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Try not to exceed the
maximum recommended playing lengths per side, as longer
playing times will lead to a decrease in recording level
and dynamics.
Standard playing times for vinyl records as supplied by
CDwest.ca are as follows:
»
7" vinyl at 45 rpm : 4.5 minutes per side
»
7" vinyl at 33.3 rpm: 6 minutes per side
»
12" vinyl at 33.3 rpm: 22 minutes per side (including
gaps between songs)
While creating 7" vinyl formats at 33.3 rpm is an
option, the possibilities of the recording and
reproduction are most limited at this format. If there
is no other solution you have to take into account that
the audio quality of the final product could be in some
way compromised
- this is because low groove speed
limits the recording level and causes a greater decrease
of the high frequencies into the middle of the record
and can also cause higher distortion levels. Due to
these limitations EQ and Level could be affected.
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All bass frequencies
must be centered (below 150 Hz). Phase issues in the
bass frequencies can cause a collapse of the groove,
causing a skip.
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Tame sibilance. Too
much sibilance will cause distortion on playback. This
should be addressed at the mix level for best results.
Additional de-essing during the pre-mastering stage and
cutting process may be possible.
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Avoid excessive high
frequencies. Excessive frequencies above 15 kHz can
cause distortion.
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Do not boost
frequencies above 10 kHz.
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Try to avoid using
psycho acoustic processors to an excessive degree.
-
If your recording
substantially differs from natural sounds, which is
caused by spreading out the energy in the acoustic zone,
there is a risk of audible changes to the sound during
the transcription. This is due to the limitations of
mechanical recording processes and can for
example be caused by singing adjusted by processors or
electronically generated effects.
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Do not "clip"
waveforms. This technique is often used in CD mastering
to achieve a hot level, can translate to distortion when
cut. If a re‐cut is requested on a record cut with
clipped audio, it will be fully billable.
-
Avoid too much
limiting. Too much brick wall limiting can cause
distortion in the cut. Re-cuts requested due to
distortion on material that has been excessively brick
walled will incur additional costs if not resolved
before manufacturing.
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A distorted master
will likely sound more distorted when transferred to
vinyl. Watch the distortion on the mix.
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Keep in mind that due
to the limitations of vinyl, by the time you reach the
inside of a 12” record the frequency response is down
‐3db at 15 kHz. Sequence your master accordingly. It is
best to put quiet songs or ballads on the inside. Try to
avoid sequencing the loudest song as the last track.
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Supply your audio on
CDR conforming to the standard 16 bit 44.1 kHz
standards. Audio not supplied to standard may be
rejected or incur additional charges.
