How do I upload my audio?
How To Prepare Side A + Side B
Your record is cut from two completed audio programs: one continuous file for Side A and one continuous file for Side B. Arrange your songs in the exact order you want them to play before uploading.
Step 1
Arrange Your Songs
Arrange your songs into two continuous sides in the exact order you want them to play.
Your quantity is the number of identical copies of that program. A different set of songs requires a separate order and checkout.
Silence does not guarantee that a band will be added. If specific placement matters, submit a PQ Sheet. Maximum 4 visible gaps / 5 tracks per side.
Step 2
Export Side A + Side B
Export each completed side as its own audio file:
Artist_SideA.wav
Artist_SideB.wav
WAV or AIFF • 44.1 kHz–192 kHz
24-bit preferred • 16-bit accepted
We manufacture using the songs, versions, sequence, and side assignments contained in those files.
Step 3
Upload Both Files
Upload both completed audio files using the Hot Pink uploader during checkout.
Track Gaps & PQ Sheets
If your side contains multiple songs, approximately 2 seconds of complete audible silence between songs helps us identify where a visible track band may be desired.
How visible track bands work: A visible track band is created mechanically by the lathe during cutting. It is not automatically transferred from your digital audio file.
Silence does not guarantee a visible band. We may add, adjust, or omit physical track bands at our production discretion, even when silence is present in the submitted audio.
The exact position, width, and appearance of a physical track band may vary. Maximum 4 visible track gaps / 5 tracks per side.
PQ Sheets & Specific Placement
A PQ Sheet is not required for a standard order when you submit your own completed Side A and Side B files.If specific track-band placement matters, submit a PQ Sheet identifying the intended positions.
A PQ Sheet provides production instructions, but does not guarantee exact mechanical placement, width, or appearance.
We may adjust or omit bands when necessary for the cutting process.
PQ Required For Multi-Song Audio Services
A PQ Sheet is required when we provide Side Sequencing or per-song Vinyl Mastering for multiple songs on a side.Include song order, Side A / Side B assignments, track titles, and applicable start, end, and timing information.
Your Files Set The Order
Your completed Side A and Side B files determine the song order and side assignment.We do not rearrange songs contained in customer-submitted completed side files.
Without a PQ Sheet, visible track bands are not guaranteed, even when the audio contains silence.
Track Limit
Maximum 4 visible track gaps / 5 individual tracks per side.If you need more tracks, combine material into a continuous program.
Individual songs do not automatically receive separate visible groove bands.
Maximum Runtime & Fade-Outs
Each record format and pricing option has a maximum playing time per side. Your completed audio must fit the specific runtime option you purchased, even if the physical record format can accommodate a longer program.
A small overage of approximately 10–15 seconds may be accommodated at our discretion. This is not a guaranteed allowance.
If your audio substantially exceeds the purchased runtime, we may fade out at approximately the purchased time limit and omit the remaining audio.
Example — 15-Minute Side
If you purchase a 15-minute side but submit 16 minutes of audio, we may fade out at approximately 15:00.The remaining minute will not be cut.
Applies To Every Runtime Option
This applies to purchased options such as 4, 6, 8, 15, 18, and 20 minutes, as well as any other published runtime for a particular product.Purchasing a shorter runtime does not include additional cutting time.
We do not guarantee that audio exceeding the purchased runtime will be included. If your program requires more time, purchase the appropriate runtime option before production.
Prepare Your Audio For Vinyl
We do not require a specific LUFS target or a separate vinyl master. Send us the best-quality version of your mix at its original resolution.
LUFS is commonly used to describe perceived loudness in digital audio and streaming. Our vinyl-cutting decisions are based on RMS level, peak level, dynamics, frequency content, stereo information, and the physical requirements of the lathe.
We do not use a streaming-style LUFS target as our cutting calibration. LUFS examples are provided only to help customers understand how heavily limited their submitted masters may be.
−16 To −14 LUFS
Generally a better starting point.Masters in this range may retain more useful dynamics and are often less aggressively limited.
This can provide more flexibility during vinyl premastering.
These are not required targets. LUFS alone does not determine whether a recording is suitable for vinyl.
−10 To −6 LUFS
Often heavily compressed or limited.Masters in this range are frequently associated with loud digital releases. Aggressive limiting can reduce dynamics, flatten transients, and introduce distortion.
