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?
Audio & File Upload
Upload files during checkout using the Hot Pink cart uploader. If files are too large, send them via WeTransfer to info@lathecutvinylrecords.com and include your order number.
Files must be fully downloadable — streaming links are not accepted.
Accepted File Types
.wav/.aiff— Audio.png/.jpg/.jpeg— Artwork.pdf— Artwork, labels, or track lists (PQ).zip— Bundled assets
Audio Requirements
- WAV or AIFF recommended
- 44.1 kHz / 16-bit minimum
- One file per side (Side A / Side B)
- Include track spacing inside the file (~2 seconds unless seamless)
Stereo & Mono
Stereo files are cut in stereo. Mono files are cut in mono. If mono compatibility is required for safe cutting, adjustments may occur during pre-mastering.
File Naming (Recommended)
Artist_SideA.wavArtist_SideB.wav- Double-disc sets:
Artist_SideA.wav,Artist_SideB.wav,Artist_SideC.wav,Artist_SideD.wav
Upload Limits
Each checkout supports one record master. Multiple copies of the same record only require one upload. Different titles should be ordered separately or arranged as a multi-title project.
Optional: Attach a track list or PQ sheet as a PDF or text file. If you need help splitting sides or sequencing, contact us about disc mastering.
How long does production and delivery take?
Turnaround Time
Each record is handmade, cut, and assembled in-house. Printed components (jackets, inserts, specialty finishes) are coordinated through trusted print partners. Production begins once all required audio, artwork, and order details have been received and approved.
Typical Production Windows
- Standard Vinyl Records: 7–14 business days once final audio is approved.
- Assembled Vinyl Editions (jacket / printed artwork / applied stickers): typically require 3–4 weeks. These projects involve coordinated printing, proofing, fabrication, and final assembly.
- Engraved Discs: engraving is completed before audio cutting and may add up to 1 additional week depending on artwork complexity.
- Vinyl Postcards (5×7″): typically 7–14 business days. Singles ship via stamped letter mail (no tracking), so delivery may take longer than tracked parcel services.
- Label & Artist Editions: timelines vary by quantity, color complexity, and scheduling. Estimated production windows are provided during booking.
We’ll email when your order enters production and again once it ships. Every project is built one at a time — please allow these windows to ensure accuracy and quality.
Note: Faster shipping does not shorten production time. Shipping speed applies only after your order has been completed and dispatched.
Shipping & Returns
Shipping & Returns
Most orders ship separately by item type to protect handmade products and comply with postal classifications. Fully assembled vinyl releases (record + jacket + artwork) qualify as recorded media and may ship together.
How Orders Ship
- Standard Vinyl Records (7″, 10″, 12″): shipped in protective sleeves inside premium vinyl mailers. U.S. orders typically ship via USPS Media Mail. Priority upgrades are available upon request but do not shorten production time.
- Assembled Vinyl Editions: records that include applied artwork and a jacket ship as a complete LP package and qualify as recorded media for U.S. mailing.
- Vinyl Postcards (5×7″): shipped flat in reinforced envelopes as letter mail to reduce postage and prevent damage. These ship separately from full-size records.
- Printed Materials (stickers, labels, jackets, lyric sheets): when ordered alone, these ship separately in flat mailers or boxes. Note: printed materials are not classified as recorded media and cannot ship via Media Mail.
Orders containing both records and printed materials may arrive in multiple packages. Tracking is automatically emailed when each shipment is dispatched (when applicable).
Insurance & Delivery
Priority and many international services include limited carrier coverage. Once a shipment is marked Delivered, responsibility transfers to the recipient.
International Orders
International buyers are responsible for any customs duties, VAT, or import taxes charged by their country. Custom-made orders returned due to unpaid import fees are not eligible for refund, but may be reshipped if safely returned and new postage is covered.
Returns & Order Issues
Because each item is custom made to order, all sales are final once production begins.
If your order arrives damaged or shows a verified production defect, contact info@lathecutvinylrecords.com within 7 days with 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.
