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
Pricing & Bulk Discounts
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
Delivery Specs
Audio Requirements
Use these guidelines so your mix translates cleanly to a stable groove. This section is intentionally bold — don’t miss anything.
Format
What to upload
WAV only. 24-bit preferred (16-bit OK). 44.1 kHz+. No MP3.
Upload two files:
Upload two files:
Artist_SideA.wav
Artist_SideB.wav
Limiting
Don’t smash it
Avoid brickwall limiting. Dynamic mixes cut louder and cleaner than crushed mixes.
Bass & Low-End Phase
Mono your lows
Center bass below ~150 Hz (mono / positive correlation).
We can mono lows in premaster if needed.
Stereo Imaging
Translation check
Keep correlation above 0 in the 150 Hz–4 kHz range.
Very wide highs can splash. Always check mixes in mono.
Sibilance
S / cymbal control
Control harsh “S” sounds and bright cymbals. De-ess in the mix when possible.
Clipping
Hard no
Do not clip. Square-wave distortion is amplified on the disc and is hard on the cutter head.
High Frequencies
Don’t over-brighten
Avoid heavy boosts above 10 kHz.
Content above ~15 kHz can distort or splash during cutting.
Sequencing & Length
Inner groove reality
Longer sides require lower level (more audible surface noise). Inner grooves distort bright/loud material first.
Put detailed tracks first; save softer tracks for the end.
Typical max: 7″ up to 4 min • 10″ 6–10 min • 12″ 8–15 min
Typical max: 7″ up to 4 min • 10″ 6–10 min • 12″ 8–15 min
Reference Alignment
Calibration
Calibrated to DIN 45 541:
1 kHz @ 5 cm/s RMS lateral velocity = 0 dB reference.
Maintain conservative peak headroom for stable groove translation.
Maintain conservative peak headroom for stable groove translation.
How do I upload my audio?
Delivery Specs
Audio & File Upload
Follow these steps so we receive clean, usable files on the first pass. No streaming links.
Step 1 Upload
Step 2 Formats
Step 3 Audio Specs
Step 4 Naming
Step 5 Limits
Upload During Checkout
Step 1
Upload files using the Hot Pink cart uploader.
If files are too large, send via WeTransfer to info@lathecutvinylrecords.com and include your order number.
Required: Files must be fully downloadable — streaming links are not accepted.
Accepted File Types
Step 2
.wav/.aiff— Audio.png/.jpg/.jpeg— Artwork.pdf— Artwork, labels, or track lists (PQ).zip— Bundled assets
Audio Requirements
Step 3
- 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
Playback Translation
Stereo files cut in stereo. Mono files cut in mono.
If mono compatibility is required for safe cutting, adjustments may occur during pre-mastering.
File Naming
Step 4
Artist_SideA.wavArtist_SideB.wav- Double-disc:
Artist_SideA.wav,Artist_SideB.wav,Artist_SideC.wav,Artist_SideD.wav
Upload Limits
Step 5
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 / PQ sheet (PDF or text). 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. Includes 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.