These characteristics may restrict how loudly or accurately we can reproduce the submitted audio on vinyl.
Important — Bass-Heavy & Limited Masters
If you submit a heavily limited master, particularly bass-heavy music such as trap, hip-hop, or electronic music, do not expect the finished record to reproduce the exact same bass impact, loudness, or frequency balance as your submitted digital master.
Excessive sub-bass, stereo low-frequency information, aggressive limiting, distortion, sibilance, and sustained high-frequency energy can create significant cutting and playback challenges.
During our included vinyl premastering, we may reduce the overall cutting level, control low frequencies, manage stereo bass, reduce excessive high-frequency energy, apply de-essing, or make other technical adjustments necessary for reliable cutting and playback.
These adjustments may change the sound of your submitted master. We cannot restore dynamics that were already removed by aggressive compression or limiting.
Dynamics & Limiting
Avoid clipping and aggressive brickwall limiting.We evaluate RMS, peaks, crest factor, and dynamics when preparing audio for cutting.
Healthy dynamics generally preserve more transient information and provide greater cutting flexibility.
Bass
For stereo cuts, low bass should remain reasonably mono-compatible.Excessive stereo information in the low frequencies can create groove and playback problems.
Heavy sub-bass may require reduced cutting level or filtering.
Stereo Width
Avoid excessive stereo width and phase problems.Check your stereo mix in mono before submission.
Stereo files are cut in stereo and mono files are cut in mono.
High Frequencies
Control harsh highs, excessive vocal sibilance, feedback, and sustained high-frequency energy.These signals can be difficult to reproduce safely and cleanly on vinyl.
Longer Sides
Longer sides require tighter groove spacing and generally reduce the available cutting level.Bass-heavy material becomes increasingly important as playing time increases.
Song Order
Louder, brighter, or more aggressive material generally performs better earlier in the side.When possible, place less demanding material closer to the end of the side.
Once your completed Side A and Side B programs are submitted, we optimize each full side for the lathe-cutting process.
Included vinyl premastering may involve adjustments to overall cutting level, groove spacing, fades, filtering, stereo bass management, de-essing, and other technical parameters required for reliable cutting and playback.
Vinyl premastering is applied to the entire completed side as one continuous program , not independently to every song.
The loudest, brightest, most distorted, or bass-heaviest song can determine the maximum safe cutting level for the entire side.
Every mix is different. Sub-bass, vocal sibilance, stereo information, clipping, limiting, distortion, crest factor, frequency content, and playing time all affect how a record can be cut.
Our recommendation:
Whenever possible, submit a more dynamic,
un-clipped premaster without aggressive
final limiting.
Simply lowering the volume of an already
limited master does not restore its
original dynamics.
Need Us To Sequence Or Master Your Songs?
If you only have individual songs instead of completed Side A and Side B files, purchase Side Sequencing or Vinyl Mastering.
When we sequence individual songs for you, we build the completed Side A and Side B files and send those files back to you for approval before cutting.
Standard orders where you submit your own completed Side A and Side B files do not receive an additional sequencing approval. Your submitted files are treated as your approved sequence.
Side Sequencing
Already-mastered individual songs can be assembled into completed Side A and Side B programs with approximately 2 seconds between songs.A PQ Sheet is required for multi-song sides.
Vinyl Mastering
Vinyl mastering is available at $5 per song.If your individual stereo mixes need mastering, we master the songs and assemble them into completed Side A and Side B programs.
A PQ Sheet is required for multi-song sides so we have the correct track order, side assignments, titles, and timing information.
Sending Large Files
If your files exceed the checkout upload limit, use WeTransfer and include your order number.
Include With Transfer
Include your order number, artist name, and project name .Clearly identify Side A, Side B, artwork, or PQ sheets.
Other Services
Dropbox or another fully downloadable direct-transfer service is accepted as long as we do not need to request access or create an account.Checkout Uploads
The checkout uploader includes three upload slots.
File 1 — Side A
Title_SideA.wav
WAV or AIFF
File 2 — Side B
Title_SideB.wav
WAV or AIFF
File 3 — Artwork / PQ Sheet
Upload artwork, a PQ Sheet, or a ZIP containing additional production materials when applicable.
