fee or custom quote.
Custom development is separate from simply ordering a standard custom-audio record from the website.
Production priority, deadlines, and getting your records to USPS.
Production time depends on quantity, cutting time, artwork, materials, project complexity, and our current production queue.
Small standard orders can often move quickly, while larger or more involved projects naturally require additional production time.
Production time and carrier transit time are separate. Shipping time begins after your order is completed and transferred to the carrier.
No. Contact us before ordering if the deadline is critical.
If your records are needed for a wedding, event, release, performance, birthday, corporate event, or other fixed date, tell us before placing the order.
We can tell you whether the timeline is realistic and whether Rush Production should be added.
Rush Production moves your order to the front of our production line, ahead of standard-production orders.
Rush orders are prioritized in the order they are received.
Cutting and manufacturing still physically take time. Rush does not mean that a record is manufactured instantly.
The shipping method determines how the package travels after production. Priority Mail or Express Mail does not make the record itself faster to manufacture — Rush Production is what moves the order forward in our production queue.
Rush capacity is limited because each Rush order is moved ahead of standard-production work.
Rush orders are handled first come, first served. Availability can depend on quantity, project complexity, current workload, and whether all production files are ready.
No customer-supplied shipping label is necessary.
Choose the appropriate shipping / Rush option through our website. Our current Rush options include Media Mail, Priority Mail, and Express Mail.
This keeps production priority, shipping, handling, and fulfillment connected to the correct order.
A few final rules that prevent production delays and misunderstandings.
The specifications on the product page you purchase govern that order.
This includes applicable runtime, RPM, track count, material, color, artwork options, cutting direction, quantity, and other product-specific requirements.
Please review the product page before checkout.
Submitting files outside the listed specifications does not automatically purchase an upgrade or specialty service.
When appropriate, we may make normal production adjustments needed to conform supplied files to the product purchased.
These can include appropriate cutting-level adjustments, groove spacing, filtering, track-band placement, fades, or conforming runtime to the purchased product.
If the project requires an unpurchased specialty service or a substantially different product, that service is not automatically included because it was requested in an order note or submitted file.
Contact us before ordering.
Specialty materials and unusual cutting options change depending on inventory, equipment, and production capacity.
If you do not see a particular color, size, material, specialty cut, artwork treatment, or other option listed for purchase, ask us whether it is currently available.
Following these rules keeps your files connected to the correct order and allows us to move projects into production without unnecessary delays.
Choose the product that matches your size, RPM, runtime, quantity, and artwork requirements. Have your audio ready, complete checkout, and submit your production files with the order.
Custom lathe cut vinyl records, disc mastering, cutter supplies, artwork, and studio work from Grand Rapids, Michigan.
2557 Maguire Ave NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49525
