A dubplate, or lathe-cut vinyl record, is made one at a time in real time. Each groove is physically cut into a durable PETG disc using a diamond stylus, with mono and stereo formats available.
Better source material produces louder, cleaner, and more stable dubplates. Reviewing these recommendations before submission will help improve groove stability, playback tracking, and overall vinyl translation.
WAV files only. 24-bit preferred, 16-bit accepted. Please do not submit MP3 files.
Dynamic mixes generally translate better to vinyl than heavily brickwall-limited masters.
For stereo cuts, bass below approximately 150 Hz should generally remain mono-compatible.
Excessive stereo width can create groove instability. Always check stereo mixes in mono before submission.
Harsh high frequencies and excessive sibilance are among the most difficult things to reproduce cleanly on vinyl.
Clipping and digital distortion become significantly more noticeable when cut to vinyl.
Longer sides reduce available cutting level and can increase perceived surface noise.
Louder and brighter material generally performs best earlier in the side before inner groove distortion increases.
Please submit Side A and Side B as separate WAV files with matching sample rates.
Do not upsample or convert MP3 files to higher sample rates or bit depth. Export audio at the project’s original resolution whenever possible.
Very wide stereo high frequencies can create groove instability and playback tracking issues, especially at louder cutting levels.
Inner grooves distort bright and aggressive material first. Detailed or loud tracks generally perform better toward the beginning of a side.
Stereo files are cut in stereo. Mono files are cut in mono.
System calibrated to DIN 45 541 reference standards. Premastering and cutting optimization handled in-house.
Send the highest-resolution artwork you have. We review files before production and help ensure artwork translates correctly to your selected format.
Upload artwork during checkout using the Hot Pink uploader.
If files exceed upload limits, send them through WeTransfer to info@lathecutvinylrecords.com and include your order number.
Our standard center label format is 3.5 inches.
Submit artwork as a full 3.5-inch circle. Do not add the spindle hole to the design.
Jacket artwork should generally be submitted as a 12×12-inch image at 300 DPI.
PNG and PDF formats are preferred. Bleed lines and trim marks are not required for most projects.
We stock both black and white jackets and select the option that best complements your artwork.
Picture disc artwork and CNC engraving are prepared differently than standard printed products.
Clear records generally produce the strongest engraving visibility and light-through effects.
Exact sizing and fabrication details are listed within each product page and artwork add-on section.
You do not need perfect print-ready files.
If you are unsure whether artwork is usable, send it anyway — we are happy to review files before production.
All records are cut and assembled in-house. Production begins once audio and order details are confirmed.
Records ship in protective sleeves inside premium vinyl mailers. We currently ship within the United States only.
Larger orders may sometimes ship in multiple mailers and may include multiple tracking numbers.
Orders ship via USPS Media Mail, a cost-effective service for records and printed media.
Delivery typically takes 3–8 business days depending on location.
Shipping time begins after production is complete.
Some specialty products or custom orders may offer optional upgrades to USPS Priority Mail or USPS Priority Mail Express.
Once a package is accepted by USPS, delivery becomes the responsibility of the carrier.
We are not responsible for postal delays, lost packages, or items marked as delivered.
Packages that are unclaimed, refused, or returned to sender may be re-shipped once the customer pays the required postage.
Because each record is custom made to order, we do not accept returns.
If your order arrives damaged or shows a verified production defect, contact info@lathecutvinylrecords.com within 7 days with photo documentation so we can review the issue.
Whether it’s a personal gift, a short-run release, or a one-of-a-kind piece, each record captures a moment designed to last.