How Programs Connect To Shipping & Handling
Each Side A + Side B program is its own production order. We receive and check the files, vinyl-premaster the completed sides, prepare the program for cutting, manufacture the records, package them, and fulfill that order.
Our standard $10 production, shipping & handling charge applies to each applicable program/order group.
This charge is not solely postage. It contributes to program preparation, included whole-side premastering, handling, packaging, shipping preparation, fulfillment, and standard USPS Media Mail shipping when applicable.
Without Jackets
Up to 10 identical records of the same Side A + Side B program per applicable $10 group.With Jackets
Standard packaging is up to 5 identical jacketed records per mailer.Additional mailers and applicable shipping/handling are required as the quantity increases.
If you order another record with different audio, that is a different program and requires a separate checkout with its own shipping/handling.
Depending on the size of the orders, they may ship together in one larger package or as multiple packages.
We consolidate shipments when practical, but each program/order still requires its own production preparation, handling, and fulfillment.
QUANTITY = IDENTICAL COPIES OF THAT PROGRAM
$10 PRODUCTION, SHIPPING & HANDLING = PER APPLICABLE PROGRAM/ORDER GROUP
Harsh Noise Music & Unsafe Audio Content
Audio containing harsh noise, continuous full-spectrum noise, excessive distortion, sustained high-frequency energy, feedback, brickwall limiting, little to no crest factor, clipping, or other extreme sonic characteristics may be considered unsafe for the lathe-cutting process.
If submitted audio is determined to pose a risk to the cutter head, stylus, or cutting system, we reserve the right to reduce the cutting level, apply filtering or other mastering adjustments, shorten the program, or decline the project.
Our primary responsibility is protecting the cutting system while producing the highest-quality record possible.
Artwork Prep Guide
Artwork Requirements
Preparing artwork for a lathe-cut record does not need to be complicated. Use the guides below for our standard center labels, jackets and CNC engraving. We handle the final sizing and production preparation.
Center Labels
7" records use 3.5" center-label artwork.
12" records use 4" center-label artwork.
Submit Side A and Side B artwork
separately.
Do not add the .313" center hole.
We add the center hole during production.
Our only standard center-label
offering is full-color printed
labels included with eligible
full artwork packages.
Jacket Artwork
7" jackets:
7" × 7" front and back artwork.
Our 7" package uses two printed
cardstock panels inside a
clear slip-on outer sleeve.
12" jackets:
12" × 12" front and back artwork.
Our tip-on jackets use
separately printed adhesive
artwork panels applied to the
front and back of the jacket
,
with a finished spine.
No Bleed Required
You do not need to add bleed. Your artwork does not have to be built to commercial print-shop specifications or fit our dimensions perfectly. By submitting artwork, you authorize reasonable sizing, scaling, cropping, positioning and other production adjustments needed to fit our standard production format.
Keep Important Artwork Safe
Because artwork may need minor sizing or cropping, keep important text, logos, faces and other critical design elements away from the extreme edges. 300 DPI PNG or print-quality PDF files are preferred.
Artwork Packages & Availability
Our 7", 10" and 12" short-run product pages display the artwork and packaging options currently available for each record size.
Only artwork options listed on the applicable product page are available for purchase at checkout. If a particular center-label, jacket or packaging option is not listed, it is not currently offered or stocked for that record size.
Artwork and packaging options vary by product, size and current inventory. Availability of an option for one record size does not guarantee availability for another.
Our only standard center-label offering is full-color printed center labels included with eligible full artwork packages. We do not offer standalone printed center-label services. To receive printed center labels, select an eligible full artwork package when purchasing your records.
Blank White Paper Center Labels
Blank white paper center labels are not a standard product and are not automatically included with records purchased without artwork.
Customers are welcome to request blank white paper center labels. When available, we may provide them free of charge as a complimentary material.
Complimentary blank labels are subject to availability, are not guaranteed and must be requested. We reserve the right to decline requests when materials are unavailable.
An additional application fee may apply if you would like us to attach blank paper center labels to your records. Any applicable fee must be arranged before the additional work is performed.
DIY Artwork Is Encouraged!
Our small-run lathe-cut records
are designed for independent
artists, bands, collectors
and creative projects.
You are always welcome to
purchase records without
an artwork package.
Create your own center labels,
jackets, sleeves, inserts,
lyric sheets and packaging.
We encourage customers to
personalize their own releases.
