How to Prepare Audio for Lathe-Cut Vinyl Records

Format

Audio must be submitted in a compatible, uncompressed format for the lathe-cutting process. Proper formatting ensures stable transfer and accurate playback.

Accepted File Types

WAV
AIFF

These formats preserve the full audio signal and are required for cutting.

Accepted Sample Rates

44.1 kHz – 192 kHz

Always submit audio at the original sample rate of your session. Increasing sample rate after export does not improve fidelity.

Accepted Bit Depth

Minimum: 16-bit
Recommended: 24-bit or 32-bit

If your audio was originally created at 16-bit, do not upsample it. Increasing bit depth does not improve sound quality and only creates a larger file with no additional audio information.

Submit audio at its native resolution.

NO MP3 Files

Our cutting system cannot be properly clocked to MP3 audio.

If an MP3 is your only available source, convert it to 44.1 kHz / 16-bit WAV before submitting.

Do not upsample during conversion. Higher bit depths or sample rates will not restore lost audio data.

Convert the file cleanly without enhancement or additional processing.

Source Quality

Submit the highest-quality version of your audio whenever possible. Converting lower-resolution files to higher settings provides no benefit to the cutting process.

Step 2 — Organize Your Audio Files

Before building your record sides in Audacity or GarageBand, begin with simple file organization.

This step helps you visualize your release and estimate playback time before sequencing begins.

Create a Project Folder

Place all songs intended for the release into one main folder.

Next, create two folders inside:

Side A
Side B

Drag each track into the side where you want it to appear on the record.

This folder structure becomes the blueprint for how your record will play.

Review Approximate Runtime

Once tracks are divided between sides, review the total runtime of each folder.

This allows you to confirm that your selected record format supports the program length before moving into sequencing software.

Exact timing will be finalized during side construction.

Choose How You Want to Proceed

At this point, you have two options.

Continue the DIY Process

If you prefer to build your sides yourself, continue to the Audacity or GarageBand tutorial where we walk through sequencing tracks, setting spacing, and exporting properly formatted side files.

Have Us Build and Prepare Your Record Sides

If you would rather not manage sequencing, level balancing, and vinyl preparation, you can hand the project off to our
Vinyl Mastering (Lathe‑Cut Disc Mastering Service).

This service is a hands-on mastering workflow built specifically around the mechanical limits of cutting grooves on real-time lathe systems.

$12 per song

It is especially useful for releases with multiple tracks per side, where relative loudness, spacing, and sequencing directly influence cutting level, groove depth, and overall playback consistency.

Even projects mastered for streaming can be adapted for vinyl, but having greater control over dynamics and EQ produces more consistent groove-optimized results.

Step 3 — Build Your Record Sides in Audacity

Now that your audio has been organized into Side A and Side B folders, you are ready to construct each side inside Audacity.

Each record side must be assembled as one continuous stereo file.

Import Your Audio

Open Audacity and drag the songs from your Side A folder directly into the workspace.

Audacity will automatically place each file onto its own stereo track.

Arrange the tracks in the exact playback order for the record.

Repeat this process separately for Side B after completing the first export.

The timeline should reflect the final listening experience exactly as the record will play.

Add Spacing Between Songs

Next, space each track apart on the timeline.

Recommended spacing:
2–5 seconds

Natural spacing is encouraged — use gaps that feel appropriate for the music rather than forcing identical timing between every track.

These silent sections are important.

They determine where visible separation appears between tracks on the vinyl record, allowing listeners to identify song boundaries during playback.

No spacing will result in a continuous groove, which is sometimes preferred for live recordings or uninterrupted program material.

Check Your Layout Before Exporting

Before bouncing the file, zoom out and review the full timeline.

Confirm:

• Tracks are in the correct order

• Spacing is intentional

• No clips overlap

• Beginning and ending are clean

Once exported, this file becomes the master used for cutting.

Step 5 — Upload Your Audio to LatheCutVinylRecords.com

Once your Side A and Side B files have been exported, you are ready to submit your project.

Begin by selecting your record specifications directly from the product page.

Choose:

• Record size

• Color

• Single or double sided format

• Quantity

Complete checkout before uploading audio.

Use the Pink Audio Uploader

After your order is placed, you will see the Pink Audio Uploader attached to the product.

Upload the following:

• SideA.wav

• SideB.wav

• Artwork files (PNG or PDF)

Ensure files are clearly labeled before uploading to prevent processing delays.

The uploader attaches your files directly to the order, allowing production to begin without additional file requests.

Artwork Templates and Review

Artwork templates are available upon request to ensure proper sizing and print alignment.

Artwork may also be reviewed prior to submission if confirmation is needed before uploading.

Submitting print-ready artwork helps prevent production delays.

Before Uploading

Confirm that:

• Each side is exported as a single WAV or AIFF file

• Files are properly labeled

• Audio reflects the intended playback order

• Artwork is sized correctly

Once submitted, your audio is prepared for the cutting process.

Important

Records are cut exactly as the audio is delivered.

Please review your files carefully before uploading.