A dubplate is a custom lathe cut vinyl record made one at a time in real time. There’s no pressing plant or molds involved—your audio is carved directly into a plastic disc using a diamond stylus. They’re perfect for DJs, selectors, limited releases, collectors, short runs, or one-off gifts.

How do bulk discounts work?

Bulk discounts are automatically applied at checkout—no code needed. The discount applies to qualifying items in a single order before shipping and taxes.

What are the bulk discount tiers?

10+ items get 10% off, 20+ get 15% off, 30+ get 20% off, and 50+ get 25% off.

Do I need a coupon code for bulk discounts?

No. Discounts are calculated and applied automatically at checkout.

Does the discount apply to shipping or taxes?

No. The discount applies only to qualifying items in the order subtotal before shipping and taxes.

What does the runtime shown in the table mean?

The runtime in the table is the maximum total minutes of audio for that format and speed.

What audio format should I send?

Send WAV files, 24-bit preferred (16-bit is OK), 44.1 kHz or higher. Do not send MP3s. Upload two files named Artist_SideA.wav and Artist_SideB.wav.

Should I limit my audio before sending?

Avoid brickwall limiting. Pre-limited mixes are acceptable, but dynamic mixes cut louder and cleaner.

How should I handle bass and low-end for vinyl?

Center all bass below about 150 Hz to 100% mono with a correlation of +1.0. Low end can be monoed in pre-mastering if needed.

What should I know about stereo imaging and phase?

Keep stereo correlation positive (above 0) between 150 Hz and 4 kHz to avoid cancellations. Above 10 kHz, very wide stereo can cause splash—use with care. Always check mixes in mono.

How should I control sibilance for vinyl?

Control harsh S sounds by de-essing in the mix. We will address sibilance during pre-mastering where possible.

No. Do not clip. Square-wave distortion is amplified on vinyl and is hard on the cutting head.

Should I boost highs for vinyl?

Avoid heavy boosts above 10 kHz. Content above 15 kHz can distort or splash during cutting.

How long can each side of a lathe cut record be?

Longer sides require lower volume, resulting in more surface noise. Inner grooves lose high-end and distort more on bright or loud material. Typical max side lengths: 7″ up to 4 min; 10″ 6–10 min (45/33⅓); 12″ 8–15 min (45/33⅓). Put detailed tracks first and quieter tracks last.

What reference level do you use for mastering?

All audio is aligned to DIN 45 541 calibration: 0 dB reference equals a 1 kHz tone at 5 cm/s RMS lateral velocity. For premaster files, this is roughly −20 dBFS RMS.

How do I upload my audio and artwork files?

We use an uploader built directly into the cart. While placing your order, you can click or drop your files using the Hot Pink button.

What file types and sizes are accepted?

Accepted types: WAV or AIFF for audio; PNG, PDF, JPEG/JPG for artwork; ZIP for bundles. Max total size is 200 MB. Use one file per side—Side A and Side B. If files are too large, send via WeTransfer to info@lathecutvinylrecords.com.

What is the production turnaround time?

Standard turnaround is about 2 weeks once we receive your audio and artwork.

How long does shipping take?

U.S. orders usually arrive within 3–5 business days after shipping. International orders typically arrive within 7–21 business days depending on location and customs.

Can I get a tracking number?

Yes. You will receive a tracking number once your order ships.

Do you offer rush options?

Rush options may be available. Please contact us before ordering to confirm.

What is your return policy?

Due to the custom nature of lathe cut vinyl records, all sales are final. Each record is handmade to your order and cannot be resold or reused, so we do not accept returns or exchanges.

What if there’s a problem with my order?

If your order arrives damaged or has a playback issue, contact us at info@lathecutvinylrecords.com and we’ll make it right.

Lathe Cut Vinyl Records - How to Prepare Your Audio for Lathe Cut Vinyl Records (Mastering Guide)

October 6, 2025

Lathe Cut Vinyl Records - How to Prepare Your Audio for Lathe Cut Vinyl Records (Mastering Guide)

If you want your lathe cut vinyl records to sound clean, loud, and musical, the secret isn’t a magic plugin—it’s smart premastering for vinyl. Lathe cuts are real, stereo, hi-fi records; they’re just made one-by-one instead of molded in a press. With proper prep, your lathe cut vinyl records will translate like a high-quality pressing and track beautifully on real turntables.

This guide explains the formats, dynamics, EQ, phase, and runtime choices that make the biggest difference—and then gives you a copy-paste-ready checklist for delivery.

TL;DR: Vinyl-Ready Premaster Checklist

Format: WAV (24-bit preferred; 16-bit OK), 44.1 kHz or higher.
Files: Upload two files: Artist_SideA.wav and Artist_SideB.wav.
Limiting: Avoid brickwall. Dynamic mixes cut louder and cleaner.
Bass / Phase: Mono below ~150 Hz (+1.0 correlation).
Stereo Field: Keep correlation positive from 150 Hz–4 kHz.
Highs / Sibilance: Tame harsh “S” and avoid boosts above 10 kHz.
Clipping: Don’t clip—square waves sound awful on vinyl.
Runtime: Shorter sides = louder, cleaner cuts; place the brightest tracks earlier.
Reference Level: DIN 45 541 → 0 dB = 1 kHz @ 5 cm/s RMS ≈ −20 dBFS RMS premaster target.
Upload: Use our built-in uploader at checkout. WeTransfer backup accepted.

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Lathe Cut Vinyl Records - How to Prepare Your Audio for Lathe Cut Vinyl Records (Mastering Guide)

TL;DR: Vinyl-Ready Premaster Checklist