If you prefer to handle the
artwork and packaging yourself,
simply order the applicable
record without an artwork
package and DIY!
Custom Artwork & Specialty Options
Have something different in mind? We can work with picture discs, UV printing, CNC engraving, specialty materials, mirror or reflective finishes, holographic effects, custom shapes, multi-hole designs, zoetrope artwork, inserts, lyric sheets and specialty packaging.
Multiple processes can be combined. Send us your concept and we can determine the best way to manufacture it. Specialty projects are subject to separate approval, availability and pricing.
How long does production and delivery take?
Production & Delivery
All records are individually cut and assembled in-house. Our standard production estimates are based on records without printed artwork. Orders requiring artwork, custom packaging, or additional assembly may take longer.
How long does production & delivery take?
All records are individually cut and assembled in-house. Production begins once the required audio, artwork, order details, and other required production materials have been received and are reasonably usable for production.
Our advertised production times are estimates for vinyl records without printed artwork. Printed center labels, custom jackets, and other finishing services require additional preparation and production time.
- Standard Production (No Artwork): Typically 3–14 business days. This estimate applies to vinyl cutting and production without custom printed artwork or packaging.
- Single One-Off Records: May ship much sooner depending on current production volume and project requirements.
- Orders With Printed Artwork: Printed center labels, custom jackets, artwork preparation, printing, and assembly may add up to 1 additional week beyond standard production times.
- Larger Runs: Larger orders may require additional production time depending on quantity, complexity, and current scheduling.
- Larger Runs With Artwork: Larger orders requiring printed jackets, center labels, or extensive packaging and assembly may require 1–2 additional weeks beyond standard production times.
- Holiday & High-Volume Periods: Production times may be extended during holidays and periods of unusually high order volume.
Production time and shipping time are separate. Shipping transit begins after production is complete. Faster shipping does not shorten production time unless Rush Production has also been purchased or approved.
All turnaround times are estimates, not guaranteed completion or delivery dates. Production schedules may change based on order volume, material availability, artwork preparation, equipment requirements, and other production considerations.
Shipping & Returns
Shipping & Returns
Custom record orders normally ship via USPS Media Mail. Our standard production, shipping and handling charges cover more than postage, including applicable A+B program preparation, included whole-side vinyl premastering, handling, packaging, shipping preparation, and fulfillment. Rush Production and expedited USPS shipping upgrades are also available.
Custom Record Shipping
Qualifying U.S. custom record orders normally ship via USPS Media Mail.
Our standard production, shipping and handling charge is more than postage. It contributes to applicable A+B program preparation, included whole-side vinyl premastering, packaging, handling, shipping preparation, fulfillment, and standard USPS Media Mail shipping when applicable.
Each unique A+B program is treated as its own production program for applicable production, shipping and handling charges.
Different songs, programs, or Side A / Side B combinations are not combined as identical copies for this purpose.
Shipping transit begins after production is complete and the package has been accepted by USPS. Tracking is provided after shipment.
Returns
Our records are manufactured specifically for your audio, artwork, configuration, and order.
Because custom records are personalized and made to order, all sales are final except where otherwise required by law.
If your order arrives damaged or you believe it has a manufacturing defect, contact info@lathecutvinylrecords.com within 7 days of delivery.
Include your order number and clear photos or other information showing the issue so we can review it.
Multiple Mailers & Larger Orders
Depending on order size, your records may ship in multiple record mailers or be combined into one or more larger shipping boxes.
Final packaging depends on quantity, jackets, weight, destination, and the safest and most practical way to ship your order.
Our standard production, shipping and handling charges remain $10 per group of up to 10 identical records without jackets or up to 5 identical records with jackets, using the same A+B program.
These charges continue to apply when multiple mailers are consolidated into a larger box. They help cover normal packaging, preparation, handling, and fulfillment costs.
We expect our standard handling structure to cover most ordinary shipments. However, actual postage may increase with package weight, dimensions, destination, and selected USPS service.
🔥 Rush Production & Shipping Upgrades
Need your records faster? Rush Production moves your order ahead of standard production orders and prioritizes getting your completed package to USPS sooner.
Rush orders are processed first come, first served within the Rush production queue, once payment and required usable production materials have been received.
All three Rush services use USPS. Rush pricing combines production priority with the USPS transportation service selected. Rush does not guarantee a specific arrival date.
Rush production still takes time. Every record is individually cut in real time. Rush does not eliminate cutting time, artwork preparation, technical adjustments, replacement cuts, equipment maintenance, or quality control.
Small orders can often move very quickly. Approximately 50 records may require up to 1 week of production, while 100 records may require up to 2 weeks. These are estimates, and complex projects may take longer.
Standard $10 production, shipping and handling charges still apply to Rush orders. Rush purchases do not replace or eliminate the applicable standard charges per group of records.
We expect the standard shipping and handling structure to cover most ordinary shipments. However, larger orders may require multiple mailers or heavier shipping boxes.
USPS Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express postage can increase substantially depending on final package weight, dimensions, destination, and the number of packages.
If additional postage is required, we will contact you before shipment with the additional amount.
Customers may approve and pay the additional postage to retain the selected shipping service or discuss an available lower-cost shipping method.
If additional Express postage is not paid, we may offer USPS Priority Mail or Media Mail instead. Any downgrade requires customer agreement and an appropriate adjustment to the shipping charges.
If an agreement cannot be reached, shipment may be delayed while the available options are resolved, subject to applicable order cancellation and refund requirements.
Rush production priority may still be maintained even when a slower USPS transportation service is selected.
Signature Confirmation & Optional Services: We typically add signature confirmation when appropriate, particularly for Express shipments. However, signature confirmation is provided at our discretion and is not guaranteed unless expressly agreed.
Additional insurance, special handling, and optional carrier services are not automatically included unless expressly stated. Any services provided by USPS remain subject to its rules.
Have a required deadline? Contact us before ordering or purchasing Rush. A deadline provided after checkout does not automatically become an agreed production, dispatch, or delivery commitment.
Purchasing Rush, Priority Mail, or Priority Mail Express does not by itself guarantee completion, shipment, or delivery by a particular date.
Production Time vs. Shipping Time
Production speed and USPS transit speed are separate. Standard production generally takes approximately 3–14 business days after all required usable materials have been received.
Rush Production affects your position in our production queue. USPS Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express affect transportation after production is complete.
When we expressly agree to a specific ship-by date, our commitment is to physically tender the completed package to USPS by that date. Printing a shipping label alone does not constitute shipment.
Handmade production may occasionally require additional time. If we cannot meet an agreed dispatch deadline, we will communicate the delay and provide applicable options.
USPS determines transit times and final delivery. Carrier delays do not automatically establish that our Rush production service was performed incorrectly.
Any carrier-provided delivery guarantee or postage refund is governed by the applicable USPS service terms.
Lost, Delayed & Missing Packages
Once a completed order has been accepted by USPS, transportation, routing, tracking scans, and final delivery are handled by the carrier.
Customers are encouraged to monitor tracking information and contact USPS directly regarding delayed, missing, or misdelivered packages.
Lathe Cut Vinyl Records does not routinely open missing-mail searches, intercept requests, or carrier delivery inquiries on behalf of customers.
If a carrier or insurance claim requires information that only the sender can reasonably provide, we may provide appropriate assistance.
Carrier delays, routing issues, or missed transit estimates do not by themselves constitute manufacturing defects. Nothing in this section limits applicable customer rights or remedies for merchandise that is not delivered.
📬 USPS Informed Delivery — Recommended
We recommend that all eligible U.S. customers sign up for USPS Informed Delivery. This is a free service provided by the United States Postal Service.
Informed Delivery helps eligible customers monitor incoming USPS packages, receive tracking notifications, and stay informed about expected deliveries.
Certain delivery-management options may also be available depending on the shipment and USPS eligibility requirements.
We encourage customers to monitor their tracking information once an order ships. Informed Delivery does not guarantee delivery dates or prevent carrier delays.
Important Shipping Information
USPS delivery estimates begin after production is complete and the shipment has been accepted by the carrier. Transit estimates are separate from our manufacturing timeline.
Purchasing faster USPS transportation does not eliminate the time required to manufacture your records.
Our responsibility is to manufacture your order and tender the completed shipment using the applicable purchased or agreed shipping service, subject to our Terms of Service and applicable law.
Once USPS accepts the shipment, subsequent transportation and delivery are controlled by the carrier. Applicable USPS service guarantees and non-waivable customer rights remain in effect.
